Indoor Things To Do In Chicago

There’s something truly special about Chicago. From its world-famous skyline to its stunning lakefront views, the city has been a major Midwest destination for decades. But away from the hustle and bustle of the city’s iconic attractions, there is a wealth of indoor activities to keep tourists and locals alike entertained. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening out, a family-friendly activity, or something to do on a rainy day, there’s an indoor activity in Chicago to suit everyone.

Introduction to Chicago

Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States, with a population of over 2.7 million people. Located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, the city is renowned for its stunning architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and of course, its deep-dish pizza. A major Midwest metropolis, Chicago has been home to cultural greats like Carl Sandburg, Muddy Waters, and Oprah Winfrey, and it’s been immortalized in classic films like The Blues Brothers and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

Chicago has a long and storied history. Founded in 1833, Chicago quickly grew into a major port city, connecting the Great Lakes with the Mississippi River. In the years that followed, the city became an important industrial center and eventually one of the most important cities in the United States. Today, Chicago is home to some of the world’s largest companies, including Boeing, McDonald’s, and Kraft Heinz.

The city is also renowned for its art and culture. From world-class museums to iconic landmarks like the Bean sculpture in Millennium Park, there are plenty of cultural attractions to explore in Chicago. The city also boasts a vibrant music scene, with jazz clubs, blues bars, and rock venues throughout the city. And of course, no visit to Chicago would be complete without sampling the famous deep-dish pizza at one of the city’s iconic pizzerias.

Fun Indoor Activities

From historic theaters and art galleries to interactive museums and family-friendly attractions, there are plenty of fun indoor activities to keep visitors entertained in Chicago. Here are some of our favorite indoor things to do in Chicago:

Explore the Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium is one of the oldest and most popular attractions in Chicago. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the aquarium houses over 32,000 animals from more than 1,500 species. From beluga whales and sea otters to electric eels and jellyfish, visitors can get up close and personal with some of the world’s most fascinating sea creatures. The aquarium also hosts regular events like lectures and workshops, plus family-friendly activities like fish feedings and touch tanks.

Catch a Show at the Chicago Theatre

The Chicago Theatre is one of the most iconic theaters in the United States. Built in 1921, it has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment over the years, including Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. Today, the theater is home to a variety of musicals, cabaret shows, plays, and comedy acts. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the theater to learn more about its history and see some of its hidden gems.

Visit the Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the most renowned art galleries in the world. Home to over 300,000 works of art from around the globe, it’s an essential stop on any trip to Chicago. From masterpieces by Monet and Picasso to modern installations by contemporary artists like Ai Weiwei and Jeff Koons, there’s something for everyone at this incredible museum. Visitors can also take guided tours or join one of its many special events like artist talks and film screenings.

Watch a Movie at Music Box Theatre

The Music Box Theatre is an iconic movie theater located in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. Since opening in 1929, it has become one of the city’s top destinations for film lovers. The theater is home to independent films from around the world, plus classic movies from Hollywood’s golden age. It also hosts regular events like film festivals and special screenings with directors and actors in attendance.

Take a Virtual Reality Tour at The Virtual Room

The Virtual Room is an interactive virtual reality experience located in Lincoln Park. Visitors can choose from a variety of experiences ranging from horror rooms to space adventures and escape rooms. All experiences are designed to be immersive and interactive, with high-tech headsets and motion tracking that make you feel like you’re truly part of the game. It’s a great way to step away from reality for a few hours and have some fun with friends or family.

Two Popular Tours in Chicago

Chicago is packed with experiences for tourists to enjoy during their visit. To get even more out of your trip to the Windy City, why not book one of these popular tours?

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Explore Chicago’s stunning architecture from a unique perspective on this 90-minute river cruise. Departing from Navy Pier on Lake Michigan, you’ll glide down the Chicago River past iconic buildings like Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and Tribune Tower as your guide gives you an insider look at how these buildings were designed and constructed. There are also 360-degree views from the open-air deck where you can take photos of Chicago’s skyline as you cruise along. Book a Chicago Architecture River Cruise here.

Chicago Food Tour

Experience Chicago’s vibrant food scene on this delicious food tour through Little Italy on Taylor Street. You’ll get to sample some of the city’s tastiest dishes at local restaurants like Al’s Italian Beef and Gio’s Italian Ice Cream as your guide tells you stories about the area’s history and culture. You’ll also get insider tips on where to find the best pizza in town, plus exclusive discounts at select eateries along the way. Book a Chicago Food Tour here.

At the end of your visit to Chicago, you’re sure to have a wealth of incredible memories that you’ll cherish for years to come! Whether you choose to explore the city’s incredible architecture or sample its delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant Midwest metropolis.