14 fun things to do in Chicago

Whether you’d like a morning in the park, a day at a museum or an evening at the theater, there are always plenty of things to do in Chicago. Plus, many are free and don’t require reservations. So if you’re planning a trip to the Windy City, here’s a quick guide to some of the best attractions. 

What you’ll learn:

• There’s a lot to see and do in Chicago, including visiting the Shedd Aquarium and the Art Institute of Chicago, kayaking on the Chicago River, or watching a baseball game at Wrigley Field.

• With plenty of free or low-cost activities in Chicago, you can plan a trip tailored to your budget.

• Eligible cardholders can earn elevated rewards when they use Capital One Travel to book their trip.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Chicago regular, this list has you covered for some cool things to do. 

The Art Institute of Chicago is known for its extensive collections of paintings, fine art, photography, architecture and more. With two stone lions guarding its entrance, it’s home to international works of art spanning 5,000 years. It features the greatest collection of impressionist paintings outside of Paris, with works by Monet, Van Gogh and Renoir. The Modern Wing houses works by Chagall, Dalí, Matisse, Picasso and Pollock. 

Most adults will need to buy tickets in advance, but admission is free for children under 13, Chicago teens under 18 and Illinois educators.

Observe more than 32,000 types of aquatic life at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium. Get up close to beluga whales, dolphins, sea otters, sea lions and penguins. Experience live animal encounters in Wonder of Water. Watch sharks swim overhead in Wild Reef. And pet the friendly stingrays in the Touch Tank. The Polar Play Zone lets kids explore and discover through hands-on activities, slip into their favorite animal costume, or take a make-believe trip in a submarine.

There are free admission days for Illinois residents, as well as free and discounted tickets for educators, active and veteran military personnel, and first responders.

This place is more than a park—it’s a neighborhood filled with gorgeous gardens, green space, bustling nightlife and restaurants ranging from Michelin-starred to locally loved. It’s also home to the Lincoln Park Zoo, which has free admission and a wide range of exhibits for all ages. 

You can hit North Avenue Beach and dig your toes in the sand while gazing out onto Lake Michigan. There’s also great shopping, a lakefront trail, museums, live music and theater. There’s even a tranquil lily pool to catch a moment of Zen between all the exciting things Lincoln Park has to offer.

You can’t get more Chicago than attending a game at Wrigley Field—unless you also grab a Chicago-style hot dog while you’re there. The Cubs aren’t the only team in town though. If schedules align, you could make it a doubleheader with a game at Rate Field on the South Side to see the White Sox. 

If you’re an eligible rewards-earning cardholder, you can book through Capital One Entertainment for cardholder-only access to certain premium seats.

Sign in to Capital One Entertainment to find your tickets to the action.

Marvel at more than 35 world-renowned exhibitions at the Field Museum of Natural History, including Ancient Egypt and Dinosaurs of Antarctica. Of course, you must say hi to Sue—the world’s largest and most complete T. Rex skeleton. 

Ticket prices are reduced for Illinois residents and further reduced for Chicago residents. Discounts are available for children, students and seniors. General admission is free for active military personnel and Illinois schoolteachers.

This 13-block stretch of Chicago’s North Michigan Avenue definitely lives up to its name. It features nearly 500 stores, from galleries to boutiques to luxury shops. You also have your pick of hundreds of restaurants and breweries, dozens of hotels, and famous attractions such as the John Hancock Center and the Wrigley Building. It’s also known for its theaters, which host musicals, comedians and touring plays. Whatever your taste, you’re sure to find it on the Mile.

360 CHICAGO has views you have to see to believe. From the ground floor museum of the John Hancock Center, the fastest elevators in North America zoom you up 1,000 feet to the 94th floor in just 40 seconds. From there, the observation deck gives you breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline, Lake Michigan and three neighboring states. Feeling brave? Check out TILT, which safely leans you over the edge of the building for an exhilarating one-of-a-kind view of the city. General admission tickets for 360 CHICAGO are 50% off for military personnel.

Another observation deck offering stunning views of the city is  Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower. Daredevils can step onto The Ledge, a glass balcony that protrudes from the building.

Located in the last remaining building from the 1893 World’s Fair, the Museum of Science and Industry is the largest science museum in the country. You can navigate a mirror maze, toy with a 40-foot tornado, run in a human-sized hamster wheel and more. Illinois residents can enter the museum for free on several designated days every month. 

