Chicago: An Indoor Attractions Guide for First-Time Tourists

Chicago is an iconic U.S. city with a rich and vibrant history. Located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, the city is the third-largest in the United States, home to more than two and a half million people and over fifty-five million visitors annually. With its iconic skyline, a world-renowned culinary scene, and a vibrant culture, Chicago has something to offer everyone—from first-time visitors to lifelong residents.

As the birthplace of modern architecture, Chicago is home to some of the most impressive and innovative buildings in the world. From the world-famous Willis Tower to the immense and awe-inspiring Aquarium at Shedd Park, there are countless indoor attractions in Chicago that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re looking for something educational, entertaining, or just plain fun, you’ll find plenty of things to do indoors in Chicago. This guide to indoor attractions in Chicago will provide all the information you need to make the most of your time in the Windy City.

The Field Museum

The Field Museum is one of Chicago’s most iconic attractions. Located on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, the museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from all over the world. From artifacts from ancient Egypt to a replica of a Wooly Mammoth skeleton, the Field Museum is an educational and fascinating experience for all ages.

The museum is divided into several sections, each focusing on different aspects of history and culture. For example, there is an extensive section dedicated to Native American tribes, featuring artifacts from all across the United States. The museum also houses a vast collection of dinosaur fossils, including some of the most complete specimens ever discovered. The museum hosts a variety of interactive exhibits and activities, including guided tours, interactive displays, and hands-on activities.

The Field Museum is open year-round and admission is free for Illinois residents. For non-residents, tickets can be purchased online or at the museum’s ticket counter. The museum also offers a variety of special events throughout the year, including themed tours and special programs.

Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions, located on the shores of Lake Michigan near downtown Chicago. As one of the world’s largest indoor aquariums, Shedd houses over 32,000 aquatic animals from around the world in their five million gallons of water. From playful sea otters to majestic beluga whales, Shedd offers visitors an unforgettable experience as they explore and learn about aquatic life.

Shedd offers several interactive exhibits and activities for visitors to explore. From behind-the-scenes tours and touch pools to interactive displays and educational programs, you can be sure to find something fascinating at Shedd Aquarium. The aquarium also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as their popular “Night at Shedd” sleepovers and “Fantasea” movie night events.

Tickets for Shedd Aquarium are available online or at the ticket counter and admission is free for Illinois residents with a valid ID. Tickets can also be purchased for individual exhibits or for full access to all exhibits and activities.

Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry is one of Chicago’s most beloved attractions. Located in the heart of Hyde Park on the city’s South Side, the museum houses an impressive collection of interactive exhibits and activities that explore science, technology, industry, and more. Visitors can explore the museum’s permanent exhibits or participate in one of its many educational programs. From interactive robot displays to a replica of a coal mine, there is something for everyone at the Museum of Science and Industry.

The museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as its popular “First Fridays” program which allows visitors to explore after hours with a cash bar and live music. Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum’s ticket counter and admission is free for Illinois residents with a valid ID.

Popular Tours

Chicago is filled with countless attractions and activities that appeal to both visitors and locals alike. To make your time in Chicago even more memorable, consider signing up for one of these popular tours:

Architecture Boat Tour

Experience Chicago’s iconic skyline from a unique perspective with an architecture boat tour along the Chicago River. On this two-hour tour you’ll get an up-close look at some of Chicago’s most iconic buildings, such as the Willis Tower and Tribune Building, while learning about their history and design from your knowledgeable guide. This tour also includes stops at three bridges along the river so you can take in close-up views of some of Chicago’s most famous landmarks. To book this tour visit Viator’s Architecture Boat Tour page.

Chicago Food Tour

Experience Chicago’s world-famous food scene with a three-hour guided food tour through one of Chicago’s most popular neighborhoods. On this tour you’ll get a taste of some of Chicago’s best restaurants and dishes while learning about their history from your guide. From classic Italian dishes to modern takes on classic favorites, this tour is sure to tantalize your taste buds while giving you an insider’s look at some of Chicago’s most iconic culinary establishments. To book this tour visit GetYourGuide’s Chicago Food Tour page.

Neighborhood Bike Tour

Explore Chicago on two wheels with a four-hour guided bike tour through some of Chicago’s most interesting neighborhoods. This tour includes stops at some of Chicago’s most beloved attractions such as Millennium Park and Wrigley Field while giving you an insight into local culture, history, architecture, and more from your knowledgeable guide. This tour is a great way to get an up-close look at some of Chicago’s best attractions while getting some exercise in the great outdoors. To book this tour visit GetYourGuide’s Neighborhood Bike Tour page.

Conclusion

From classic cultural attractions like The Field Museum to interactive experiences like Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry, there are plenty of indoor attractions in Chicago that can make your time in the Windy City even more unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for something educational or entertaining, you’ll find plenty of unique experiences waiting for you indoors in Chicago. Plus, with plenty of popular tours available that explore some of Chicago’s most beloved neighborhoods, you can be sure to make even more memories while exploring the Windy City!