Visit the famous Millennium Park where you can take your photos with the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture and view free art exhibitions. Take a short walk to Navy Pier to enjoy Chicago's popular themed restaurants, catch a ride on the famous Ferris wheel, and stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Explore the vast marine life exhibits at the Shedd Aquarium. Learn about the history of Chicago and admire the diverse range of fossils, including the world-renowned T-Rex, at the Field Museum.
Relax amidst nature at the lush Lincoln Park Zoo, which houses over 200 species of animals. A short walk away, discover urban wildlife and local plants at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
Experience art history with an extensive collection of over 300,000 pieces at the Art Institute of Chicago. Take a short walk to view the iconic marquee of the Chicago Theatre and be mesmerized by the performances inside.
Discover interactive exhibits, from robots to aviation, at the Museum of Science and Industry. Afterward, head to the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink to glide through the ice with stunning views of Chicago's skyline.
Take the elevator up to the observation deck at Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower and admire panoramic views of the city. Head to Buckingham Fountain nearby, an iconic fountain that showcases water, music, and light shows.
Explore outer space and astronomy exhibits at Chicago's first planetarium, the Adler Planetarium. End the trip with stunning views of the city at 360 Chicago Observatory, located at the John Hancock Center.
If you have more time, consider visiting Maggie Daley Park and Chicago Children's Museum for more family fun activities. Or, you can check out some of Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza restaurants, such as Lou Malnati's and Giordano's.
For those with less time, we recommend combining Days 1 and 2 or Days 6 and 7 and considering a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to catch a glimpse of Chicago's landmarks quickly.