Things to do in Illinois

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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A waterfront building with a sign reading "Water Street."

Illinois Attractions

Discover what makes Illinois tick with the very best tours & day trips. Check out our top {430 fun activities in Illinois fun activities in Illinois}, and rest easy knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Things to do

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

$27
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
Chicago: Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket

Chicago: Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket

$47
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Chicago: Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Regular & Express Ticket

Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket

$25
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour

Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour

$41
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago

$29
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago
Chicago Skyline Tiki Chic Party Cruise on Lake Michigan

Chicago Skyline Tiki Chic Party Cruise on Lake Michigan

$42
per adult
Chicago Skyline Tiki Chic Party Cruise on Lake Michigan
Chicago: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Ticket

Chicago: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Ticket

$26
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Chicago: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Ticket
cruise ship sailing past navy pier in chicago

City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Premier Dinner Cruise

$154
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Premier Dinner Cruise
Chicago: Museum of Illusions Timed Entrance Ticket

Chicago: Museum of Illusions Timed Entrance Ticket

$43
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Chicago: Museum of Illusions Timed Entrance Ticket
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Illinois must see attractions

1. Wrigley Field

Fans of baseball know Wrigley Field as the long-time home of the Chicago Cubs. Built in 1914, this is one of the oldest and best-known ballparks in the US. Some of the most memorable moments in baseball history have been played out here, including Babe Ruth’s now famous “called shot” in 1932 during the World Series. He allegedly pointed to the bleachers, predicting that he’d hit a home run, and then did. Legendary Cubs player Ernie Banks nicknamed the stadium "The Friendly Confines" because fans were wild about their team and ballpark. Catch a game and mingle with the passionate locals if you’re in town March through September.
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An aerial view of a baseball stadium surrounded by urban buildings.

2. Navy Pier

Navy Pier draws more than 8.6 million visitors each year. It has rides, restaurants, shops, parks and boat tours, all within a 50-acre pier on Lake Michigan. Open year-round, it’s busiest in the summer months when there are open-air stalls selling souvenirs and weekly firework displays.
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A Ferris wheel and a carousel at a fairground.

3. Soldier Field

Soldier Field has been one of Chicago’s most well-known landmarks since its construction in 1924 and is the oldest NFL stadium in the country.
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A large stadium surrounded by a cityscape with modern buildings.

4. McCormick Place

McCormick Place is both the biggest convention center in Chicago and the biggest one anywhere in the U.S. This vast, sprawling complex is an impressive feat of architecture and engineering that was founded well over half a century ago. Attend an event here to get a sense of its incredible scale.
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A modern cityscape with tall buildings, a clear sky, and a tree-lined street.

5. Chicago Riverwalk

Get a sense of the culture and character of the Windy City by wandering along the Chicago Riverwalk. This scenic stretch of the city follows the banks of the Chicago River from near the edge of Lake Michigan through Downtown to where the river splits. As you follow the walkway, pass impressive bridges, fascinating museums and trendy dining spots.
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6. Millennium Park

Millennium Park is a 25-acre (10 hectare) park in the central Loop. Locals and tourists gather year-round for concerts, biking and jogging, and to admire the sculptures dotting the landscape.
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A cityscape with modern skyscrapers and the Cloud Gate sculpture.

7. Six Flags Great America

Locals and visitors come to Six Flags Great America to escape the heat during Milwaukee’s summer months. The theme park has almost 7 miles (11 kilometers) of roller coaster track alongside a host of other family attractions and entertainment set over a sprawling area close to the Wisconsin–Illinois state line.
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A roller coaster in motion against a clear blue sky.

8. Grant Park

Grant Park is one of Chicago’s most loved and diverse public parks, with a host of family-friendly attractions and activities. It spreads across 319 acres (129 hectares) between Michigan Avenue and the banks of Lake Michigan. Grant Park is a scenic area blessed with everything from concert venues and museums to public art, statues and well-groomed lawns. Walk along wide tree-lined promenades dissecting the park.
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A park with walking paths, trees, and benches. In the background, there are tall buildings, including a prominent skyscraper.

What to do in Illinois

Free Things to Do in Illinois

Vacationing on a limited budget in Illinois? Spend time instead of cash on fabulous experiences.

Luthy Botanical Garden - Recharge your body, mind and soul by spending time in nature.

Things to Do in Illinois with Kids

There's fun for all the family no matter where you wander in Illinois. Here are a few family friendly experiences you can enjoy together that are sure to make your trip memorable:

 

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

 

 

Stay near popular Illinois attractions

An aerial view of a baseball stadium surrounded by urban buildings.
Photo by © City of Chicago
Open Photo by © City of Chicago

Wrigley Field

9.0/10 (11,704 reviews)
Tour the iconic grounds and catch a game March through September at Chicago’s beloved baseball stadium.
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Where to stay in Illinois

Find the best Illinois areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Illinois
Learn more about Illinois
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Downtown Chicago

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views, and gorgeous architecture, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Chicago. Top attractions like Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue are major draws. Catch the metro at State Station or Clark-Lake Station to see more of the city.

A river with yellow boats, a bridge, and tall buildings.

The Loop

Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan are a few top attractions in The Loop. Hop around the city on the metro at Washington Station or Lake Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries.

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Magnificent Mile

Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Magnificent Mile. Travelers also love the fascinating museums, panoramic lake views, and popular shops.

A city street with a train passing overhead, cars, pedestrians, and a red brick building.

River North

Known for its fantastic nightlife, stunning river views, and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in River North. Top attractions like Merchandise Mart and Bally's Casino Chicago are major draws. Catch the metro at Merchandise Mart Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

A river with a city skyline in the background, surrounded by green trees and grass.

Lincoln Park

Known for its ample dining options and fantastic lake views, there's plenty to explore in Lincoln Park. You can visit top attractions like Lake Michigan and Lincoln Hall, and jump on the metro at Fullerton Station or Armitage Station to see more of the city.

 

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.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Illinois on a sunny day?
What to do in Illinois on a rainy day?
There's no need to squelch your way through a damp day when there are so many fantastic indoor activities like these to try:


What is Illinois famous for?
Get set to be busy with all of these big-name sights to cross off your checklist:

  • Wrigley Field
  • McCormick Place
  • Millennium Park
  • Willis Tower

What should I not miss in Illinois?
If you want to discover the best of this destination, pencil these attractions into your schedule:

  • Navy Pier
  • Soldier Field
  • United Center
  • Grant Park

Are there cheap things to do in Illinois?
What can you do in Illinois for free?
Your trip to Illinois needn't blow the budget with free attractions like these to discover:

  • Millennium Park
  • University of Chicago
  • Northwestern University
  • John Hancock Center

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