Things to do in Riverside

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Photo by Jamie Nelson
Photo by Jamie Nelson

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Riverside 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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Wrigley Field featuring cbd, a sporting event and a city

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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Navy Pier featuring a sunset and rides

3. 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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McCormick Place showing a high rise building and a city

4. 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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Millennium Park featuring a city, modern architecture and fall colors

5. 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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Grant Park showing a garden and night scenes

6. 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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Chicago Riverwalk which includes a city, a bay or harbor and a river or creek

7. Lake Michigan

Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan coastline stretches 495 miles (797 kilometers) from Kenosha, near Chicago, to Marinette, next to Upper Michigan. Establish a local base to settle in for a vacation or make a driving tour to numerous cities and villages.
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Holland State Park featuring general coastal views and a sandy beach as well as a couple

8. 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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Soldier Field featuring a skyscraper, modern architecture and a city

Recommended things to do in Riverside

Number of things to do
136
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
eSIM: Airalo United States Package: $2
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Riverside

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Riverside? 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 Riverside

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
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
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
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
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

 

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 Riverside

Photo by Jamie Nelson

Broadview

Brookfield Zoo showing zoo animals and dangerous animals

Brookfield

Chicago featuring heritage architecture and a house

Oak Park

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

Chicago

Frequently asked questions

Is Riverside worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor adventures, there are plenty of great things to do in Riverside. Remember to discover the area's blend of awesome sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Riverside?
After you've visited popular attractions like Brookfield Zoo and Galloping Ghost, spend some time exploring the food and retail options in Riverside.
What is the top tourist attraction in Riverside?
The top tourist attraction in Riverside is Brookfield Zoo, so don't forget to put it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Riverside?
You can easily enjoy top attractions like Brookfield Zoo, Galloping Ghost and Madison Street Theatre with a three-day stay in Riverside. On average, most travelers plan two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a while longer and venture to Chicago.
Is Riverside a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city center, Riverside is a good place to discover on foot. Enjoy wandering between Brookfield Zoo and Galloping Ghost. Then take a stroll through North Riverside, located 0.6 miles from downtown, and Stickney, which is about 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Riverside with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Riverside with kids.

What to do in Riverside for adults?
Credit Union 1 Arena and Park District of La Grange are just two of the things to do in Riverside. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Riverside?
One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Riverside is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on exciting neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. Galloping Ghost is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.