Chicago is known as the windy city, but like much of the midwest, it can also occasionally be a rainy city during some parts of the year.
Although it’s not necessarily a guarantee that it will rain on your trip, it is important to make sure that you have some indoor activity ideas in mind for what to do on a potential rainy day in Chicago.
If you’re searching for indoor activities in Chicago, check out a few of our favorite suggestions rainy day ideas.
Shedd Aquarium
One of Chicago’s most popular attractions should be on the top of your rainy day list. Shedd Aquarium is filled with the world’s most fascinating aquatic plants and animals, from the great whale to the tiny tropical fish.
A few of the most popular exhibits include “Waters of the World,” “Caribbean Reef,” and the Abbott Oceanarium.
There are also some areas specifically designed with your little ones in mind, like the “Polar Play Zone,” where kids can step into a penguin suit!
Chicago Observation Decks
If you’re looking for some excellent views of the city that can’t be beat, then an aerial view is a perfect option. Choose a classic observation deck like SkyDeck Chicago (housed in the world-famous Willis Tower) to see views of the city that stretch from Navy Pier to Soldier Field.
Or, you can choose the interactive and exciting 360 CHICAGO. Rocket to the top in a high-speed elevator, then play around with fascinating exhibits over 1,000 feet in the air.
Either option provides great opportunities for photos, even with the bad weather and fog.
Field Museum
One of the most comprehensive natural history museums around, the Field Museum is founded on the collections of the 1893 World’s Fair. Today, they boast artifacts from across 4.6 billion years of history across dozens of exciting galleries and exhibit spaces.
Some of their major highlights include SUE, the world’s largest complete T. Rex; the “Inside Ancient Egypt” exhibit which features tools, jewelry, mummies, and more; and the Grainger Hall of Gems, which is one of the largest collections of gemstones in the world.
Art Institute of Chicago
This is a must for the art lovers in your group. One of the best art museums in the world, and certainly one of the top museums of any kind in the country, the Art Institute is simply exceptional.
Their classic collections are filled with iconic pieces such as the Chagall stained glass windows, Matisse’s “Bathers by a River,” and Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Black Cross, New Mexico.” And, of course, Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks”!
They also offer rotating special exhibits by established and up-and-coming artists, so you’ll find something to inspire you every time you visit.
Museum of Science and Industry
Kids and adults alike will enjoy the chance to explore this engaging museum. It’s been recently named a top US Museum in a TripAdvisor poll, and is consistently popular among locals, too.
14 whole acres of exhibits include an authentic WWII German submarine, an Illinois coal mine, a mirror maze, and much more.
Kids will love the chance to run around and play, and you’ll love that they’re learning as they explore.
Adler Planetarium
Another one of the big three Museum Campus attractions, Adler Planetarium is a favorite family destination in Chicago.
Here you can explore the wonders of the endless universe through multiple exhibits and films. Top exhibits include “Planet Explorers,” where kids can climb and play through a “modern-day space adventure,” and “Mission Moon,” which traces the history of the Apollo missions.
Don’t miss out on their new film, either, “Planet Nine,” which probes the question of which planet will replace Pluto in our star system’s line up.
Click HERE to head on over to our Website.