So, imagine you have planned a day out in the Windy City, Chicago. You have the Lake Michigan sailing, Chicago River kayaking, Ferris wheels, and pier rides ready on your bucket list. But then you open the curtains of your hotel room, and there you have it. The snow! Or worse, rain!
“There goes my plans to see the city!” Listen up! Yes, Chicago looks beautiful when it is sunny and windy, but rain and snow brings you closer to a better option, the indoor activities in Chicago.
Trust me, I have been in this situation before (more times than I dare to admit). My friends and I misjudged the forecast for our weekend in the city and ended up going after the indoor activities on a snowy or rainy day in Chicago. But they are not as bad as they seem. In fact, once you are on the hunt for things to do in Chicago when it rains or snows, you will realize they are actually more enjoyable than outdoor activities.
So don’t let the weather put you in a bad mood. If you are wondering what to do when it’s rainy, these are the best indoor activities in Chicago dotted all over the city for an unforgettable time.
The Best Indoor Things To Do In Chicago
Indoor activities in Chicago never disappoint, and the top 10 attractions for every age group are listed here.
A Fun Day For Little Ones At Chicago Children’s Museum
Address: 700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
Instead of letting your children get bored at home, take them to this children’s museum at Navy Pier. There are lots of fun things to do, like exhibits for school-aged children, including dinosaur bone-digging expeditions, Circusville, and a special Play for All initiative where children with disabilities can experience multisensory and inclusive programs.
Music Box Theatre
Address: 3733 N Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
This historical movie theatre is your answer to what to do on a rainy day in Chicago. The neon sign lures me to Southport Avenue every time, and I cannot help but walk to the ticket window and book a seat for the independent, classic, and foreign movies playing in the familiar venue. There’s always something exciting playing at Music Box Theatre.
WhirlyBall Chicago
Address: 1825 W Webster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
All the best indoor activities in Chicago happen at WhirlyBall. The exciting game with bumper cars isn’t the only attraction here; but Laser Tag, Bowling, and other pop-up games also make everyone smile with their fun and adventurous rules. And when you are done playing, head over to The Pivot Room to get a pint or delicious food from the classic American fare menu.
Field Museum
Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, United States
Field Museum is one of my favorite indoor things to do in Chicago. They are always exhibiting exciting scientific and historical stuff like Audubon’s Birds of America’s life-size illustrations, DNA Discovery Center with its genetic research facility, and Dinosaurs of Antarctica 3D movie which runs for 20 minutes and welcomes you to Gondwana’s prehistoric world. It is definitely worth a visit to explore ancient cultures and scientific discoveries.
Shedd Aquarium
Address: 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, United States
If you love the marine life as much as I do, Shedd Aquarium is probably the best the aquarium to see animals from around the world. And I am talking about sea otters, belugas, turtles, penguins, and sharks, etc. It is one of the best indoor places to visit with your kids, and do keep an eye out for the exhibits. The sea otter encounter is my favorite as you get to interact with the adorable animals with an acrylic partition between you.
The Escape Game
Address: 42 E Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
Test out your team-building skills and get out of themed escape rooms with sneaky hints and clever tactics. But beware, you only get a limited time to escape the rooms before you lose the game and get lost in it forever. Just kidding. The Escape Room claims that you will love their games a lot, or else you will get your money back. And I 100% agree with them. It is one of the best indoor activities in Chicago for families of all skill levels.
Fox In A Box Escape Room
Address: 47 W Polk Street, suite l5 basement, Chicago, IL 60605, United States
This is another fun activity in case you are wondering what to do on a rainy day in Chicago. With rooms efficiently designed for just 3 or 4 people at a time, you can make the most out of 60 minutes. I love the Zodiac Room (who else is fond of crime thrillers?), in which you have to escape the room before the infamous serial killer comes to make you his next victim.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Roller Skating and Bowling Center
Address: 1219 W 76th St, Chicago, IL 60620, United States
This roller skating rink is your chance to skate, bowl, and play arcade games as much as you like, ideally on a rainy day in Chicago. The huge 10,000 sq ft of skating rink is the most recognizable aspect of the place, with many roller skates and rollerblades to choose from. The large 12-lane bowling alley is beautifully illuminated with flat-screen TVs and black light murals, and when you are tired of playing, head over to the Roller Café to fuel up with pizzas, nachos, and soft drinks.
Museum of Illusions
Address: 25 E Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
The coolest indoor activities in Chicago at the Museum of Illusions are my go-to idea to beat the boring, rainy, or snowy days. The illusion rooms at this place are fascinating, to say the least. I have had my fair share of illusion museums, but this one in Chicago, with its mind-bending puzzles, trippy perspectives, and funny mirrors, is nothing I’ve seen before. You can also arrange corporate or private events in their full-facility rentals.
Adler Planetarium
Address: 1300 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, United States
Cozy cafes and world-class museums keep you entertained, but there is something about a space dedicated to astronomy that is just so relaxing. Another one on our list of things to do in Chicago when it rains is Adler Planetarium, which has special exhibits, sky shows, and digital series showcasing stunning space and tours of the night sky.
Indoor Activities In Chicago For Families
Skydiving indoors or splashing in a world full of colors, there are many indoor things to do in Chicago for you and your children.
iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Address: 800 W Scott Street, Chicago, IL 60610, United States
In Chicago, one of the only indoor places to visit that is way cooler than any interactive museum or escape room is iFLY skydiving. After putting you in a comfortable outfit and giving you a wristband, the flight instructors will guide you as you skydive in the wind tunnel. The number of flights depends on the package that you choose.
