Chicago rain

10+ Things to Do in Chicago When it Rains

Popular indoor activities for when the Windy City is also the Rainy City
By Katie Sagal

When the heavens open and you need to take a rain check on the outdoor activity you had planned, Chicago's got you covered.

Chicago is known as the Windy City, but like much of the Midwest, it sometimes becomes the Rainy City too. Now, although it won't necessarily rain on your trip, it's always handy to have some indoor activity ideas in mind.

Just in case you find yourself in Chicago on a rainy day, and you're searching for indoor activities in Chicago, check out our best rainy day trip ideas ...

  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Observation Decks
  • Field Museum
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Adler Planetarium
  • LEGOLAND® Discovery Center
  • And more!

Shedd Aquarium

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One of Chicago’s most popular attractions has to be on the top of your rainy day to-do list. Shedd Aquarium is filled with the world’s most fascinating aquatic plants and animals. See everything from the great whale to tiny tropical fish. A few of the most popular exhibits include Waters of the World, Caribbean Reef, and the Abbott Oceanarium.Keep an eye out for special temporary exhibitions, too.

There are also some areas designed with little ones in mind, like the Polar Play Zone, where kids can step into a penguin suit! There are more than 32,000 fascinating marine animals that swim within the walls of the complex, so there is no shortage of things to see and do here.

Getting In: Shedd Aquarium tickets are included on the Go City All-Inclusive Chicago pass.

Chicago Observation Decks

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If you’re looking for some excellent views of the city, then head to an observation deck. Luckily in Chicago, you have two incredible options to choose from: 360 CHICAGO or SkyDeck Chicago.

Located on the 94th floor of John Hancock Observatory, 360 CHICAGO offers unparalleled views of Chicago and beyond. You will see parts of Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin, plus the sparkling Lake Michigan and the Illinois city skyline.

SkyDeck Chicago is located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower and looks out from Navy Pier to Soldier Field. The coolest part of SkyDeck Chicago is The Ledge, an all-glass balcony that extends from the side of the building out into space. It will feel like you are floating in the Chicago sky. So on a rainy day, head up to the clouds for the best view of the city. All while staying dry.

Getting In: SkyDeck Chicago tickets and 360 CHICAGO tickets are both included with all Go City® Chicago passes.

Field Museum

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One of the most comprehensive natural history museums around, the Field Museum was founded on the collections of the 1893 World’s Fair. Today, the institution boasts artifacts spanning 4.6 billion years of history across dozens of exciting galleries and exhibit spaces.

Some of their major highlights include SUE, the world’s largest complete T. Rex; the Inside Ancient Egypt exhibit which features tools, jewelry, mummies, and more; and the Grainger Hall of Gems, which is one of the largest collections of gemstones in the world. You could easily spend a day in here. Perfect for when it rains!

Getting In: Field Museum tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Art Institute of Chicago

Escape the rain and immerse yourself in a whole world of art. The Art Institute of Chicago is exceptional and considered one of the best in the world. Their classic collections include iconic pieces such as the Chagall stained glass windows, Matisse’s “Bathers by a River,” and Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Black Cross, New Mexico.” And, of course, Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks"!

They also offer rotating special exhibits by established and up-and-coming artists, so you’ll find something to inspire you every time you visit. 

Getting In: The Art Institute of Chicago is ticketed separately and is not an option on Go City® Chicago passes.

Museum of Science and Industry

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Kids and adults alike will enjoy the chance to explore this engaging museum. Consistently popular among locals, too, its 14 acres of exhibits include an authentic WWII German submarine, an Illinois coal mine, a mirror maze, and much more. It is the largest science museum in the country, so you'll be able to spend the day here easily. Kids will love the chance to run around and play, learning as they explore.

Getting In: Museum of Science and Industry tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Adler Planetarium

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Another jewel of Chicago's Museum Campus is the family-friendly Adler Planetarium. Discover the universe's secrets through multiple exhibits and films. Top exhibits include Planet Explorers, where kids can climb and play through a modern-day space adventure, and Mission Moon, which traces the history of the Apollo missions.

Don’t miss out on their new film, Planet Nine, which probes the question of which planet will replace Pluto in our star system’s lineup. 

Getting In: Adler Planetarium tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Chicago Children’s Museum

Chicago is an easier city than most to find indoor attractions. But it can still be difficult to find a place for your kids to burn off all that energy. The Chicago Children’s Museum will solve your problems: it’s filled with high-energy, interactive exhibits, hands-on programs, and free daily art classes. It’s located on Navy Pier, which offers several other attractions that you can enjoy if the rain clears up, like classic fairground rides, bike rentals, and more.

