Things To Do
Bahá'í House of Worship
Stop for a quick visit (close to Hiba's parents' house) at this stunning white‑domed, nine‑sided temple—completed in 1953—that serves as North America’s only continental Bahá’í temple, designed to embody the unity of all religions and welcome people of every faith for prayer, meditation, and reflection.
Little India
Little India in Chicago is a vibrant 15‑block stretch along Devon Avenue in the West Ridge neighborhood, where a thriving South Asian community—spanning Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Nepali cultures—has established an aromatic cultural corridor of sari shops, spice markets, restaurants, temples, and community centers since the 1970s.
Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden is a renowned 385-acre living museum and conservation science center in Glencoe, Illinois, featuring 27 display gardens and four natural habitats across nine islands, attracting over one million visitors annually with its horticultural displays, research programs, and family-friendly activities.
Millenium Park
Millennium Park in Chicago offers a wide range of attractions and activities, including iconic public art, beautiful gardens, interactive fountains, and free events. Visitors can explore Cloud Gate (aka "The Bean"), enjoy the Crown Fountain, stroll through Lurie Garden, or catch a concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion (check the concerts schedule online!).
Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo is a free 35‑acre zoo in Chicago—one of the oldest in the nation (established 1868)—home to around 1,100 animals across 200 species, extensive conservation and educational programs, and even an accredited arboretum and botanic garden, all set in a scenic urban park.
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is widely recognized as one of the very best art museums in the United States and even the world.
Field Museum
A playground for dinosaur lovers—home to Maximo the Titanosaur, “Sue” the T. rex, and interactive labs like the DNA Discovery Center. Super engaging for kids fascinated by ancient life and natural history.
Chicago Children's Museum/Navy Pier
Fully interactive on three floors—dinosaur digs, water play, tree‑house climbing, firetrucks, art studios, and a Tinkering Lab for building and creative exploration located in Navy Pier. Navy Pier offers extras: the Ferris wheel, boat rides, and kid venues around the Children’s Museum.
Shedd Aquarium
Interactive animal encounters and exciting planetarium shows for younger kids--it's also walkable to the Field Museum and the Planetarium which are also fun for kids and adults alike. Buy timed-entry tickets—especially for MSI, Shedd, and Planetarium—to avoid long waits.
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
This Hyde Park powerhouse features a WWII submarine, coal mine, 5‑story dome theater, tornado simulator, and hands‑on science exhibits. Ideal for curious minds who love real-world science and exploration.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Perfect for exploration—from butterfly gardens and treehouses to cave exhibits and nature trails in Lincoln Park.