Chicago is a city that is full of amazing things to do and see. There is no shortage of fun to be had when you are in the Chicago area, and the city offers something for everyone.

Whether you love sports, the arts, or good food, Chicago has you covered. Even if you are only going to be in town for a business trip, you should still be able to carve out some time to check out the fun things that you can do in this amazing city.

Chicago is a large and sprawling metropolis, and there are many different kinds of activities and experiences that are offered in each area of the city. You might want to focus your efforts on the cultural hub of the city, where all the museums and art exhibits are located, or you might be more interested in finding small hole-in-the-wall places to grab a bite to eat.

There are plenty of lovely places to walk and get your step in as well. This guide will help you to figure out what to do when visiting Chicago so that your trip is memorable and special.

Things You Can Do While Visiting Chicago

1.     Check Out Live Music

Watch live music in Chicago if you want to make memories while also being treated to something truly unique. Not only do many major bands and artists headline in this city, but there is also a robust local music scene. Enjoy classical performances played by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra or head to Kingston Mines to enjoy authentic, incredible Blues performers.

Many of the local eateries or bars in the city have live performances throughout the year, so you shouldn’t have any trouble tracking down a place to get a meal and enjoy a show. Chicago is one of the special cities in the US where the arts loom large, and the music scene is second to none in the Windy City.

Just minutes south of Chicago, nestled around I-80/94 and bordering Indiana, Lansing Illinois has one of the sweetest outdoor music venues in the country. Fox Pointe is an absolute gem with astonishing acoustics, a sweeping lush lawn and a big, comfortable covered pavilion.

A wide dance floor in front of the stage will get your feet moving, with plenty of room to twirl, dip and jump. Fox Pointe’s season kicks off in June and doesn’t stop until September. With a jammed packed schedule of free concerts on Wednesdays, Fridays and some Saturdays, Fox Pointe is known for safe and secure fun for all ages.

You’ll find music spanning the decades; 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and more! Fox Pointe bursts with pop, punk, funk, soul, Motown, Latin, reggae, blues, jazz, country and good old fashioned rock and roll. From the Northwest Symphony Orchestra to heavy metal, you’ll find what you want to hear at Fox Pointe.

Cover bands play tribute to Taylor Swift, NSYNC, NKOTB, One Direction, Chicago, Guns N’ Roses, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews, CSNY and many many more. Come see L.A. Guns, Count’s 77 and more at the annual Bands, Bikes and Brews, featuring a bike show.

With a full bar and sizzling concessions, you can make a full night at Fox Pointe. Whatever your musical passion, Fox Pointe is sure to give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

2.     Check Out the Food Scene

Almost everyone knows that Chicago is famous for its pizza. The deep dish pizza is a staple of the Chicago area. Go to Lou Malnati’s for the best deep dish pizza that you have ever had, or head to one of the many authentic, family-owned Trattorias scattered across the city.

There is a big Italian presence in Chicago, as well as many generations of people who have kept authentic recipes alive and well for years. It would be hard to find better Italian food anywhere in the US.

There are also a few Michelin restaurants in the city if fine dining is what you are looking for. You can also head to the Navy Pier to find lots of cute, welcoming eateries that will let you pick and choose from fun and festive foods while you shop and walk.

3.     Check Out the Museums

The Chicago Field Museum is well-known around the world, and it sits at the top of the list of cool museums to check out when you visit this city. The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is another solid choice, as is the DuSable Museum of African American History. Shedd Aquarium offers fun for all ages, and the Adler Planetarium is the first planetarium ever to open its doors in the US.

You will find tons of interactive, memorable, and emotional museum exhibits to engage with, and people of all ages will have a great time at any of these museum locations.

Check on traveling exhibits and pop-up experiences on the websites for each of these venues so that you don’t miss out on the kinds of fun added experiences that are going on throughout the year.

4.     Take a River Cruise

Most people don’t think too much about Chicago being located right on the water. The city is so big that it can be easy to forget that boating and water-based experiences are all around you when you visit. One of the best ways to see the city from a new perspective is to take a river cruise.

This is an ideal way to see the most unique and memorable architecture in the city while also getting an idea of just how big Chicago truly is.

Most of these experiences are about 45 minutes in length, and it is simple to get tickets to be able to take advantage of these tours. It can be quite chilly during the cooler seasons, so make sure you have a hat, scarf, and coat before you hop on the boat.

5.     Head to the Zoo

Who doesn’t love the zoo? Adults and kids will have fun together on any visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo. Check out the seal training and feeding experience each day or visit the ape cognition and care center. You will find iguanas, gorillas, and so much more within the zoo. There is also a train adventure and carousel for younger zoo visitors.

There is something cool to do at the zoo, no matter what kind of animals you like best. The zoo also works hard on conservation and rehabilitation projects, and it is easy to learn all about these cool contributions that the zoo makes to improve the well-being of animals everywhere.

Chicago is an Amazing City Full of Life and Fun

There is no chance that you can stay bored in Chicago for long. You will have access to some of the best entertainment venues in the US, as well as the arts, museums, and lots of really cool architecture to learn about when you visit. Even if you are just going to be in town for a business trip, you should carve out some time to engage with some of these really fun experiences.

Chicago is unlike any other city in the US, and you will find that there is something for everyone in the Windy City. This guide is just a short list of some of the things that Chicago has to offer. You will find that there is more to do here than you can fit into a single trip, which just means you might need to come back and visit again!