Getting In: Chicago Children’s Museum tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes. Enjoy 10% off the gift shop with your pass.

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center

Legoland Chicago
NINJAGO legal line: LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, the Minifigure, NINJAGO and LEGOLAND® are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2024 The LEGO Group

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center is worth the effort of driving a little way out of the city on a rainy day. This expansive indoor attraction is filled with everything LEGO. From building stations guided by Master Model Builders to rides like the Kingdom Quest Laser Ride. Be sure to stop by MINILAND, too, where you’ll find small-scale replicas of downtown Chicago landmarks. A different kind of sightseeing! This attraction is best suited for children under 10.

Getting In: LEGOLAND® Discovery Center tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Chicago History Museum

If you’re interested in the history of Chicago, then a visit to this informative museum is a smart choice. Exhibits focus on significant moments and periods in Chicago's history. Discover everything about the Great Chicago Fire, the World’s Columbian Exhibition, and contemporary architectural movements. A fun exhibit for kids is the Sensing Chicago section, which introduces visitors to all the smells and sounds of the big city. 

Getting In: Chicago History Museum tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Robie House Tours

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If you know anything about Chicago’s cultural scene,then you know that it’s a city famed for its extensive, diverse, and striking architecture. Among the great names who have built the city’s most iconic buildings is one of the most iconic architects – Frank Lloyd Wright.

Learn more about this creative giant with a visit to his home and studio. This is where he designed the Robie House, the Larkin Building, and the Unity Temple. Architecture buffs will also enjoy a visit to the Robie House itself, one of Wright’s most beautiful private home designs.

Getting In: Frank Lloyd Home Tour tickets and Robie House tickets are both included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Take to the shops

Spend some time (and some money) shopping in Chicago. A great indoor option is the Water Tower Place Mall. It offers high-end couture shops alongside classic chain stores, plus a LEGO store and a large American Girl Doll Place. If you don’t mind dodging the raindrops, then the Magnificent Mile is the place to go, which has a little bit of just about everything (including a nifty City Target).

Theater in Chicago

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Chicago is an amazing theater town. You’ll find everything from Shakespeare to Roberto Bolaño on stage, with plays ranging from classic, big-budget theater to affordable local performances. Check out the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier, which is a conveniently located venue near a number of other attractions. Hide away from the bad weather and lose yourself in the show.

Getting In: Theater tickets are not included with the Go Chicago pass, however, theater buffs will enjoy the Chicago Theatre Tour, which is included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Quick rainy day recap

See? You can stay dry all while having plenty of great options for indoor things to do in Chicago when it's raining. We hope these ideas helped inspire you to create a fun-filled indoorsy itinerary. 

 

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🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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TILT at 360 CHICAGO
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Adventurous things to do in Chicago

