THE 10 BEST Chicago Rainy-Day Activities
Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Chicago
Category types
Traveler rating
Neighborhoods
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350 places sorted by traveler favorites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Recommended Experiences (12)
Revenue impacts these recommendations, learn more.
Natural History Museums • Science Museums
South Loop
Admission tickets from $27
Architectural Buildings • Civic Centres
Theater District
Speciality Museums • Art Museums
Near North Side
Historic Sites • Gardens
East Garfield Park
Speciality Museums
Theater District
Admission tickets from $16
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Near North Side
History Museums
North Side
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
South Side
Admission tickets from $27
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Central
Speciality Museums • History Museums
South Side
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Ukranian Village
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
West Loop
Historic Sites • Department Stores
Theater District
Art Museums
Heart of Chicago
Speciality Museums • Observatories & Planetariums
South Loop
Libraries
Central
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Showing results 1-30 of 350
What travelers are saying
- CoralmayaExeter, UK29 contributionsBeautiful museum with lots of contemporary American art. I am European so it was really interesting not to see, allow me the term, the usual imported art from the old continent.Written March 10, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Johna RogersCovington, TN149 contributionsProbably one of the most detailed and interactive museums I’ve ever been to. We had a great time spending most of the day here. Loved all the exhibits.Written March 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Johna RogersCovington, TN149 contributionsWe really enjoyed this museum. There’s a whole lot to see though so definitely start your day here and plan to be there most or all of the day.Written March 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ellen F9 contributionsWe happened to pop into the. Cultural Center just as a free tour was starting. Lucky us! Mary - who is a volunteer through the International Greeter Association- showed us around the Center - pointing out interesting architectural and decorative details - like the Tiffany dome - and sharing some fascinating Chicago history. She then walked us to the Chicago Athletic Association building - now a hotel - and took us to the rooftop restaurant for a magnificent view of Millenium Park, and then to the Palmer House for more incredible architecture and history. I can’t thank her enough for giving so generously of her time and knowledge. It was definitely one of the highlights of our visit to Chicago.Written March 18, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Stephanie E1 contributionVery informative and realistic. Had a great time at this interactive museum . Can’t wait to come back and bring my friendsWritten March 15, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Fiona RLondon, UK46 contributionsThis enchanting and unique place seems to be relatively unknown to native Chicagoans. Not sure why as it is a gem.
There’s an App guide to help you understand what is on show and provide some context, plus there are explanation boards in each room and knowledgeable and helpful room guides to answer any questions.
You get a real sense of what it was like to be rich and successful in that age and how wealth was used to create modern (for that time) luxurious interiors by working with the great craftsmen of the day.Written March 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Mrudula128 contributionsIt is like a underwater adventure without going wet. There are many cool fishes, playful dolphins and majestic beluga whales(white whales). They are so cute. you will start with beluga whales then penguins then visit seal then go to dolphins. The dolphin show is so wonderful. It is just a 8-10 min show but they let us know lot of facts about dolphins. The best part is the giant tank with sharks and sea turtles. I could touch the starfish and know some are hard and rough while some are soft. Overall it's an amazing experience with kids.Written February 19, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Joe MHouston, TX2,701 contributionsBeautiful old conservatory. Great curation of the facilities and plants. The visit is free but they ask to kind of reserve a time slot. Note the L runs through the edge of the park.Written March 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 2barefootillinois165 contributionsFirst time at this venue. Saw the Eagles in concert. Seats were comfortable. Sight lines were good. Acoustics were very good. Attendants were personable. Food and beverages were plentiful and priced as you would expect $$$Written March 9, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Anuja VToronto, Canada15 contributionsThis little museum is such a worthwhile stop if you are visiting Chicago! Staff are so friendly and enthusiastic, tickets are reasonably priced, and there is a lot to see, do, and learn. There’s a great kid lit room that’s perfect for kids who might just want a quiet space to read/chill. Lots of interactive exhibits to check out. Kids especially liked the typewriters and the digital mad libs. Free bookmarks for everyone was a nice touch!Written March 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- HugoRockton, IL2 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 November 22, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sweenee32018Knoxville, TN87 contributionsWe attended Catholic Mass here. When we walked into the Cathedral we were impressed with the beautiful architecture. They have tours after the 8:00 and 10:00 Sunday masses.Written January 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Twinsmom99Dyer, IN555 contributionsSuch a neat place to visit. So nice to see greenery in the middle of winter. Close to Lincoln park zoo too. And it’s free- you just have to make a reservation.Written February 10, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- VivJosAuckland Central, New Zealand30 contributionsLoved this museum! Welcoming friendly staff right from the front desk, cloak room (Michael was super welcoming) through to the tour guide and the crossroads of Chicago tour. Great interactive and diverse exhibits and lots to see and learn. Great value and a Chicsho must do!Written February 16, 2024This 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 June 4, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.