Color Factory Chicago
Address: 320 W Jackson Boulevard Lower Level 2, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
Chicago’s indoor scene always keep me entertained. With 14 entire rooms and art exhibits dedicated to the concept of colors, there isn’t much left to do then jump into the fun. Not only will you find ball pits and slides, but the museum brings together artists to tell their stories in different way through color horoscope, piles of confetti paying homage to Chicago flag, and the special Puerto-Rican architecture (my favorite!)
Altitude Chicago Trampoline Park
Address: 404 N Armour Street, Chicago, IL 60642, United States
The Altitude Chicago Trampoline Park is an exciting indoor activity in Chicago to defy gravity. My favorite part of this whole place is the Wipeout-inspired spinning wheel, with padded arms, which you have to jump over using the trampoline before it knocks you down. There is also a performance trampoline for adrenaline rush activities where you can choose a 4 or 6-foot landing zone.
Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze
Address: 600 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
This amusement center has some pretty epic indoor stuff to do with 4,000 sq. ft of pure funhouse elements, like spinning tunnel, infinity light room, flow lights and visuals to take pictures with your friends. However, I would recommend not taking kids younger than 8 years of age as the dark and loud ambiance, not to mention the surprises, can be too intense for the little beings.
Indoor Activities In Chicago For Adults
Explore exciting indoor stuff to do in the company of good food, relaxing beverages, spa treatments, and much more.
AIRE Ancient Baths
Address: 800 W Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60642, United States
Rain or snow, there is no way you can miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime spa experience. AIRE Ancient Baths is an unexpected surprise in a historic restored factory from the 1900s, where Greek, Ottoman, and Roman spa experiences offer you relaxing sensations no matter what. I personally adore their “Love Myself” 45-minute magical massage in which they use special basalt stones and fruit juices to refresh you. It is kind of expensive but worth every penny!
Diversey River Bowl
Address: 2211 W Diversey Parkway, Chicago, IL 60647, United States
This bowling alley proves that there are many indoor activities in the heart of Chicago that don’t let you get bored any time of the year. The Cosmic Bowl is a cool light show at the bowling center with a live DJ, draft beers, and a delicious food menu – in my opinion, it is the complete package under a roof to celebrate your day at a reasonable price.
Topgolf Swing Suite
Address: 900 Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
Rainy days in Chicago or winter blues don’t stand a chance against this sports bar and grill, where you can relax and dine in between exciting simulator-style games of golf, zombie dodgeball, hockey, or football. The price per bay from Thursday to Sunday is $49.95 per hour if you want to reserve gameplay for you and your folks. The delicious food menu by Aster Hall Chicago is a recipe for an awesome day indoors in Chicago.
Cindy’s Rooftop Bar
Address: 12 S Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
My goal at Cindy’s Rooftop Bar is simple – have fun watching the skyline of the city while indulging in the best of Chicago’s rainy day activities. Perched on the 13th floor, this eatery has a sophisticated ambiance, thanks to its glass atrium, that looks even more ethereal when it is raining or drizzling. And if the weather turns pleasant, head out onto the open-air terrace which offers pretty views of Millenium Park all year round.
Snakes & Lattes
Address: 1965 N Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647, United States
You have heard of snakes and ladders before, but if you are fond of board games, this strange restaurant, with its themed rooms and game vault, is your formula for an awesome day out. A whole world of adventure awaits you, with Enchanted Forest, Starship Room, and Haunted Study, the most popular private rooms at Snakes & Lattes. Brunch is available from 11 am to 3 pm on weekends and offers the most delicious items on the menu, such as Egg Croissant Sandwich, Classic Breakfast Combo, and plenty of brunch cocktails.
Logan Square Farmers Market
Address: 2400-2556 N Kedzie Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60618, United States
Something about picking fresh groceries, fruits, and vegetables from farmers’ markets is so relaxing, which is why I always hunt for community farmers’ markets in new cities. Luckily, Logan Square Farmers Market is a perfect indoor thing to do in Chicago as it moves indoors when the weather gets cold. Rain or shine, more than 80 local farmers are always waiting for the best food produce every week.
First Ascent Avondale
Address: 3516 N Spaulding Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618, United States
Once you have accepted that rock climbing is a daring adventure made for you, then you actively look out for that feeling of defying gravity. May is filled with so many happenings at First Ascent Climbing, including Star Wars Day, Yin+Chill Workshop, and the Come Hell or High Point Rope Comp. Prepare for a day filled with fun things to do indoors in Chicago.
Free Indoor Activities In Chicago
There are many indoor places to visit in Chicago without spending a penny. Here are some free attractions in the city, from cultural centers to cozy park conservatories.
Chicago Cultural Center
Address: 78 E Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
Chicago Culture Center draws visitors to its beautiful glass-stained domes, architecture and historical venue with its free public events, encompassing visual arts, contemporary culture, and theater events.
Garfield Park Conservatory
Address: 300 N Central Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60624, United States
You don’t have to pay to spend an exciting day when it rains in Chicago. Being a stunning and one of the largest botanical conservatories, you can see thousands of plant species and enjoy innovative educational programs to live and breathe nature.
Art Institute of Chicago
Address: 111 S Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
Love conserved pieces of art? Art Institute of Chicago will blow your mind away with its 300,000 pieces collection of art, including some of the most revered masterpieces of the world. This museum was founded in 1879, and still considered a must see indoor attraction in Chicago. The museum opens to public from 11 am, and general admission is free for the members.
