Things To Do
Ravinia Music Festival
Outdoor music festival and the summer home for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Be sure to check the calendar for current shows, and enjoy a picnic on the lawn.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Can't get enough plants? Come enjoy this bucolic garden for even more plants, as well as a stroll through themed gardens, waterfalls, greenhouses and prairies.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Recreate the iconic scene from Ferris Bueller's Day Off! Try to find famous paintings such as the American Gothic or Nighthawks, or your favorite Picasso or Monet. If modern art is more your vibe, there's an entire wing for that. Alternatively, you could spend the entire day looking at pottery and sculptures from 5000 years ago.
Millennium Park
There's more than just the famous "Bean"! After staring at Cloud Gate, visit the Crown Fountain, an interactive work of public art and video sculpture, which will quite literally spit water at your face. Enjoy the summer concert and movies series at the Pritzker Pavilion and try rock climbing in Maggie Daly Park for a better view. Or just sit on a bench and eat a dragged-through-the-garden Chicago style hot dog.
Field Museum
The famous t-rex Sue lives in this grand neoclassical building on the lakefront. Learn about fossils, asteroids, ancient cultures, mummies and more. After the museum, explore a hidden gem and walk through Northerly Island for quiet vibes (unless a concert is ongoing) and outstanding views.
Lincoln Park Zoo
A free zoo in the heart of the city! One of the oldest zoos in the US, explore this urban zoo within a scenic park on the lakeshore. Also visit the nature conservatory, grab a snack at Cafe Brauer, and look for turtles at the Lily Caldwell pond.
Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours
Learn about the Windy City's historical and modern innovations and architecture, including the creation of the world's very first skyscraper!
Chicago Riverwalk
Expansive views of the Chicago River meandering through some of Chicago's most iconic buildings. Grab a drink or a snack and enjoy one of Chicago's newest outdoor spaces. You can also rent a kayak for a different perspective.
July 4th Fireworks! 🎆
We will update once the summer fireworks schedule is announced!
Live Music Calendar
Recommendations for live music at various renowned jazz clubs in Chicago, to be updated as calendar is released.