chicago in may

Chicago in May

By Dom Bewley

Spring has sprung, and summer is just around the corner. That big yellow ball in the sky isn't so shy anymore. That's right y'all, it's May. Time to shuffle off the light jackets and risk it in just a t-shirt or summer dress. Whether you're hitting the Windy City for a vacation, or a resident wondering how to spend the newfound warmth, never fear! This list caters to you all. Scroll down, and find out what you shouldn't miss in Chicago in May.

Featuring:

  • Skydeck Chicago
  • River Cruises
  • Navy Pier funfair
  • Bike rides
  • The Zoo
  • and more!

Chicago in May: What to Expect

May is when temperatures will start to climb. Generally, you'll find tops of around 68-70°F, or 20-21°C, and dips of around 50-51°F, or 9-10°C. So, pack some lighter clothes for the days, and some warmer jackets and sweaters for the nights. There's a chance of rain too, so pack your best umbrella, just to be safe.

Chicago in May: What to Do

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Skydeck Chicago

Looking for thrills, buddy? How about heading up to the 103rd floor and overlooking the city at over 1,300ft? If that sounds like just the ticket, then check out Skydeck Chicago! Formerly the Sears Tower, Skydeck gives you amazing views across the city and beyond. In fact, you can see four different states from the viewing platform! Spot key Chicago landmarks, and if you dare, head out onto The Ledge, a see-through, glass-floored platform. See the city right beneath your feet. Not for the faint of heart, but if you've already made the journey up to the top, why not go the extra step? We dare you. Then, when you're done, ride the Multimedia elevator all the way down to terra firma, and learn about landmarks as you pass them.

Shoreline Architecture River Cruise

Do you like water? Not just inside your body, but outside too? Does the thought of riding Poseidon's waves while seeing some sweet buildings get you giddy? Well, check this out. Hop aboard a Shoreline Architecture River Cruise and do just that. Chicago in May is the perfect time to catch a ride. The city has heaps of interesting architecture to see, including works from building men like Goldberg and van der Rohe. Plus, you'll learn about the Great Fire in the 19th century that helped shape the metropolis it has become today. Make sure you take some sweet snaps for your social media, so people think you're cooler than you really are. Learning and boats - does it get much better than that?

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Navy Pier

Do you like rides? Are you looking for an exhilarating experience in the city? Then you're looking for none other than Navy Pier. This 50-acre seaside locale is one of the biggest tourism draws in Chicago. Perhaps the pier's biggest attraction is the Centennial Wheel, a colossal Ferris Wheel that towers over the boardwalk. Rising to over 200ft at its peak, you'll get amazing views all the way to Lake Michigan. And, if those pesky clouds show their grey faces, never fear, as each gondola is a closed unit. On top of all that, there are plenty of other rides to try out, bites to eat, and drinks to wash it all down. Pick up a souvenir while you're at it.

Stop by the Zoo

Why not make the most of the May weather by visiting the zoo in Chicago? Lincoln Park Zoo is a wonderland of animals, with thousands to see and meet. There's the Sea Lion Pool where, shock horror, the sea lions hang out. Or, if you like your mammals landlocked, there's the Center for African Apes, with an assortment of apes and gorillas to see. Then, head into the lion's den at Kovier Lion House, which houses more big cats than you could shake a paw at. Beyond that, you can take a cruise of the South Lake Lagoon, or check out some of the rides. The Lionel Train Adventure is perfect for kids, taking passengers on a trip to explore the surrounding woodland. There's also the Endangered Species Carousel, where riders can hop aboard nearly 50 replicas of endangered animals and help raise awareness of their plight. Then, grab a bite at the cafe, or pick up a stuffed animal for the little one.

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Bike and Roll

Want to see the sights in Chicago, but make the most of the May weather? Then hop on a two-wheeler and get some exercise while you're at it! Hire a bike, and go exploring. Glide beside Chicago's lakefront, discover the city's many trails and green lanes to avoid traffic, and see all the city's wonders while breathing in that great fresh air. Bring some food and a few drinks, find a spot to settle, and put together a mid-ride picnic. A great way to spend a sunny day in the windy city.

Play ball

If you're a sports fan, you may have heard of the game they call 'baseball.' One person throws a ball, the other hits it with a bat, and then everyone runs around trying to catch it. That about sums it up. Well, if that sounds like you, then you'll be well aware of the Chicago Cubs. A trip to their stadium at Wrigley Field might appeal to all sports fans, as the atmosphere is notoriously infectious. And not in the mask-wearing, 6ft apart way. This century-old ground is home to baseball games throughout the year, so why not check one out and see what all the fuss is about?

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Get flowery

Fancy yourself a bit of a Greenfingers? Then you might be interested in a visit to one of the country's biggest and best botanical gardens! The Garfield Park Conservatory houses thousands of flora beneath its glass dome, and in May, it's the location of the 2022 Spring Flower Show. So if you want to see some award-winning tulips, daffodils, and other flowers you know and love, go check it out!

