Things to Do in Chicago, Illinois This Weekend

Chicago is the easiest Illinois destination to fill with a full weekend. Pair one major attraction with a neighborhood meal and a lakefront or river walk.

Top Highlights

  • Architecture river cruise and riverwalk loop
  • Museum Campus: Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium
  • Millennium Park, Art Institute, and Loop walking circuit
  • Neighborhood food tours in Pilsen, West Loop, and Chinatown

Free Ideas

  • Lincoln Park Zoo
  • Millennium Park public art
  • Lakefront Trail walk or bike segment
  • Chicago Cultural Center exhibits

Family-Friendly Picks

  • Shedd Aquarium morning slot
  • Maggie Daley Park and skating ribbon
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Navy Pier seasonal activities

Sample Weekend Plan

  1. Day 1: Architecture tour + Loop museums + neighborhood dinner
  2. Day 2: Lakefront parks + family attraction + local market