Are you visiting Chicago soon and looking for some fun activities that do not involved drinking or bars? Are you visiting Chicago but it is a rainy day? We have you covered–here is a list of our favorite things to do in Chicago. Enjoy your trip to Chicago! We love our home town.
Written by Olive
1. An Immersive Exhibit
It seems like the new fun experiences are immersive exhibits. First Van Gough and now the Frida Immersive Exhibit.
- Details: The Van Gough exhibit is taking place now through mid February 2022. Tickets are available on their website and they have on and off peak pricing. The Frida Exhibit opens up at the end of February – presale tickets already on sale.
- Location: It’s in Old Town at 108 W Germania Pl
- Getting There: There is some parking garages/lots near by and the closet public transportation is the Sedgwick brown line and Clark/Division Red LineMake it a Day: Enjoy brunch at Kanela Breakfast Club or lunch/dinner at Topo Gigio
2. The Art of Banksy Exibit
Art of Banksy Exhibit in River North – this just opened mid August and they have tickets online through October 2021.
- Details: The exhibit is filled with original work by Banksy from all different mediums including prints, canvas, sculptures and limited edition pieces. It’s currently only taking place in Chicago and San Francisco.
- Location: It’s in River North at 360 N. State Street
- Getting There: It looks like they have a validation deal at the 400 N. State Street parking garage – $20.00 for an 8 hour window. For more details, check out their FAQ Page linked here. We recommend walking or taking public transportation, there’s a handful of CTA train/bus stations in River North, check out which one works best for you!
- Make it a Day: Grab a quick slice of pizza or sandwich at Olive’s personal favorite, Dough Bros pizza. If you’re looking for more of a sit down experience, check out The Radio Room right across the street!
3. An Escape Room
Grab some friends and enjoy an afternoon at the Art of Escape Room!
- Details: There are a few different room options going at once that can accommodate 2-8 people depending on your room choice. Make sure you invite friends you know will help you escape in the allotted time!
- Location: This escape room is located in River North at 162 W. Grand Ave.
- Getting There: There will be some parking garages in the area, but we recommend walking or public transportation due to pricing in these garages being pricey!
- Make it a Day: Try out The Diver in River North for a trendy ambiance or go with the tried and true Lou Malnatis that’s just down the street.
4. The Plant
Visit The Plant for one of their events that can be found on this page!
- Details: The Plant is a no-waste community filled with food businesses on the southwest side of Chicago. They have a farmer’s market on Sunday, various events throughout the year, a brewery, a garden center and more!
- Location: Back of the Yards at 4459 S. Marshfield Ave
- Getting There: There is street parking available for free right in front of The Plant
- Make it a Day: You can truly spend the whole day at the plant. Start by shopping and enjoying a delicious beverage at New Magnolia Garden. Then make your way inside for a local beer or two at Whiner Beer Taproom.
If you are looking for more details on how to spend your day at and near the Plant, check out this post for more ways to make it a day!
I am from Chicago and had to click on this category. Loving these posts!
I love having a list of fun things to do in Chicago on a rainy day. We often plan for lots of outdoor stuff and ignore the chance of rain. I love the variety of things you have included. Would give us several days of escapes.
All great ideas! I love interactive art instillations and escape rooms – both are perfect for rainy days. The plant looks fantastic too! You could have a whole post just about that! 🙂
An immersive experience sounds like so much fun! Thanks for the tips on what to do in Chicago on a rainy day.
Chicago has been on my travel list for so long, so I’m happy I found your article… this was something new for me! Well done ❤️
This sounds like my kind of trip to Chicago! I’d love to visit The Art of Banksy Exibit! I bet that is incredible! I love escape rooms too, they are so much fun! These ideas sound like the best way to pass a rainy day in Chicago! Thanks for the great guide!