The best time to enjoy Chicago is undoubtedly summer because ‘Summertime Chi’ truly showcases the city’s charm. The warm weather brings vibrant energy that transforms Chicago into a glittering playground for locals and visitors alike. From its stunning lakefront to its bustling neighborhoods, summer in Chicago offers endless activities for everyone and is the perfect opportunity to explore the best attractions in Chicago. Whether you’re traveling solo, exploring the city with a partner, or bringing the entire family along, read on for our complete guide to our favorite spots to check out this summer, featuring fun things to do, favorite hotels, and more!
Marvel at incredible artwork at The Art Institute of Chicago
Visit the Art Institute of Chicago and immerse yourself in a day of exploration through their vast collection of art at your own pace. Explore current exhibitions like ‘Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan’ (until June 3, 2024) and ‘Christina Ramberg: A Retrospective’ (through August 11, 2024), along with their permanent collections featuring around 300,000 works of art. The museum is definitely one of the best attractions in Chicago no matter if you’re a local or visitor.
Stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk and enjoy the scenic route
Take a walk and enjoy the view! There’s plenty of cafes and restaurants to stop, enjoy a cup of coffee, and people watch.
Love history? Check out the Titanic exhibition
If you’re a history buff, we have some exhibits that are definitely some of the best attractions in Chicago to check out this summer! Titanic: The Exhibition provides an up-close look at the iconic liner’s groundbreaking design, the tragic story of its sinking, and the miraculous efforts of its recovery. Conveniently located next to each other at the Old Orchard Shopping Center, these exhibitions are perfect for solo travelers who want to take their time and fully immerse themselves without interruptions.
Cruise the Chicago river or lake!
Take a Chicago River or Lake Cruise and spend time learning about the city’s architectural history from their knowledgeable guide! Here are several we recommend!
Sunday Funday Cruise: book here!
Swiftie Party Cruise: Grab tickets! Chicago: Architecture River Cruise from Navy Pier: Secure your spot!
Chicago: Architecture River Cruise From Michigan Avenue: Get your tickets now!
Check out one of Chicago’s fabulous summer festivals, sans a plus one!
There’s something for every taste, whether you venture to the Chicago Blues Festival, or the largest hip hop music festival, Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash! A few more of our favorites for June include Chicago Pride Fest, Hyde Park Summer Fest, and Taste of Chicago Humboldt.
Full list of our favorite 2024 festivals here!
Get lost at the Garfield Park Conservatory
One of our favorite ways to spend time is exploring one of the largest conservatories in the U.S.! It’s the perfect place to clear your mind, while marveling at the thousands of plant species across several themed gardens.
Indulge in a foodie tour found in several of our iconic neighborhoods!
One of the best ways to see a city is by exploring its incredible food scene, and Chicago’s happens to be pretty stellar! It’s also a great way to meet new people if you are traveling alone. Here are some of our favorite foodie tours and experiences to enjoy this summer like Chicago’s Chinatown Food and Walking Tour, Chicago Loop Secret Food Tour, Storyville Food and Drink Tickets, , Underground Donut Tour – Chicago’s First Donut Tour, , and Flight of Beer at the Pilot Project Tasting Room.
Watch actors hilariously navigate classic Shakespeare while under the influence
Experience Drunk Shakespeare, where five actors hilariously tackle classic Shakespearean works after downing several shots of liquor. Grab tickets now!
Get a little R&R at any of our incredible hotel spas
Give yourself the ultimate gift of relaxation at one of our many spas for the best day of rejuvenation and recharge.
Here are 11 of our favorite ones!
See several of the best attractions in Chicago in a whole new way with a scenic bike ride
Go for a scenic bike ride along the Lakefront Trail by renting the city’s Divvy bikes. The 18-mile path is a great way to get some exercise and see the city from an entirely different perspective with gorgeous views of the city and water.
Hotel Picks for Solo Travelers
- Budget-Friendly: Freehand Chicago
- Why we love it: The hostel-hotel hybrid’s central location in downtown makes it easy to access Chicago’s top attractions.
- Boutique hotel: The Robey
- Why we love it: Nestled in the heart of the vibrant Wicker Park neighborhood, The Robey offers solo travelers a boutique hotel experience with stylish accommodations, upscale amenities, and convenient proximity to shops, restaurants, and cafes.
