Chicago Memorial Day Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in May

Head over to the kid-favorite Navy Pier and spend the day riding the world famous Ferris wheel, walking the promenades, marveling at gardens and attractions, and popping into the many shops and eateries.

Memorial Day Weekend marks the start of the pier's summer fireworks schedule, so be sure to stick around in the evening for the show!

Plus, there are plenty of other things you can enjoy in the area, from world-class theater at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, to the delightful fun at the Chicago Children's Museum.

Getting In: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel tickets and Chicago Children's Museum tickets are included with the Go Chicago pass.

If you want to explore the city without the time commitment of an actual tour, try an aerial view. Head to to observation deck at the top of the John Hancock Building, 360 CHICAGO.

There, you'll get amazing, unbeatable views of the city below, stretching from the shores of Lake Michigan out into the urban expanses of the city itself.

As the name implies, you'll get panoramic views that stretch for miles on a clear day, so don't forget that camera!

It's also conveniently located on the Mag Mile, so it's super easy to build in a quick visit here as part of a larger itinerary.

Getting In: 360 CHICAGO tickets are included with the Go Chicago pass.

For more fun things to do on Memorial Day weekend, consider taking the popular Classic Lake Tour. You and your family will embark on a 45 minute maritime excursion out onto Lake Michigan as you marvel at the breathtaking Chicago skyline and landmarks.

Other popular cruises include the historic Tall Ship Windy vessel, and the unbeatable Architecture River Cruise. The latter is especially important in a place like Chicago, where architectural styles and influences play such an important role in the history and character of the city.

Getting In: Classic Lake Tour tickets, Tall Ship Windy tickets, and Architecture River Cruise tickets are included with the Go Chicago pass.

For some extra excitement, head over to the Lincoln Park Zoo to marvel at some exotic creatures and ride the animal-inspired thrill rides!

Our favorite ride is the lovely animal carousel. Lincoln Park is also just a beautiful space in which to appreciate the bounties of nature, nestled in an urban setting.

If you like parks but don't want to make the trek up to Lincoln Park from a hotel in the Loop, visit the expansive Millennium Park and the beautiful Lurie Gardens.

Or, if the animal encounters are what you love the best (and you feel up for a bit of a drive), head down to the Brookfield Zoo!

Getting In: Brookfield Zoo tickets and Lincoln Park Zoo Rides tickets are included with the Go Chicago pass.

This Memorial Day Weekend, take advantage of a rare chance to bike on a completely car-free Lakeshore Drive.

Or, pedal where you please throughout the extensive system of Lakefront trails, including into the marvelous open park spaces.

There are of course also other bike paths throughout the city, and Millennium Park in particular is a popular expanse around which to bike.

Didn't bring a bike with you? It's super easy to rent one! As a bonus, your rental comes with a bike map to help your plan your route if you're unfamiliar with the city.

Getting In: Chicago Bike rental by Bike and Roll are included with the Go Chicago pass.

Although "beach town" isn't the first label one puts to Chicago, there certainly are some wonderful beaches that dot the shores of Lake Michigan.

Memorial Day Weekend marks the official opening of the beaches in Chicago, so grab a towel and head out there!

Keep in mind that the water will still be chilly, though, so maybe just concentrate on hoping for a nice day with good bright sun (you might want to bring a frisbee).

Getting In: It's free to stroll and swim at Chicago beaches.

Of course, Memorial Day Weekend wouldn't be the same without a bit of shopping.

It's often a time of year with the best sales and deals, and its a good chance to scope out stores you wouldn't normally spend time in.

Be sure to stroll down the Magnificent Mile for some exciting shopping opportunities that range from fast fashion to haute couture, or pop into Water Tower Place Mall for some more fun choices, including a LEGO® store!