Top 5 Must Do Activities in Chicago, Illinois

TOP 5 MUST DO ACTIVITIES IN 

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Chicago aka "The Windy City"

All About Chicago 

    

    Vacations days are priceless; they are an opportunity to escape from the stress of work and spend time with loved ones. "One study by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health "showed that a four-day "long weekend" vacation had positive effects on well-being, recovery, strain, and perceived stress for as long as 45 days." Big cities usually attract the most visitors and Chicago, Illinois is no exception; there was "30.7 million visitors domestic and international in 2021." Chicago also happens to be my home so I have been lucky to explore the culture-rich city. Visiting a large city like the "Windy City" can be overwhelming because there are endless restaurants and activities to fill the days and nights. In order to simplify the seemingly complicated city, I've compiled a list of the 5 activities you must do when visiting. 

1. Visit Millenium Park

       

Millenium Park is located in the downtown heart of Chicago. It is home to the famous structure "The Bean" which as I can speak from personal experience, it is a prime photo spot. There is also a huge splash pad for visitors to cool down on a hot day and an elaborate jungle gym to entertain little ones. There are beautiful gardens, as displayed above, and grassy areas perfect for a nice family picnic. If you go during the summer, definitely keep your eye out for concerts since Millenium Park is home to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. There is also free public ice skating if you find yourself in Chicago in the winter. 

2. Attend a Show 

While in Chicago, pop over to the theater district and see your favorite show! My favorite shows I've seen in Chicago are Paradise Square and Dear Evan Hansen. Later this year, the shows: Jagged Little Pill, Into the Woods, and MJ The Musical are all playing which have had smashing reviews. Pro tip: go to the box office in the theater the show is playing in about an hour before it starts to get the best deals on tickets.

3. Visit The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of my favorite places I have been. I am not an artist by any means but I have been mesmerized by the beautiful pieces displayed.  It is a symbol of the city's rich history; "Founded in 1879, the Art Institute houses the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art of the planet outside the Louvre." There are always new exhibits popping up. Right now visitors can enjoy "The Landscape in Light: The Tiffany Window at the Art Institute of Chicago", Lygia Pape: Ballet Neoconcreto, Life and Afterlife in Ancient Egypt and many more.

4. See the City from Above at the Willis Tower Skydeck

If you are a thrill seeker like me who loves heights, this is definitely for you. As seen in the picture, you get the opportunity to step out onto the skydeck and take in the beautiful sights of Chicago. Fun fact: If you go on a windy day, you can feel the skydeck move. The most popular times to go are during sunrise or sunset. If your not a thrill seeker, you can still enjoy the famous tower. There is shopping and dining options in the building that I also had a great time exploring. 

5. Cuddle Bunny

My last suggestion is less well known but one you should definitely check out. Cuddle Bunny is a place to go and enjoy an hour of feeding and playing with bunnies. Cuddle Bunny is unique to Chicago. I loved my time there and felt much calmer when I left. They also have fun events such as bunny yoga for visitors to enjoy. 

What do you think? 

 If you've been to Chicago, what is your favorite thing you've done? Which of these five activities appeals to you the most and why? Is there something I should make sure I do in the city when I go home?

Learn more here!

https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/15/1/130

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2022/june/IncreaseInTourism.html#:~:text=CHICAGO%20%E2%80%94%20Mayor%20Lori%20Lightfoot%20and,an%2086%25%20increase%20over%202020.

https://www.artic.edu/exhibitions

https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/museums-art/visit-the-art-institute-of-chicago/#:~:text=Founded%20in%201879%2C%20the%20Art,the%20world's%20most%20revered%20masterpieces.

https://cuddlebunnyccc.com/events-calendar