Statistics from 2021 show that Chicago made $1.3 billion in tourism that year. It also saw an 86% tourism increase from 2020, when fewer people traveled.
If you are planning a weekend in Chicago, you need a list of things to do. The good news is there are many things to do in Chicago that you may not know about.
This is a city that is filled with amazing sights and oddities you need to see. This guide will help you figure out the best things to do in Chicago on your trip.
Keep reading to find out about the best things to do in Chicago.
1. Rent a Party Boat
If you want to visit Chicago, you probably want to see the sights. Chicago is home to a variety of aquatic locations that give you a beautiful view of the city.
The best way to enjoy these views is to invest in a party boat rental. The best private party boat rental provides a large boat for a group of people.
A captain is provided that will handle all of the steering and directions. These luxurious yachts are usually 68 feet in size and provide a luxurious feeling.
You will be surrounded by a top-notch crew to provide whatever your group needs. It is the perfect activity for a sunny day if you want to enjoy some time outdoors.
2. Visit the Medieval Torture Museum
There are many things to do in Chicago that you may not have known about. If you don’t live there, there are a lot of unique features many tourists never see.
One of those unique features is the medieval torture museum. This is a museum dedicated solely to how torture was used in medieval times.
While it is a morbid topic, it is quite interesting. This museum is unlike any other museum you may have visited regarding human history.
Keep in mind that the museum strongly recommends that no one under 18 visit. Any children must be accompanied by an adult during the trip.
A bucket load of information about medieval torture is provided throughout your visit. You will also get the best of you of these ancient torture devices usually only seen in books.
3. Go to an Escape Room
Maybe you are looking for something a little less intense than a torture museum. If that is the case, your vacation and planning should include going to an escape room.
Escape rooms are very popular since they provide a unique experience. Every escape room is going to be completely different and usually has a different theme.
Chicago is home to the escape game, which adds a bit more appeal. You will be hunting for gold and hosting prison breaks along with other exciting activities.
This is something that the entire family can enjoy as long as children are accompanied by an adult. It is a great way to mix up sightseeing when you are in Chicago.
4. Harry Potter Sight Seeing
If you are a Harry Potter fan, there are some options in Chicago. One of these options is visiting Hogwarts to enjoy the Harry Potter magic play.
This is a great activity for the entire family if everyone is a Harry Potter fan. You can enjoy an interactive experience with three different floors of enchanted realms.
Everyone has the chance to live out their fantasies regarding the Hogwarts house. There are all kinds of magical activities and a forbidden forest where you may see some creatures.
5. See the Botanic Garden
When you are trip planning for your next trip to Chicago, you probably want something unique. One unique option for the entire family is the Chicago Botanic Garden.
This is a breathtaking outdoor space with bonsai trees and colorful flowers. Not only do you enjoy this outdoor space, but there are also classes as well.
This includes cooking classes, photography classes, and horticultural technique classes. It is the perfect place to unwind with nature and learn a thing or two.
6. Take a Helicopter Tour
If you have been to Chicago before, you may feel like you have seen everything. For the tourist who has experience, one great option is a helicopter tour.
This is a unique activity that gives you a bird’s eye view of the entire city. You can explore the city by air during the day for a picturesque view.
Or you could book a night flight for a breathtaking view of the skyline. The pilot will help you identify the main areas of Chicago to enjoy these sights from a different point.
7. Visit the Shedd Aquarium
Chicago provides a wide range of exciting places to visit. One of these options you may not have seen yet is the Shedd Aquarium.
This aquarium provides a full scope of the ocean for your viewing pleasure. You can see beluga whales and coral reef habitats with colorful tropical fish.
You can even see other water species like alligators and penguins. Overall, this is a perfect place to go for unique sights and an educational experience.
Things to Do In Chicago on Your Next Visit
If you are going to Chicago, you may not know what to do. There are many things to do in Chicago that a lot of tourists forget about.
These options include visiting the medieval torture museum or booking a private party boat.
