THE 10 BEST Chicago Rainy-Day Activities
Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Chicago
Category types
Traveller rating
Neighbourhoods
Good for
359 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Natural History Museums • Science Museums
South Loop
Admission tickets from HK$217
Architectural Buildings • Civic Centres
Theater District
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Open now
Speciality Museums • Art Museums
Near North Side
Speciality Museums
Theater District
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Open now
Historic Sites • Gardens
East Garfield Park
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Open now
Theatres
Near North Side
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Open now
Speciality Museums
Theater District
Admission tickets from HK$101
History Museums
North Side
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Open now
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Near North Side
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Open now
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
South Side
Admission tickets from HK$217
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Central
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Open now
Speciality Museums
South Side
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Open now
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals
Ukranian Village
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
West Loop
Speciality Museums • Observatories & Planetariums
South Loop
Art Museums
Heart of Chicago
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Open now
Historic Sites • Department Stores
Theater District
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Showing results 1-30 of 359
What travellers are saying
- Jill A C1 contributionThere's something for everyone in the Art Institute with ancient-contemporary art from all around the world. They also generously allow free admission to children, teenagers, vets and Illinois residents on special days.
I just saw the Caravaggio exhibit from the Italian Renaissance and Camille Claudel's sculptures from early twentieth century France. Both were very moving and it is nice to see a female artist honored.Written 30 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - CassieSandusky, OH221 contributionsThis place was huge & spectacular. We didn't know about the underground parking so we parked in the lot, used QR code to pay, $20 for 4 hours. You don't enter at where you think you would instead at street level you go through doors then down stairs. There is the ticket sales & gift shop. You head up the escalator to enter the museum. 3 of us were there 4 hours & we didn't see everything. For me the coolest part was the submarine & the glass cases showing the different body sections. Would love to come back & spend more time here someday.Written 1 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jillian MTampa, FL11 contributionsMy husband and I enjoyed our day date to the Field Museum while visiting Chicago. We spent several hours exploring all of the exhibits and could have stayed even longer! Our favorite was Sue the T-Rex / dinosaur exhibits. We also really enjoyed the biomechanics section - fascinating for all ages! The staff were all happy to answer questions and help with way finding around the sprawling museum. We were also pleasantly surprised with several performances by local children’s orchestras.Written 3 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- J husa74 contributionsBeautiful building . Take a walk up the stair case to view at all the exquisite elements of the interior design.
Be careful if you are sensitive to smells right now. There is an art installation of some type of plastic/ rubbery covered hoses that his covered some of the beauty of the staircase. There is an out-gassing which stinks. I feel sorry for the staff and concerned for their health. You may need to check to learn if this has been removed.Written 15 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - PeglegEdMinneapolis, MN199 contributionsVery interesting look back at the gilded age. The house was restored and is in excellent condition. When we visited, they had a temporary art deco exhibit on the upper floors that was quite good. I would've enjoyed the house without the exhibit, but the exhibit was the highlight for me.Written 12 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- christinaC2882YC1 contributionIf you are into the medieval period this is for you. What a cool museum. It was so inventive seeing all of the torture mechanisms that were used. This is not for the faint of heart or children. You must enjoy horror as most of the displays are very graphic and were right up my alley. I highly recommend.Written 24 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LaurenSCOScotland, UK48 contributionsA lovely place to spend a few hours! Staff were very nice and it was great to walk around and see the dolphins and beluga whales! It was very busy though which meant seeing certain things was a bit harder! A good place for the kids!Written 21 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ken kOnsted, MI1,157 contributionsWhen are people going to stand up to these stadiums and their incredibly high price gouging. The stadium is nice. The seats are comfortable. $4.75 for a water, $7 for a Pepsi…..ridiculous. The food and beers are out of reach for a family. I hope the owner’s can sleep at night.Written 26 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TravelerPaul_12Saint Paul, MN145 contributionsVery pleasant experience walking through the variety of rooms with plants from different environments - tropics, desert, etc. One room depicts what Chicago looked like a million years ago. An outdoor section includes plants demonstrating "bit ideas for small city spaces". Easily viewable in about an hour, but someone can take longer if they want to. Just a few steps from Green Line stop.Written 1 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Hugo2 contributionsOur tour guides were very informative and gave us info on the history of theater in general and Chicago theater. At the end as about scary event that happened across the street in the alley.Written 22 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cashmool BChicago, Illinois, United States76 contributionsWho knew such a wonderful theater was tucked into the old Water Tower! We saw Lucie and Charlie’s Honeymoon and absolutely Loved It! So original. So inventive. This theatre is a hidden gem!Written 4 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Judy GHuntington Woods, MI269 contributionsThis is a great museum for people who appreciate the written word and are interested in exploring the origins in America. There is a small area for children. If you love reading this is your museum.Written 18 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Judy GHuntington Woods, MI269 contributionsThis is a thorough history of the city of Chicago and how global events and characters also shaped the region. The outside grounds are informative as well.Written 18 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TrailBlazer774531Potomac, MD25 contributionsMe and my wife decided to visit as we were exploring Chicago. Absolute amazed by the beauty. Free admission, but you just have to make an online reservation. You can see plants/trees from different parts of the world. Environment is serene and nice climate control. Absolutely stunning and must visit place.Written 18 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- William MVancouver, Canada72 contributionsThe ceiling in this church is jaw dropping. The restoration of the cathedral inside an out is a triumph in simplicity. Gone are the heavy statuary associated with man Catholic Churches...instead serene symmetry . Tip If you attend an am mass on Sunday and they announce a short after mass tour...stay and hear all about the building's history. Well worth a visit if you are into church architecture. CheersWritten 28 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
