By Ron Augustine
Enjoy some authentic Chicago pizza.
There are probably more than 15,000 things to do in
Chicago. It's a city full of life, progression and innovation. It doesn't matter if you're just visiting for a weekend or living in Chicago indefinitely, you can't go wrong with these fifteen activities.
A Bicycle Ride
Bring your own or rent one, riding a bicycle in Chicago is one of the most enjoyable experiences you can have on a summer day. For the best way to experience Chicago's beautiful lakefront, make it a bike ride.
Bike Chicago
239 E. Randolph Street
Chicago IL 60601
(773) 404-2500
www.bikechicago.com
Lincoln Park Zoo
A totally free zoo, and the world's largest at that, Lincoln Park Zoo is one of Chicago's great mainstays. Whether you're an animal lover or just interested in an affordable way to spend your day in the city, this zoo will keep you busy for hours.
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 742-2000
www.lpzoo.org
Hancock Observatory
For the best view in the city, head up to the top of the John Hancock building. If you're of age, head a couple floors down to the Signature Room for a few drinks at one of the most romantic restaurants in Chicago.
Hancock Observatory
875 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611-1803
(312) 751-3680
www.hancock-observatory.com
The Art Institute
For one of the finest art museums in the country, don't miss the Art Institute of Chicago. Already packed with some of the great masterpieces of art history, the Art Institute now has an enormous new wing dedicated entirely to modern art.
Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 443-3600
www.artic.edu
Baseball Games
There's a good chance you can catch a home game, but you just have to decide on whether you want to go to the north side for the Cubs or the south side for the White Sox. The Cubs' Wrigley Field is more historic, but the Sox are more affordable.
Wrigley Field
1060 W Addison St
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 404-2827
chicago.cubs.mlb.com
U.S. Cellular Field
333 W 35th St
Chicago, IL 60616-3651
(312) 674-5151
chicago.whitesox.mlb.com
Theatre
There are two great ways to experience the stage in Chicago: comedy and drama. For drama, there's nothing more renowned than the Steppenwolf Theatre. But if you are in the mood to laugh, The Second City is historic for its improv actors.
Steppenwolf Theatre
1650 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614-5530
(312) 335-1650
www.steppenwolf.org
Second City
1616 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60614-6002
(312) 337-3992
www.secondcity.com
Architecture Tour
It may be touristy, but when you have the architectural marvels that Chicago has, there's no shame in taking this tour. Take in the amazing architecture as you should and experience some of the most incredible human constructions in the country.
Chicago Architecture Foundation
224 S Michigan Ave #116
Chicago, IL 60604-2527
(312) 922-3432
www.architecture.org
Shopping
If you've got an afternoon or two to spare (and a few dollars), downtown Michigan Avenue is still the Magnificent Mile. Name brand designers line the street for high end shoppers. Or if you're a boutique junky, head over to North and Damen Avenue in Bucktown for the trendiest local designs.
Deep Dish Pizza
This is Chicago's famous style of pizza, still unique to the Windy City. If you don't think that there's such a thing as too much cheese, head over to Giordano's, Lou Malnati's, Pizzeria Uno or Due, Gino's East or Edwardo's for the thickest pizza you'll ever eat.
Giordano's
730 N Rush St, Chicago
(312) 951-0747
www.giordanos.com
Lou Malnati's
958 W Wrightwood Ave, Chicago
(773) 832-4030
www.loumalnatis.com
Ride the "L"
Chicago's elevated train gets commuters to work during rush hours, but it offers some of the most unique views of Chicago as it goes. For a unique sightseeing ride, take a round trip on the Brown Line.
CTA Brown Line
1817 W Montrose Ave, Chicago
(773) 935-5750
www.transitchicago.com
The Parks
The two big ones are must sees: Grant Park and Millennium Park. Both of these parks host free concerts and events throughout the summer, and both are just a few steps from Chicago's beautiful lakefront. For a carefree afternoon walk or picnic, these are the best spots in the city.
Grant Park
337 E Randolph
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 742-7648
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 742-1168
www.millenniumpark.org
The Museums
At the Museum of Science and Industry, walk through a gigantic heart, watch chicks hatch out of their eggs, explore a real submarine and learn about the technological innovations of American history. This is an engaging museum for kids and adults alike.
5700 S Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 684-1414
www.msichicago.org
If it's dinosaurs you're interested in, the Field Museum has the largest T-Rex skeleton in the world. The history of the world is more fun at this museum.
1201 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago
(312) 665-7909
www.fieldmuseum.org
Across the street from the Lincoln Park Zoo, this is one of Chicago's underrated museums. Kids have more to play with at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
2430 N. Cannon Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 755-5100
http://www.chias.org/
Kids have absolutely nothing to play with at the International Museum of Surgical Science. It's not very big, but after half an hour in the IMSS, you'll always remember the archaic methods and tools of modern surgery's past.
1524 N Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 642-6502
www.imss.org
Resources
About the Author:
Ron Augustine is a rookie freelance writer and producer who has worked primarily in radio and print media for Chicago Public Radio's Sound Opinions, Relevant Magazine, WMBI Chicago and the Burnside Writers Collective. He graduated Moody College in 2007 with a degree in Communications.
Photo Credits:
a piece of deep dish pizza on a white plate, red background image by David Smith from
Fotolia.com