Worried any trip to Chicago could end up being a succession of museum galleries? However brilliant they may be – and they are – touring the windy city’s museums alone would be a hollow victory. That’s because there is a great pick of more adventurous things to do in Chicago too. Whether you’re an old hand or eager to try something new, the city’s adrenaline-inducing activities range from rock climbing in the heart of downtown to zipping across the waters of Lake Michigan on a jet ski. Wondering where to begin? We’ve got the perfect introduction right here! Adventurous things to do in Chicago’s Loop Thrill-seeking activities in Chicago don’t require you to even leave the comforts of downtown if you don’t want to. Just a block away from the Art Institute of Chicago, Maggie Daley Park offers far more than a place to take a stroll or enjoy a picnic. Rising to a height equivalent to a four story building, the park has two climbing walls together forming an area of 19,000 square feet. With one set up for beginners and another for advanced climbers, and three different ways of scaling to the heights to opt between, there’s really no excuse for not giving it a go if you’re heading to Chicago during the warmer months of the year. Head there from around November to March, and you can swap the ropes for ice skates and do your very own routines inspired by I, Tonya. If the park’s climbing wall has given you a newfound head for heights, the obvious next stop is TILT at 360 CHICAGO. Doing exactly as its name suggests, TILT leans out of the John Hancock Center over 1000 feet up – giving you unique views down to street level. However, if you’d rather keep your feet firmly planted on solid ground from now on but still keen to get the blood pumping, renting a cycle from Bike and Roll Chicago might be the answer. All geared up, you’re free to explore the city’s series of cycle tracks, taking you everywhere from the trendy northern suburbs to the shores of Lake Michigan, where plenty of other adventurous things to do in Chicago await.... Lake Michigan adventures Breaking the serenity of the lakefront are the engines of Seadog Cruises, whose bright colored livery also makes their speedboats easy to spot against the backdrop of 22,500 square miles of freshwater. Sharp turns and plenty of wake are the order of the day here, so bring a waterproof jacket if you don’t fancy getting wet. There’s no real option of staying dry if you climb onto a jet ski, available at 31st Street Beach and North Avenue Beach, but at least you’ll have a wet suit for your rental period or jet ski tour. Take the pace a little slower whilst still feeling your heart jump to your mouth with Windy, the city’s official tall ship. Put at anchor a short distance from Centennial Wheel and the rides of Navy Pier, the ship is the first of its kind constructed in the US since the 1920s and sailings not only give you a very special vantagepoint, but also the chance to hoist the sails of this four mast gaff topsail schooner. Swap Lake Michigan for the Chicago River and it’s possible to explore by kayak, paddling beneath the bridges that have connected up the city for decades and past some of the city’s best-known buildings. Chicago outdoor activities from above The ultimate in adventurous things to do in Chicago has to be voluntarily jumping out of a light aircraft – and hoping your parachute opens successfully above you a few seconds later. With a base on the Illinois River at Ottawa, about 1.5 hours from downtown Chicago, skydivers are able to take advantage of high-end ground facilities before taking in the city skyline from 10,000 feet up, ten times the height of the Willis Tower. For the same experience without the need for inflight entertainment systems look no further than iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Chicago’s Rosemont neighborhood – beside O’Hare International Airport. Their giant skyward facing fans allow you to experience the feel of freefall but in the safety of a controlled environment suitable for anyone from the age of three. If it’s the aerial views you’re after, an alternative way to get the blood flowing is with a private helicopter sightseeing tour. Taking a loop right around the Loop, these flights may only be 20-30 minutes long, but the memories will last a lifetime. Thrills for mind, body and soul Running 13 or 26 miles may not be everyone’s idea of a thrill-seeking adventure, but we’d have to disagree. September’s half-marathon along Lakeshore Drive is really well supported, giving that spring in your step you may well need to cross the finish line. The following month it’s time for the big one – the Chicago Marathon. One of the most high-profile races out there, it’s a great opportunity to see world running records be challenged even if you don’t pull on your own running shoes since it has some of the fastest finishing times out there. If it hits that time in your trip to Chicago that you want to give your mind a bit of a workout, the windy city has you covered. The Loop isn’t short of escape room adventures, so get ready to pit your wits against some fiendish riddles. Finally, an honorable mention must go to Six Flags Great America at Gurnee around 50 minutes north of central Chicago. This theme park has been thrilling visitors since 1972 with its four themed zones and fifteen roller coasters including Superman: Ultimate Flight, which hits speeds of 60 mph. Exploring the very best of Chicago Is there any other destination which can compete with all the adventurous things to do in Chicago? We’re not sure there is. From helicopter tours to escape room visits, Chicago is a city on a mission to thrill. Whatever type of vacation you’re planning to Chicago, do it with Go City! Carry one of our passes and you’ll get significant savings on admission to many of the top attractions in Chicago. And you shouldn’t need the mind of an escape room victor to see that’s a good idea!
Ian Packham
Three friends enjoy a walk in Chicago
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Best walks in Chicago

