Ever heard of The Bean? Just kidding, of course you have. Check out these out-of-the-box suggestions that you might not have heard of from a local Chicagoan.
Sections
2
To do
To eat
To do
Not just your run of the mill tourest suggestions
For the first few months I was like “Balloon museum? But why…?” and then I took the teenager and now I'm eating my words. More like an inflatable art experience, we had so fun! Parking is kinda expensive.
Balloon Museum
Pick up the water taxi downtown and ride all the way to Chinatown. It's like the architectural tour except cheaper and not educational.
Chicago Water Taxi
Freelance wrestling in Logan Square, what else to say?
Upcoming Shows — Freelance Wrestling
Tour this National Historic Landmark home designed by famed Chicago architect Louis Sullivan in 1891. This one's been on my summer bucket list for a while!
Visit The Charnley-Persky House
So much fun to check out this amazing store with the kiddos in Andersonville
Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities
Graceland Cemetery is located in Uptown. It's worth the drive for this beautiful, peaceful, and interesting (self guided) audio tour.
Self-Guided Audio Tour of Graceland Cemetery
This one's not for the kiddos.
Leather Archives & Museum in Chicago
This one is so much for for the whole family. Get ready to take lots of pics
WNDR Museum Chicago
It doesn't seem like just anybody should be able to drive a boat around downtown Chicago. But you can!
Boat Rentals for Every Occasion
The Chicago Cultural Center is free. Free art exhibits, free musical performances, and a massive 38-foot stained-glass Tiffany dome ceiling. What more could you ask for? Did I mention it's free?
Chicago Cultural Center
An authentic Japanese garden set on an island surrounded by lagoons in Jackson Park. What?! Definitely doesn't feel like you are in the city. Pathways, footbridges, koi ponds, and Sky Landing—an outdoor sculpture created by Yoko Ono.
Osaka Garden
Fun date night… if you are into this sort of thing. Tickets required for shows but not for the bar.
Chicago Magic Lounge
A fun date… if you are into this sort of thing?
International Museum of Surgical Science
You know you want to see it
Shit Fountain in Chicago
To eat
OK, technically. not in Chicago (Arlington Heights) but it's the best. I wasn't sure if I should put this in the “to do” or “to eat” section. It's both. The food court is amazing, the bookstore is amazing, the grocery store is… amazing.
Mitsuwa
The best custard and retro treats in Edgewater.
Lickity Split
We love ice cream! The cutest mural on the outside of this location is picture worthy for sure!
Bartleby's Ice Cream
A little gimicky? Maybe. But this tropical tiki-underworld bar is hidden in an alleyway and will delight your out of town friends and family.
Three Dots and a DashChicago
Who doesn't love being insulted while eating a hot dog? A true Chicago experience.
The Wiener's Circle
Corn dogs and also REALLY WEIRD corn dogs. My teens love this place.
