FAQs: Chicago Region

What are the top five activities for your teen near/in Chicago?

This list showcases some of our favorite Chicago activities with a multitude of things to do — think of each as a “one-stop shop” for teens who love to be on the go. If you visit, explore some of Chicago’s historical stops, like the Water Tower Place off Michigan Avenue, or take in the beautiful skyline view while biking along the lakefront trail.  

1. Chicago CityPass or Go City Pass: Explore some of the city’s top attractions with a city pass.  A City Pass is a “choose your own adventure” option that lets you pick from among 35 options to buy discounted, bundled experiences, from visiting one of Chicago’s top museums to John Hancock Observatory’s 360 CHICAGO observation deck and more.
2. Chicago Riverwalk: Located in the heart of the city, the Chicago Riverwalk is a 1.25-mile trail alongside the Chicago River, with cafes, restaurants, and activities such as kayaking and architecture tours. The Chicago Riverwalk is known for its rotating public art and the Art on the Mart — the world’s largest digital art projection.
3. Maggie Daley Park and Millennium Park: These two parks offer stunning green areas right downtown.  Explore one of the nature paths, take a selfie with The Bean, climb the rock wall, play mini golf or skate around Skating Ribbon (which transforms into an ice skating rink in winter).
4. Attend a Chicago Sports Event: With nine professional sports teams, Chicago’s sports culture forms the backbone of the city. Visit historic Wrigley Field for a Cubs game or catch the Bulls at United Center and see the Michael Jordan statue. Can’t get enough sports? Check out the Chicago Sports Museum, too.
5. Unique Chicago Tours: Explore the world of Chicago-style pizza during the Pizza City USA Tour, explore the city’s distinctive neighborhoods on the L Stop Tour, or see some of the top TV and movie filming locations through the On Location Tour.

What are the top cultural activities for teens in Chicago?

From art, museums, architecture, and more, Chicago’s diverse cultural offerings are endless. If you are visiting, make time to visit the legendary Green Mill Jazz Club, wander through Chinatown’s Ping Tom Memorial Park, or head to Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion for an outdoor concert. 

1. Chinese-American Museum: Situated in the historic Chinatown neighborhood, the museum promotes the appreciation of Chinese American culture, especially in the Midwest. The exhibits showcase the important role of Chinese American culture and its contributions to the American fabric. The museum hosts free sensory-friendly morning events.
2. DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center: Part of Hyde Park’s Museum Campus South, DuSable Museum includes more than 15,000 objects, featuring artwork and historical artifacts that promote the understanding and appreciation of African Americans’ experiences and achievements throughout history.
3. National Museum of Mexican Art: Explore over 10,000 works that spark interest in Mexican art and culture. The museum also offers special cultural performances, including dance, music and theater. Free sensory kits are available for free upon request.
4. Chicago Architecture Boat Tour: Experience Chicago’s beautiful skyline, including iconic skyscrapers and historical landmarks, while learning about their history on an architectural boat tour. You can also schedule them for special events like Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day, when the river runs green.
5. Chicago Cultural Center: Located across the street from Millennium Park and comprising an entire city block, this landmark building houses the world’s largest Tiffany stained glass dome. The center hosts many free art exhibits, concerts, and events all year. You can also shop from local artists or walk around to view the stunning architecture.
6. Attend a Festival or Parade: Chicago is famous for its summer festivals celebrating its neighborhoods, culture, music, food and more. Some notable festivals held throughout the city include Suenos Music Festival, Mole de Mayo, Mayfest, Chicago Pride Fest, Puerto Rican Festival, Lincoln Park Greek Festival, Chinatown Summerfest, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and the Bud Billikan Parade.
7. Mural Walking Tour, Offbeat Street Art Tour or Chicago Street Art Tour: Discover Chicago’s amazing Street Art that showcases the city’s art culture. These walking tours will introduce you to the history of street art, the legal aspects of creating it, and the role of this art in urban culture.

What are the best Chicago outdoor activities for teens?

Take in the views of Lake Michigan along the 26-mile Lakefront Path, explore Chicago’s neighborhoods through the Bloomingdale “606” Trail, or spend the day basking in the sun at one of Chicago’s 24 beaches. Chicago has more than 580 parks and over 8,000 acres of green space, making it one of the best cities for outdoor activities. 

1. Navy Pier: Navy Pier offers endless opportunities for fun, ranging from soaring in the 200-foot Centennial Ferris Wheel to attending a show at the renowned Shakespeare Theater. In addition to hosting Chicago’s Children’s Museum, the pier also features many boat and tour attractions and over 30 restaurants and cafes. In the summer months, enjoy its weekly fireworks display and the seasonal Pier Park, which includes a carousel and climbing wall.
2. Lincoln Park Zoo: Located in one of Chicago’s biggest parks, this free year-round zoo is the perfect way to spend part of your day. See gorillas, lions, snow leopards and maybe snag a front-row seat to see the polar bears swimming! Later, check out the Nature Boardwalk, snap a photo in the Lincoln Park “Honeycomb,”  and then take a stroll to North Avenue Beach.
3. Chicago Botanic Garden: The Botanic Gardens, just outside of the city, includes 27 gardens and is nestled in 385 acres. Year-round exhibits, walking tours, and an indoor conservation garden, plus special events like the Winter Lightscape or Winter Orchard Show, mean there’s always something to see. Younger visitors (and train enthusiasts) will love the Model Train Garden. In summer, visit the Nature Play and Butterfly Gardens.
4. Chicago Segway Tour: Take a Segway tour or the popular Chicago Lakefront Museum Tour rides through the rose gardens of Grant Park or Buckingham Fountain or ride all the way to the Museum Campus. Not interested in an official tour? Rent a divvy bike or electric scooter and explore on your own.
5. Urban Kayaks: Rent a kayak and take a guided tour on the Chicago River or Lake Michigan and learn about the city’s architecture — and appreciate its natural beauty — from the water. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or a newbie, Urban Kayaks has options for everyone to enjoy this adventure in the heart of Chicago.

