Things To Do

Attractions

Downtown Chicago Illinois - Fun Things To Do & See

Chicago is a vibrant metropolis and a world-class city of unsurpassed beauty, attracting visitors from around the world. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the heart of the Midwest, Chicago is famous for Blues music, professional sports teams, an internationally renowned symphony orchestra, spectacular live theater, celebrated architecture, thousands of restaurants, world-class museums, and legendary shopping.

You'll also find the nation's largest convention center, Wrigley Field, Sears Tower, delicious, deep-dish Chicago pizza, and fun things to do with kids. The most popular Chicago attractions and things to do are located minutes from BEST WESTERN PLUS River North Hotel Chicago.

Chicago Attractions, Sears Tower and Shedd Aquarium.

Chicago Attractions

Navy Pier Chicago -

Located on Lake Michigan, East of downtown Chicago, Navy Pier has been an unmistakable Chicago landmark since 1916. Once used for shipping and recreation, Navy Pier today showcases a unique collection of restaurants, shops, entertainment, and exhibition facilities.

You'll find the Chicago Children's Museum, an IMAX theater, Crystal Gardens - an indoor botanical park - the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows. Navy Pier also features a Ferris wheel, musical carousel, 18-hole miniature golf course, and exciting boat rides and dinner cruises on Lake Michigan. Call 312-791-7000.

Chicago Tours -

For visitors on the go, the Go Chicago Card and Chicago Explorer Pass offer unsurpassed access to the best Chicago attractions. The Go Chicago Card is a multi-attraction pass that gives you the most choice at Chicago's top attractions for the best value. Attractions include Navy Pier Attractions, Sears Tower, museums and more! Or, create your own itinerary with the Chicago Explorer Pass. The Explorer Pass includes admission to five exciting Chicago attractions for one low price!

Chicago Sears Tower -

Chicago's famous Sears Tower, recently renamed Willis Tower, is the tallest building in North America and the second tallest in the world. In addition to the famous observation deck that offers stunning views of downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan, Sears Tower features more than 3.5 million square feet of office and retail space, seven restaurants, and a multimedia exhibit of Chicago, murals, and educational displays for kids. Visit http://www.thesearstower.com.

Adler Planetarium -

Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum exhibits artifacts from the history of astronomy and is the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. The Adler fuels the imagination with state-of-the-art computer technology in the world's first StarRider Theater, while showcasing a renowned collection of historical astronomy artifacts. The first Friday of every month is Far Out Friday, 9am -10pm.Visit www.adlerplanetarium.org.

Field Museum of Natural History -

Founded in 1893, the Field Museum in Chicago displays 20 million biological and anthropological specimens, complemented by a natural history library. Discover Sue, the largest and most complete T. rex ever found. Get a bug's-eye view in Underground Adventure, descend into an Egyptian tomb, watch a glowing lava flow, be dazzled by sparkling gems, come nose-to-nose with the man-eating lions of Tsavo, and learn about the world's cultures and environments. The Field Museum offers opportunities for research and learning through exhibits and innovative educational programs. Visit www.fieldmuseum.org.

Shedd Aquarium -

Experience the world's largest indoor aquarium featuring 19,000 aquatic animals from around the world. Exciting exhibits at this Chicago attraction include: Wild Reef, Caribbean Dive, Marine Mammal Presentations, Habitat Chats & Animal Encounters, and Sea Star Quest. See all that the Shedd has to offer with the All Access Pass that includes access to the original aquarium building, Wild Reef, Amazon Rising and the Oceanarium. Open: 9am-5pm weekdays; and 9am-6pm on weekends and summer weekdays. Call 312-939-2438.

Art Institute of Chicago -

One of the world's greatest art museums and schools, the Art Institute of Chicago features 300,000 works of art, including 30 by Claude Monet, and 10 departments. The Museum collections, dating from 3,000 B.C. through the present, include world-famous French Impressionist paintings and drawings; fine and decorative arts from America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America; collections of 20th-century art; Old Master drawings; Chinese jades; photography, textiles, and architectural drawings; and medieval armor that present art of the world's diverse cultures. Visit www.artic.edu/aic.

Museum of Science and Industry Chicago - The Museum of Science and Industry, the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere, features 14 acres of hands-on exhibits. The U.S. Premier of Body Worlds & The Cycle of Life features 200 authentic human specimens, including entire bodies, individual organs and transparent body slices. BODY WORLDS closes September 5, 2011.

Explore a real World War II German submarine; see your blood running through your veins; manipulate a 40-foot tornado; and much more. MSI is not a place you walk around quietly and observe. No way! You get involved in the fun - learn by doing. Located minutes from downtown, the Museum is easily accessible via public transportation (CTA trains or buses, or Metra train) or there is covenient undergroud parking. MSI is open every day from 9:30AM-4:00PM with extended hours until 5:30PM during summer months, winter holidays and spring breaks. 

Visit www.msichicago.org.

McCormick Place Convention Center -

McCormick Place Convention Center in downtown Chicago is North America's premier convention facility, comprising the state-of-the-art South and North buildings and the Lakeside Center. The epicenter of business in Chicago, McCormick Place features: 2.2 million sq. ft. of exhibit halls, 112 meeting rooms, assembly seating for 10,000 people, three 345-seat theaters, the largest ballroom in Chicago, and the Arie Crown Theater. McCormick Place Convention Center is the nation's largest convention center. McCormick Place is linked by a 50,000 square-foot pedestrian promenade, and the Grand Concourse containing retail shops, restaurants/food service and Chicago attractions. Visit www.mccormick.com or call 312-791-7000.

Museum of Contemporary Art -

Steps from Michigan Avenue and the historic Water Tower in downtown Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art highlights today's innovative and exciting artists. Take a free, guided tour; stroll through the grand, barrel-vaulted galleries overlooking Lake Michigan; enjoy lunch at the museum's Wolfgang Puck café and shop in the fun-filled MCA Store. There is much to see and do at the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art. Visit www.mcachicago.org.

Chicago Children's Museum -

The anchor of Navy Pier, the Children's Museum features engaging interactive exhibits and fun things to do for kids. Dig deep in the Dinosaur Expedition, get wet at WaterWays, or climb to the crow's nest on the Kovler Family Climbing Schooner. Younger kids have fun in Playmaze and Treehouse Trails. Hourly art workshops happen in the Kraft Artabounds Studio. Members and children under 1 are free. Permanent exhibits include Design Your Dreams and Play it Safe. Visit www.chichildrensmuseum.org.

Things to do in Chicago - Helpful Links

• Bobby's Bike Hike - Guided Chicago Bicycle Tours & Rentals - http://www.bobbysbikehike.com
• Western States Ticket Service - Concert & Sports & Theter Tickets - http://www.wstickets.com
• Football and Soccer Tickets - http://www.footballtickets.com
• Exclusive Savings on Chicago Attractions only at BEST WESTERN PLUS River North