Relax and see the city

If you want to give those dear legs of yours a rest, why not hop on a bus and get a tour of the town? A Gray Line Chicago Grand Tour takes you around all of the city's biggest landmarks, including Orchestra Hall, Lake Point Towers, and Lincoln Park Conservatory, all the way to Grant Park. You even have the opportunity to hop off and go exploring at certain points, as long as the bus isn't delayed!

And that's everything you need to know about Chicago in May!

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Things to do in Old Town Chicago
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Things to do in Old Town Chicago

Ahoy there, sailor! Are you taking the old steamboat over to the growing Metropolis they call Chicago? I do declare, you may be delighted by the city's Old Town district. There's plenty to do and see there, partner. Want to know what? Well, we'll tell you right now. Here are some of the best things to do in Old Town, Chicago! Including: Stand up A little history The beach Immersive art The theater and more! Second City Let's kick things off with the best medicine. We're talking about laughter, of course! What if we told you that Old Town is where some of the best and brightest comics strutted their stuff before becoming famous? You might think that's nonsense. But believe us, it is not. Many of the comic greats you see on your screens today cut their teeth at Second City, America's premier improv club. Through the years, comedy legends such as Bill Murray, Alan Alda, John Belushi, and Mike Myers have called it home, and you'll always find hilarious hijinks going on there. So go check it out! Who knows, maybe you'll stumble upon the next big thing in comedy when you visit? If you like to laugh and you're visiting Chicago, Second City is easily one of the best things to do in Old Town! Chicago History Museum If you're visiting Chicago, you might not know much about the city or its history. Would you like to know more? Well, never fear, because the Chicago History Museum is here! Step inside, and discover the city's rich history from a number of exhibits. At the Crossroads of America exhibit, you'll get to relive the most significant events in the city's history, meet Chicago's most renowned leaders, and learn how culture shaped Chi-Town throughout the centuries. Step into Sensing Chicago, and appreciate the city with all five senses! Hop on a high-wheel bike, hear the roar of the Great Fire of Chicago, smell the unique scents of the Union Stock Yard, and catch a fly ball at Cominsky Park! Perfect for big and little kids alike. Enter the Abraham Lincoln exhibit and learn all about the life and struggles of one of the country's best presidents! See how his leadership shaped the Civil War, and the events that led up to his assassination. And finally, check out Facing Freedom in America, which charts the struggle of many people's efforts to achieve freedom in the country. These interactive displays will open your mind to the plights of many peoples, from suffrage to the civil rights movement. North Ave Beach Need to relax? Unwind? Lacking a little Vitamin D and want to get tanning? Then you'll want to hit the beach. Thankfully, Old Town has North Avenue Beach, which not only offers many opportunities for you to lounge or wade into the water, but also activities too! Head there in summer, and you'll find a slew of volleyball tournaments, bikes to rent, and opportunities to try out watersports like paddleboarding and kayaking. So, if you need a little sun, sea, and sand when you're in Chicago, go check it out! The Moody Church Whether you're religious or not, you may be partial to a grand spectacle. If the thought of grandiose architecture and awe-inspiring craftsmanship gets you giddy, go check out the Moody Church in Old Town. This grand place of worship was completed back in the 1920s, and stands as a testament to design. Go get your pray on, or simply attend to look around. You're sure to find someone on hand to talk you through the construction of the building, and the goings-on within over the years. Either way, it's a great stop on your travels through Chicago's Old Town! A Red Orchid Theatre Do you want to supplant your visit with dramatics? Go check out A Red Orchid Theatre. Widely considered to be one of the best theaters in the country, Red Orchid is comprised of multiple writers, actors, and directors, including Hollywood's Michael Shannon. Every year, their shows break new ground in the theater world, telling edgy, gut-wrenching stories that are performed with finesse. So, why not go check out one of their critically-acclaimed performances when you're in Old Town? Eat, of course! All that reading and planning your trip to Old Town has probably left you hungry. Let's fix that. Thankfully, Old Town has a whole host of delightful restaurants and cafes for you to visit! Want to start your morning just right? Try Kanela Breakfast Club, a Chicago eatery with spots all over the city. Omelets, eggs, grilled cheese, and much more await you on their diverse menu. If you want some delicious cocktails to wash down a hearty meal, head to Happy Camper. During the day, you'll pair authentic pizzas with a host of drinks. During the night, you'll get to enjoy one of the best bars in the city! Want to sample barbecue that delighted the late, great Frank Sinatra? Then stop by Twin Anchors, which has quality ribs on offer all year round. Are you feeling continental? Try La Fournette, a traditional French bakery right in the heart of Old Town. Alongside the usual suspects of baguettes, croissants, and sweet pastries, they also have salads, soups, and much more behind the counter. So, whatever you feel like eating, Old Town's got you covered! Get immersive with Van Gogh And finally, let's end this rowdy route through Old Town's best bits with something different. If you've dipped your toe into the world of art, you know about Vincent Van Gogh. The Dutch Post-Impressionist painter is one of the most critically-lauded artists in the world. His paintings sell for millions, and his best works hang in the most fabulous galleries on Earth. You might know of Van Gogh, but you've never seen his work like this. At the Immersive Van Gogh experience, you'll see his works come to life with animation. Walk through his most famous works, like Starry Night, Sunflowers, and The Potato Eaters. It's an illuminating experience, and with over 2 million visits to its original Paris installation, it's a easily one of the best things to do in Old Town when you visit Chicago! And that's our list of the best things to do in Old Town, Chicago! Enjoy your visit!
Dom Bewley
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Things to do in Hyde Park, Chicago

