Things to do in Evanston

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Grosse Point Lighthouse which includes a lighthouse and a house
Evanston which includes flowers
Northwestern University which includes hiking or walking, general coastal views and a park
Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art
Baha\'i House of Worship featuring heritage architecture, flowers and a fountain

Evanston Attractions

They say that good things come in small packages, and this endearing city is no exception. From amazing tourist attractions to thrilling activities, there are loads of fun things to do in Evanston.

If you're ready to discover the best of Evanston, sign up for one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let a friendly expert show you some of the most popular sights. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {88 fun activities in Evanston fun activities in Evanston} are also worth looking into.

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.

One Key members save 10% or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.

Most popular activities in Evanston

Tours & day trips

See all 66 activities
Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour

Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
8.4 out of 10 with 505 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was $45 and current price is $41 per adult
Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 15 activities
Gangster Story Quest Experience in Chicago

Gangster Story Quest Experience in Chicago

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $9 per adult*
Gangster Story Quest Experience in ChicagoOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 10 activities
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

Activity duration is 30 minutes
8.4 out of 10 with 628 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $30 per adult
360 CHICAGO Observation DeckOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 9 activities
Rosemont: Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience

Rosemont: Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience

Activity duration is 1 hour
6.6 out of 10 with 7 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $97 per traveler
Rosemont: Two Flight Indoor Skydiving ExperienceOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 6 activities
BYOB Spray Paint 'n' Sip at Studio W.I.P. Chicago

BYOB Spray Paint 'n' Sip at Studio W.I.P. Chicago

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 12 reviews
Price is $45 per adult
BYOB Spray Paint 'n' Sip at Studio W.I.P. ChicagoOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Evanston

Number of things to do
88
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Chicago's Gold Coast Hidden History: A Self-Guided Audio Walk: $6
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Evanston

Free Things to Do in Evanston

There's no need to dig deep into your pockets in Evanston. The following won't cost a thing.

Northwestern University - This well-known local landmark is a wonderful backdrop for a selfie or two.

Dawes Park - If you relish spending time in the garden, this attraction will satisfy your inner green thumb.

Things to Do in Evanston with Kids

There are loads of sensational experiences in Evanston that the entire gang will love. These are some of the best family friendly experiences in the area.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Evanston? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Evanston

Wrigley Field featuring cbd, a sporting event and a city

Wrigley Field

4.5/5(2,128 reviews)

Tour the iconic grounds and catch a game March through September at Chicago’s beloved baseball stadium.

Wrigley Field
Navy Pier featuring a sunset and rides

Navy Pier

4.5/5(4,870 reviews)

A Ferris wheel, shopping, restaurants and more can be found in this waterfront entertainment district.

Navy Pier
Magnificent Mile - River North showing night scenes, a city and signage

Michigan Avenue

4.5/5(332 reviews)

You can enjoy some retail therapy when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Michigan Avenue
McCormick Place showing a high rise building and a city

McCormick Place

4.5/5(1,805 reviews)

Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.

McCormick Place
Six Flags Great America featuring rides

Six Flags Great America

4.5/5(347 reviews)

Spend a day at this sprawling theme park to enjoy an array of thrilling roller coaster rides, a water park and entertainment for kids of all ages.

Six Flags Great America
Millennium Park featuring a city, modern architecture and fall colors

Millennium Park

4.5/5(7,198 reviews)

A landmark gathering place for locals and visitors who come to admire the unique art, architecture and landscape.

Millennium Park
Soldier Field featuring a skyscraper, modern architecture and a city

Soldier Field

4.5/5(1,256 reviews)

Events center, NFL stadium and historic landmark all in one, this waterfront field is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations.

Soldier Field
Grant Park showing a garden and night scenes

Grant Park

4.5/5(3,318 reviews)

Chicago’s front yard is a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.

Grant Park
Chicago Riverwalk which includes a city, a bay or harbor and a river or creek

Chicago Riverwalk

4.5/5(1,535 reviews)

Stroll along the waterfront of the Chicago River to pass some of the city’s most appealing attractions and appreciate how a once grim area has been successfully revamped.

Chicago Riverwalk

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Evanston

Dreamy Coffee ☕️ Stop by the coffee shop at Evanston and ask for Barista Mike to pour this dream coffee for you. #coffee #latte #latteArt #LifeAtExpedia

South Evanston

South Evanston is well-liked for its restaurants and shopping. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Lake Michigan and Dawes Park are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Main Street Metro Station or South Boulevard Station to get around.

South Evanston
Default Image

North Evanston

The restaurants and shopping are just a few things visitors like about North Evanston. Ryan Field and Welsh-Ryan Arena are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Central Station (Purple Line) or Noyes Station to get around the larger area.

North Evanston
Cool local brewery with really neat decor and a nice seating area outside.

Downtown Evanston

While you're in Downtown Evanston, take in top sights like Halim Time & Glass Museum and jump on the metro at Davis Metro Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Evanston
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Evanston

Chicago which includes a city and a high rise building as well as a family

Chicago

Photo by Foodie Traveller

Lincolnwood

Baha\'i House of Worship which includes heritage elements

Wilmette

Frequently asked questions

Is Evanston worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Evanston is visit Lincoln Park Zoo. Check this leading sight off your list, then discover more of the area's nature and dining.
How do I spend a day in Evanston?
Start your adventures with a visit to Lincoln Park Zoo and Montrose Beach. Then, explore other areas of Evanston for local restaurants and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Evanston?
The top tourist attraction in Evanston is Lincoln Park Zoo, so don't forget to put it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Evanston?
Three days in Evanston is more than enough to visit the city's major highlights. Many travelers stay for three days on average. Montrose Beach, Riviera Theatre and Kathy Osterman Beach are top-rated sights. Like to see more? Stick around a while longer to explore nearby hotspots like Chicago.
Is Evanston a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city center, Evanston is a good destination to discover on foot. Have fun wandering between North Shore Center for the Performing Arts and Loyola Beach. Then take a stroll around Rogers Park, located 3 miles from downtown, and West Ridge, which is about 3 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Evanston with kids?
If you're looking for sights and activities for all of your group, have a look at these great ideas for what to do in Evanston with kids.
What to do in Evanston for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Evanston, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to FEW Spirits or Milwaukee Avenue.
Are there free things to do in Evanston?
One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Evanston is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without getting your cash out. Montrose Beach is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.