What are the best Chicago indoor activities for teens?

Chicago offers some stellar indoor options to combat the cold winters. Love to laugh? Try a comedy show at the renowned Second City or explore some of the indoor adventures, such as mini golf, escape rooms, and rock climbing. 

1. Garfield Park Conservatory: Garfield Park Conservatory covers over 12 acres with indoor exhibits like the Palm House, Fern Room, Desert Hours, and more. The conservatory also offers various events like yoga and Art After Dark and classes on beekeeping and gardening. If needed, you can check out sensory bags at the Front Desk.
2. Chicago Theater District: Chicago is home to more than 250 theaters, and its Theater District is a must-visit for theater lovers. This hub hosts many famous touring shows like Hamilton, Six, and Lion King in Chicago’s historic theaters such as the Goodman, Cadillac and Chicago Theater.
3. Art Institute of Chicago: The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. It has over 300,000 art pieces, including vast collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, European paintings and sculptures, American, Asian and modern art and more.
4. SkyDeck Chicago and 360 Chicago: Want to view Chicago from two of its tallest buildings? SkyDeck Chicago is located on the Willis Tower’s 103rd floor. Step out onto the glass ledge for a birds-eye view of the city or explore the Top of Chicago Museum. Ride the infamous “Tilt Ride” at 360 Chicago,  on the John Hancock building’s 94th floor, and then stop for a snack at CloudBar.
5. WNDR Museum Chicago: WNDR Museum Chicago features over 15 installations of awe-inspiring immersive art. Get lost in the LOVE IS CALLING infinity mirror room or enter into the optical illusions of the AMES room to experience how a shift in perspective can alter reality. The museum offers a lounge for light snacks and special events such as Immersive Yoga.

What are the best Chicago restaurants for teens?

Chicago has a rep for some top dining options in the nation and the list below is just the tip of the iceberg. Don’t forget to explore Chinatown, West Loop’s Restaurant Row, Logan Square, River North, or Gold Coast, too. 

1. Time Out Market Chicago: Looking to sample some of Chicago’s best restaurants? Visit the Time Out Market located in the historic Fulton Market District. With over 15 eateries and a rooftop terrace, you’ll find the best of Chicago here. There’s something for everyone!
2. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria: Chicago is best known for its deep-dish pizza. While locals will hotly debate about their favorite pizza place, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria consistently ranks at the top of the list.
3. Portillo’s Hot Dogs: Want to try a Chicago-style hot dog? Don’t miss Portillo’s Hot Dogs. You’ll find a great variety here, from salads to beef sandwiches to cheese fries. Save room for a piece of their famous chocolate cake for dessert.
4. Mr. Beef on Orleans: Italian Beef is a classic Chicago staple. Featured on the hit television show The Bear, Mr. Beef on Orleans will provide you with the classic Italian beef flavor while you visit a top filming spot for the series.

What are the best Chicago museums for families?

While this list is geared toward teens, we know many families may have younger children, too. The following list includes suggestions the whole family will enjoy. Other family faves include The Field Museum, the Chicago Sports Museum, and the Adler Planetarium. 

1. Chicago Children’s Museum: Located on Navy Pier, the Chicago Children’s Museum features 15 exhibits like Water City, Cloud Buster climbing, and an interactive Kids Town. Right next door is Navy Pier’s newest attraction, Flyover Chicago, where you can participate in an immersive VR journey by “soaring” over iconic locations.
2. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry: The Museum of Science and Industry is a fun, interactive place for the entire family. With over 25 exhibits where visitors can experience a real German U-505 submarine, descend into a coal mine or explore the Science Storms, featuring a live tornado simulator. 
3. Museum of Ice Cream: The Museum of Ice Cream is a whimsical and interactive “experium” where you can indulge in unlimited ice cream treats while exploring 14 playful, ice cream-themed installations. This vibrant, colorful space offers plenty of photo ops like the Sprink-L Train and Sprinkle Pool.
4. Shedd Aquarium: This world-renowned aquatic wonderland features over 10 exhibits, including a massive Caribbean reef, a jellyfish gallery, and the Abbott Oceanarium with whales, dolphins, and sea otters. Stop by the Polar Play Zone and visit the Stingray Touch exhibit in the warmer months.
5. Sloomoo Institute of Chicago: Prepare to get messy at Chicago’s own “slime” museum is a playful, sensory environment where you can explore slime’s textures, colors, and scents via interactive installations and workshops and even design your own one-of-a-kind slime.

For even more ideas and inspiration, check out the U.S. News Chicago Travel Guide.