In the market for some fun in Chicago? Then look no further than Hyde Park! This fantastic area of the city is full of things to do, so pick your poison and enjoy your visit! These are the best things to do in Hyde Park, Chicago! Including: Museum of Science and Industry Go to a park Smart Museum of Art The beach The theater and more! Museum of Science and Industry Kick your trip to Hyde Park, Chicago off with some sweet knowledge. Head over to the Museum of Science and Industry and learn all about science and industry! This 14-acre behemoth of learning is the largest science museum in the US, and lets visitors get to grips with a boat-load of exhibits. See the cutting-edge laser projection in the Giant Dome Theater. Enter the Numbers in Nature Mirror Maze and use the power of math to escape. Explore a German submarine from the Second World War. And even control a 40-foot indoor tornado. All through the power of science and learning. Perfect for big and little kids alike, the Museum of Science and Industry is sure to scratch that curiosity itch, and is easily one of the best things to do in Hyde Park when you visit Chicago! Frederick C. Robie House Created by world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright as the future of horizontal design, Robie House is an artifact of its time. Built for the wealthy Robie family, they sadly had to leave the abode after just over a year due to familial gambling debts. However, their loss is your gain, as you can now explore this beautifully-designed building yourself! Take a tour of the landmark, and learn all about the building's history, and the inspiration for its design. Parks, parks, and more parks Since we're talking about Hyde Park, we'd be remiss not to mention some parks. There are plenty of places to stroll through nature or lay on some sweet green grass in the area. Midway Plaisance Park offers a mile of green goodness, and great views of the city too. Head there in the colder months, and you might even find a makeshift ice rink set up so you can carve some sick powder, or whatever you do at an ice rink. Since the park is supported by the neighboring University of Chicago, you can be sure that it's well taken care of. And, lucky you, you may even see the occasional hacky sack tournament or other studenty goings-on. Or, if you're looking for more activities, check our Jackson Park. There, you'll find a gym to pump some sweet iron, as well as tennis and basketball courts for all your ball-related needs. On top of all the action, you'll also discover hundreds of species of birds, trees, and perhaps even bees. Make sure to check out the Osaka Garden before you leave. It's the epitome of peaceful. And, finally, head to Burnham Park and go to Promontory Point. This lookout point is a great place to relax in the shadow of the city's beautiful skyline. Plus, they put on a number of events there, such as movies and performances. So go there, admire this beautiful place, and have some fun while you're at it! Smart Museum of Art Do you want to get smart? Of course you do! We have just the ticket - the Smart Museum of Art! Part of the University of Chicago's campus, you'll find a world of art from throughout time. A must-visit exhibit is the Asian Collection, which features paintings and sculptures from thousands of years of Asian history. Learn all about the techniques and materials artists used to create their masterpieces throughout millennia. Then, refuel at the Smart Cafe with some delicious bites and refreshing drinks on offer! Eat! All this walking around and looking at things can sure make you hungry. So, where better to squash that hunger than at one of the area's many amazing restaurants! There are plenty of cuisines to choose from, so no matter your taste, you'll find something to snack on! Feeling bougie? Head to Chez Moi and check out the French takes on delicious seafood dishes. Itching for some Italian? Check out Piccolo Mondo or Francesca's for some authentic dining. In the market for some fantastic pizza pie? Look no further than Giordano's. Some say it's the best deep dish in the city. Go to the theater Are you feeling fancy? Do you want a little culture in your life? Go visit Court Theater. Another part of the University of Chicago's campus, Court Theater features amateur and professional performances from a variety of groups. With around 20 performances going on every year, you're sure to find something mind-opening on show. Even the critics agree, with the WSJ voting it the most consistently excellent theater company in the country! Hit the beach Next up on the list, let's check out the golden sands of the beach. 57 Street Beach is just a stone's throw from the Museum of Science and Industry, and offers visitors sand, sun, and sea in equal measure. Take a towel and relax, dare to dip in the ocean, or simply stroll along the shore for the perfect relaxing end to your Hyde Park visit. Easily one of the best things to do in Chicago! The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago And finally, we end our adventure back at the uni, baby, where you'll find The Oriental Institute. This museum slash learning center is focused on the history of the great ancient civilizations of the past, including Mesopotamia, Persia, and Egypt. Inside, you'll find over 300,000 artifacts, including scrolls, tablets, and other wonders excavated from the earth. While commonly used as a great place of study for students, there's nothing stopping curiously-minded people from wandering in and around the amazing artifacts on show. You can even pick up a keepsake from the institute's shop, if you want to show your support, and show off your trip to your colleagues. And that's our list of the best things to do in Hyde Park when you visit Chicago! In the market for more city fun? Check out Chinatown, or see what's going on at Lincoln Park!
Dom Bewley

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