For more ideas for things to do solo in the city, click here!
The Best Attractions To See in Chicago For Couples
Chicago is a destination that offers the perfect blend of romance, culture, cuisine in alluring restaurants, and entertainment, making it an extraordinary destination for couples looking to create unforgettable romantic memories together. Here’s a look at Chicago’s top attractions to check out over the summer!
Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo
Take a romantic leisurely stroll through the Lincoln Park Zoo and explore the beautiful conservatory!
Read more about why the Lincoln Park Zoo has been named one of the top zoos in the U.S.Visit Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain
Often referred to as “Chicago’s front yard,” this famous park has the impressive Buckingham Fountain, gardens, and walking paths, perfect for a romantic evening stroll.
Go on a sunset cruise or one that ends in fireworks on Lake Michigan
Enjoy a Sunset Cruise on Lake Michigan, whether it’s a romantic dinner cruise or one that ends in fireworks! A few of our favorite romantic cruises include Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan and the Fireworks Cruise.
Elevate your next picnic at a secret spot!
Leave the planning to the experts at AmazingCo and go on a mystery picnic in Evanston. Solve riddles and clues on your smartphone, pick up your delicious picnic spread from local artisans, and get ready for a romantic picnic!
Indulge in a 3-course meal at this Dining in the Dark experience on Michigan Ave
Check out the Dining in the Dark experience for a unique and utterly romantic blindfolded dining experience. Guests will enjoy a 3-course menu, starting with an appetizer, an entree, and finishing with a delicious dessert.
Or dine at one of Chicago’s most gorgeous candle-lit romantic restaurants from Gejas Cafe for fondue to Gibsons Italia for riverside dining. Enjoy drinks at one of the many rooftop spots to be on top of the world!
Discover the lush gardens at the Chicago Botanic Garden
Visit the Chicago Botanic Garden and spend a full day exploring the unforgettable lush gardens and beautiful landscapes for the picture perfect day out.
Discover more of the best gardens in Chicago here!Listen to live music at Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Attend a concert at Millennium Park for the chance to listen to live music at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, one of the best attractions in Chicago, during one of their summer concerts. This summer, there will be a 20th-anniversary celebration from Thursday, July 18th, through Sunday, July 21st.
Read more about why Millennium Park is a top attraction in the country!Cozy up next to your love at an outdoor movie in one of our gorgeous parks across the city
Snuggle up at a Movie in the Park all around the city at one of the Park District’s movie nights. Check out the full list here to plan your cozy date night!
Get enchanted at a dimly lit concert at an iconic venue
Check out an enchanting concert like Candlelight Concerts or Sinatra Under The Stars at AIRE, one of our favorite rooftops atop the Hyatt Centric.
Add the sexiness of Spanish dance to your evening at the Arts Center of Oak Park
Bring a little spice back in by checking out ‘We Call it Flamenco: A Unique Spanish Dance Show’. Grab your tickets here!
Hotel Picks for Couples
- Romantic: The Langham, Chicago
- Why we love it: The Langham is an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway in the city, offering luxurious accommodations, top-of-the-line service, and gorgeous views of the city skyline.
- Luxury: Waldorf Astoria Chicago
- Why we love it: For couples seeking the allure of a romantic atmosphere reminiscent of Parisian luxury in the heart of Chicago, look no further than the Waldorf Astoria for the ultimate in French luxury.
- Chic Urban Escape: Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central Loop
- Why we love it: Canopy by Hilton is nestled in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant downtown area, close to some of our favorite attractions. The chic hotel offers a stylish urban escape for couples seeking a modern yet cozy retreat in the city.
Plan a romantic date night in the city with more ideas here!
The Best Attractions in Chicago to see this Summer for Families with kids
Chicago is a fantastic destination for families, offering a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. Summer is the perfect time to visit and create unforgettable memories together. Check out world-class museums like the Art Institute, the Field Museum, and the Museum of Science and Industry to family-friendly events such as Navy Pier’s fireworks, NASCAR races, and special limited-time experiences like Dinos Alive and the Bouncy Games. There’s truly something for everyone.