Think of Chicago and your thoughts either go to the racier parts of the musical and movie that share the city’s name, or major downtown landmarks. After all, there’s the views from the Skydeck of Willis Tower to look forward to, alongside the photographic opportunities around the Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park. However, Chicago also has a wilder side. And it’s one that’s easily enjoyed on foot. From strolls of just a couple of hours to full-day hikes, we’ve brought together the very best walks in Chicago just for you! North Shore Channel Trail A multi-use trail – meaning you’ll more than likely encounter cyclists, joggers and skaters too – the North Shore Channel Trail picks up in the Lincoln Square area of Chicago’s North Side and follows a canal-like channel dug in the early 1900s towards its outlet at Wilmette. Passing through Stokie, its easy 13 mile total length takes in the 60 artworks of Stokie Northshore Sculpture Park and Evaston Ecology Center within the Ladd Arboretum as well as the beauty of the city’s north. The 606 Providing new opportunities for hiking around Chicago, the 606 was created out of an unused rail line cutting west-east through the Humboldt Park and West Loop neighborhoods for a little under three miles. Its former life as a railroad track means the gradient is almost undetectable, making it a great pick for families with young children in pushchairs and strollers. It’s also very readily accessible thanks to several entry and exit points. Also known as the Bloomingdale Trail after the name of the former rail line, this elevated greenway and linear park may remind some of New York’s Highline, though the 606 is almost twice as long. It takes its new name from the area’s zip code numbers. Lakeshore Trail With walking boots in hand – or on foot – you won’t want to miss perhaps the most scenic walking trail in Chicago, the 18 mile Lakeshore Trail. Taking in a mix of urban splendor, parkland, beaches and lagoons, it’s a highly-rated way of exploring the shores of Lake Michigan however much you decide to walk of it. And let’s face it, with the wealth of attractions on the trail’s doorstep, from North Avenue Beach to Centennial Wheel and the Shedd Aquarium, it could easily take you two or three days to tackle its entire length, recently split between designated walking and cycling trails. Deer Grove Situated on Chicago’s northern outskirts, Deer Grove’s two adjoining segments, Deer Grove East and Forest Preserve, form a winding system of footpaths. Those closest to the main entrances are paved, and total around four miles, whilst unsurfaced trails lead about the trees, prairies and ponds for a further ten miles across 2000 acres. The birdlife here is some of the best in the region, with other species of wildlife to look out for including the white-tailed deer after which the preserve is named. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve A thirty minute drive outside of the city, which may not sit comfortably with everyone’s idea of walking trips, Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve has around 11 miles of mapped trails to choose between once you’ve arrived. Although it contains a small (artificial) cascade tumbling over some low rocks, it actually takes its name from a district board of commissioners’ president. One for nature lovers, its woodlands contain three quarters of all the plant species found in the region, alongside a long list of birds, fish, amphibians and mammals. Deep within its 2500 acres you’ll also find St Patrick Cemetery, which few others visit even on the busiest of days. The Magnificent Mile For urban exploration in its truest sense right at the heart of downtown Chicago there’s the Magnificent Mile. The honorary title given to the upper section of North Michigan Avenue, it runs from the Chicago River to Oak Street. Lined with mid-range and luxury stores, hotels and restaurants, it has some of the highest real estate figures in the US. It also boasts some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the John Hancock Center – home to the 360 CHICAGO viewing platform. On the face of it, walking its length shouldn’t take you more than 30 minutes, but with so many store windows to check out and buildings to take in, it can take much longer than that. Save your stroll along the Magnificent Mile for later in the day, and if your feet are feeling tired, you can always make use of the Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing buses which ply the route instead. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Follow Route 55 southwest with the help of a motor engine and in around an hour you’ll reach Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Covering 19,000 acres of federally protected land, the prairie has over 20 miles of mixed use trails in addition to 12 miles of paths saved for hikers alone. Created out of an old army ammunition store with the aim of maintaining the region’s traditional prairie lands, since 2015 it has also been the home of one of the only wild-roaming bison herds in the country, totaling around 50 animals. They are allowed to move across roughly 10% of the prairie’s total area and are docile unless threatened. Morton Arboretum Walks If you’re a little nervous about heading into the wilds, Morton Arboretum makes for a great alternative. Forty-five minutes from the downtown neighborhoods, it has its own restored tallgrass prairie (minus the bison) as well as 16 miles of surfaced paths through burr reed marsh, woodland and landscapes of marginal lakes. Summer and fall see the arboretum host Theater-Hikes, where visitors walk between outdoor performances, whilst the Christmas period is given over to annual illuminations. Don’t miss anything with Go City The best walks in Chicago combine aspects of all the city has to offer to tourists young and old. Varying in length, difficulty and setting, they provide a different and often unique way of exploring the windy city. Travel with Go City and there’s also the chance to save when you stroll and stride. Many of the best walking trails in Chicago pass by the city’s bucket list attractions, so why not take a breather, skip the lines and save big on admission all at the same time?
Ian Packham
Chicago river walk things to do near Millennium Park
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10+ Things to Do Near Millennium Park & The Loop During Your Trip to Chicago

From the majestic Bean statue to the Crown Fountains and Lurie Park's dazzling flower displays, Millennium Park is the perfect place to start a day in Chicago.
Katie Sagal

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