Admission is also free for active and veteran military personnel, Chicago firefighters, Chicago police officers and Illinois schoolteachers.

Millennium Park has quickly become a prime destination for both travelers and locals. It’s close to many of Chicago’s major attractions as well as great shopping.

The park’s centerpiece is the 110-ton, 33-foot-high, 66-foot-long Cloud Gate sculpture. With a surface of stainless steel inspired by liquid mercury, it reflects back the buildings, sky and tourists who surround it. The sculpture’s creator, Anish Kapoor, named it Cloud Gate after it was unveiled in 2004. Once Chicagoans saw its curved kidney shape, they started calling it “The Bean.” The nickname stuck. Yes, it’s shiny, and you’ll want to touch it. Go ahead. 

Another fascinating piece is the giant interactive Crown Fountain, featuring digital images of Chicagoans’ faces spouting real water from their mouths.

Millennium Park hosts hundreds of free concerts and performances throughout the year, and there’s a 5-acre garden open year-round that lives up to Chicago’s official Latin motto: Urbs in Horto (City in a Garden).

Need a break from the streets and skyscrapers of the city? The Chicago Botanic Garden is a breath of fresh air. It’s one of the world’s greatest living museums and conservation science centers, with more than a million visitors each year. 

Explore the 27 gardens, four natural areas, and more than 15,000 plants and trees across 385 acres, including six miles of lake shoreline. Experience a flurry of fluttering wings at the Butterflies & Blooms Exhibition, bask in the beauty of the Waterfall Garden or take in the renowned Bonsai Collection. The Chicago Botanic Garden is open every day of the year. Pro tip: Get the best price on admission and buy tickets in advance.

The Chicago Cultural Center combines history, beauty and culture. The awe-inspiring architecture includes the world’s largest stained-glass Tiffany dome, containing 50,000 pieces of glass. The center hosts dozens of free events year-round, including music, dance and theater performances, films, lectures, art exhibits and family-friendly events. 

There’s a year-round schedule of events and public programs, many of them free, to check out at Chicago’s Navy Pier. There’s also a Ferris wheel and amusement rides, games, artwork, shopping and restaurants. 

With scenic views, dining, shopping and fun activities, the Chicago Riverwalk offers numerous ways to enjoy the river. Fancy a casual stroll? Go for it. In the mood for a river adventure? Rent a kayak at sunset. 

You can also take a boat tour of the river and enjoy the stunning buildings by well-known architects like Frank Lloyd Wright. It’s the perfect activity for spring and summer.

The oldest planetarium in America, the Adler Planetarium offers exciting events like the annual Celestial Bash and interesting exhibitions about the Chicago sky, eclipses and more. It stays open late on Wednesdays, when admission is free for Illinois residents. 

With so many places to visit in Chicago, it’s good to know some options for getting around.

• Rent a car: Eligible Capital One cardholders are eligible for complimentary status upgrades in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® car-rental loyalty program. As a member, you’ll skip the rental counter at pickup and drop-off at selected locations. Membership also unlocks other special perks to help you travel the world your way.

• Use public transit: Chicago has a top-notch train system known as the L. You can even plan your trip on the Chicago Transit Authority’s website. You could also ride a water taxi or call a ride-hailing service. Before you travel, check the transportation services’ websites for the latest information on fares and schedules.

Eligible Capital One cardholders can book the perfect getaway with Capital One Travel, an online booking experience that simplifies your travel planning. You can sort and compare thousands of options to find Capital One’s best prices for hotels, airfare and rental cars. Plus, eligible Capital One cardholders can earn enhanced rewards on hotels and rental cars when booking through Capital One Travel. Cards like Venture and Venture X can also earn elevated rewards on flights booked through Capital One Travel. 

There are so many fun things to do in Chicago. And whether you’re traveling solo or with family or friends, Capital One can help you make the most of your trip with tools and programs like Capital One Travel and Capital One Dining. 

Capital One also offers travel rewards credit cards with exclusive benefits and elevated rewards that can help make your travel experience more enjoyable. 

• Explore travel rewards cards with unlimited miles you can actually use. 

• Earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus and receive an additional 10,000 bonus miles every year, starting on your first anniversary, with the Venture X card.

• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day, and earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus with the Venture card. 

• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day, with no annual fee with the VentureOne card. View important rates and disclosures.