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Chicago: Things To Do

Most major Chicago attractions are centrally located, making it easy to pack a variety of activities into a whirlwind weekend without running yourself ragged. Chicago's biggest attractions include the downtown area's many museums, parks, and sky-high observation decks.

= Smart Splurge = Great Value

Architectural River Cruise The city’s “living museum” of architectural treasures are candidly and humorously uncovered during these lively docent-led tours down the Chicago River. The Loop; 224 S Michigan Ave.; 312-922-3432; www.architecture.org
architecture | tour | history | editor pick

Art Institute of Chicago This prestigious museum includes over 500,000 works in its permanent collection. Among the Monets, O’Keefes and Warhols are Grant Wood’s American Gothic and Edward Hoppers Nighthawks. The Loop; 111 S. Michigan Ave.; 312-443-3600; www.artic.edu
family | culture | museum | art

Center on Halsted The first LEED-certified gay and lesbian community center in the US offers plenty of resources for the LGBT community – but all are welcome to shoot hoops in the Billie Jean King Recreation Hall, take in a play (or Sunday worship service) at the Hoover-Leppen Theater, or just admire the jaw-dropping skyline views from the rooftop garden. Lakeview; 3656 N. Halsted St; 773-472-6469; www.centeronhalsted.org
architecture | culture | gay | sports

Green City Market Chicago takes a stab at local, sustainable agriculture with this bi-weekly farmer’s market (Wednesday and Saturday, 7am-1:30pm) where an impressive array of area vendors vaunt their finest produce while super chefs and foodies hobnob with the masses. Populist authors like Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation) occasionally pop in for a lecture. Old Town; Lincoln Park at Clark St. and Stockton Dr.; www.chicagogreencitymarket.org
culinary | market

Lincoln Park This 1,200+ acre park hugs the eastern shoreline providing miles of bike trails, beaches, baseball diamonds and ample skyline sightings. Lincoln Park; www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
beach | family | park

Millennium Park Da Mayor’s much-hyped vanity project has paid off in spades. Take in a free concert at Pritzker Pavilion, splash around in Crown Fountain, or marvel at Cloud Gate, aka “the Bean.” The Loop; Michigan Ave. and Randolph St.; www.millenniumpark.org
family | great value | live music | park

Museum of Contemporary Art Everybody admires the MCA’s serious commitment to cutting-edge art – including works by the likes of Lee Bontecou, Dan Flavin, and Jasper Johns. But just try and stop the hipsters from schmoozing and boozing at the insanely popular First Fridays, or working up a sweat while winning fabulous prizes during Bingo/Tango on the second Tuesday of the month. Magnificent Mile/Streeterville; 220 E. Chicago Ave.; 312-280-2660; www.mcachicago.org
culture | museum | art | editor pick

Second City Chicago’s famed temple of improv still cranks out satire and superstars. Steve Carrell, Stephen Colbert, and Tina Fey all cut their teeth here in recent years. Old Town; 1616 North Wells St.; 312-337-3992; www.secondcity.com
culture | comedy

Shedd Aquarium The largest aquarium in the world recreates the eco-system of the Great Lakes and dazzles with a living coral reef, but it’s whale- and dolphin-watching in the Oceanarium that brings in the crowds. Museum Campus; 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr.; 312-939-2438; www.sheddaquarium.org
family | aquarium | wildlife

Wrigley Field The Chicago Cubs may never win the World Series, but spending an afternoon swilling beer in the bleachers at this ivy-covered neighborhood ballpark should be a compulsory part of every visitor’s experience. Lakeview; 1060 W. Addison St.; www.cubs.mlb.com
family | spectator sport | smart splurge