Enjoy a day at one of our popular beaches
Relax at one of the city’s many beaches, such as downtown’s North Avenue Beach or Loyola Beach on the city’s north side. With 26 miles of lakefront featuring 24 public beaches along Lake Michigan, the entire family will love soaking up the sun.
Check out our full list of the 10 best beaches in Chicago, and you’ll easily see why our beaches are some of the best attractions in Chicago!Visit the world’s largest arcade just 30 minutes from downtown
Whether you’re a local or visiting, you’ll want to make time to visit the largest arcade in the world to play some 980 games. Brookfield’s Galloping Ghost Arcade has the classics like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, and the ultra-rare as well like Sega R360.
👾Check out our full list of arcades around the city here!
Don’t miss a family Day at Dinos Alive and the Bouncy Games
The Exhibition Art Center in Logan Square now has two fantastic experiences to round out a day of family fun.
Dinos Alive, the Jurassic-themed immersive experience, has officially opened in Chicago just in time for summer fun. See over 80 life-sized moving replicas, including T-rex, Stegosaurus, and Ankylosaurus. Grab your tickets now!
The Bouncy Games is a 10,000-square-foot inflatable wonderland that will have your family sliding, climbing, and bouncing their way through the adventure.
Have a blast at Navy Pier
If you’re a local with family or friends visiting Chicago, chances are you’ll be taking them to Navy Pier. The summer months are the best time to ride the Ferris wheel, visit the Chicago Children’s Museum, and enjoy the weekly fireworks. Don’t miss Navy Pier’s thrilling new $40 million, 48,000-square-foot FlyOver ride, which swoops you through Chicago’s most iconic visuals, from skyscrapers to landmarks.
When it’s time for a family-friendly meal, sit down at Chef Art Smith’s Reunion (Oprah’s former private chef) for hearty standouts like fried chicken with whipped mashed potatoes and homemade hot sauce, shrimp and grits, and jambalaya.
Let the kids enjoy all that Millenium Park has to offer
Don’t miss a day at Millenium Park! Impress the kids with a massive playground at Maggie Daley Park in downtown Chicago. They will love the tall slides, rock climbing walls, and the skating ribbon, which is perfect for rollerblading or roller skating. Don’t leave without letting them splash around at Crown Fountain. Of course, Chicago’s iconic Cloud Gate sculpture known as ‘the Bean’ has been in renovations since last year, but word is it will reopen in the coming weeks, just in time for summer trips!
Visit the iconic Wrigley Field stadium for a Cubs game or check out a White Sox Game at Guaranteed Rate Field
Enjoy a day at the ballpark with fun for the whole family, whether you’re rooting for the Chicago Cubs or the White Sox. Visiting Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field are some of the best attractions in Chicago not to miss. After all, Chicago has been named the second-best sports city in North America!
Take the kids to the Sheraton Grand Riverwalk and check out the Little Chefs Experience
The Little Chefs Experience at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk lets your littlest chef try their hand at making pizzas, from classics like cheese and pepperoni to custom creations!
Go to the Nascar races
Save the dates because the 2024 Nascar Chicago Street Race is coming back from July 6-7th for two days of racing, in a festival-like atmosphere, and global music headliners!
Attend the Air and Water Show
Enjoy the thrilling spectacle of the Chicago Air and Water Show this summer! Featuring dazzling aerial stunts and intriguing water performances along the lakefront, this is an exhilarating event for the whole family to enjoy from August 10-11th.
Discover the iconic Museum Campus
Visit the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium for a day of fun for all, offering fascinating exhibits and breathtaking views of the cosmos.
Hotels Picks for Families
- Chic and distinctive: Chicago Athletic Association
- Why we love it: Families can enjoy a unique blend of history and modern amenities at the Chicago Athletic Association hotel with convenient access to nearby attractions such as Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. The hotel has a whimsical Harry Potter-esque ambiance, and a game room with billiards, shuffleboard, and board games for plenty of entertainment.
- Amenities for Kids: Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
- Why we love it: Families can enjoy spacious suites like the Illinois room with views of the river, and kids will love the pool, as well as activities like the Little Chef Experience. The entire family will love the world-class steak restaurant Shula’s.