8 Legendary Chicago Summer Attractions You “Must-See” Right NOW!

Pack your bags and grab your sunscreen! These Chicago summer attractions will have you hitting the road ASAP!

Summer is in full swing, so it’s time to soak up as much sun as possible. But where? Well, Chicago is an incredible destination on Lake Michigan’s shores and is well-known for its genuinely picturesque skyline.

But it’s not seeing those prominent skyscrapers that make up all the things to do in the windy city for the regular tourist. Tales of Prohibition-era crime and gangsters of the past provide a fascinating historical backdrop for the city.

And home to 77 neighborhoods, a sprawling waterfront, a full lineup of festivals, and enchanting parks throughout, Chicago packs in something for every single one of its locals.

Add to that a list of award-winning theaters, iconic architecture, and vibrant dining, and you’re looking at a world-class destination…smack dab in our nation’s heartland.

Combine this with the famous Chicago deep-dish pizza, and you can see why millions visit the city yearly. So no matter your plans in the coming months, these 8 Chicago Summer Attractions belong on your bucket list!

The Willis Tower

Previously known as the Sears Tower, this Chicago summer attraction doesn’t look any less cool after its name change in 2009. If we’re being honest, this sleek black structure looks a bit like something you’d make out of Lego as a kid.

And it not only looks fantastic, but the views from it are absolutely incredible. Why wouldn’t they be: the observation deck of the Willis Tower is on the, wait for it… 103rd floor, after all. You can see over fifty miles across four states from this unreal perspective.

For those who don’t get shaky knees and vertigo, there’s The Ledge. This is a glass platform that sticks out of the tower itself. If you choose to stand on it, you can see the street between your feet, which is 1350 feet below.

Overall, this Chicago summer attraction is one of the most iconic things to do in Chicago.

The Art Institute of Chicago

If you’re coming to Chicago for a cultural experience, you’ve GOT to check out the Art Institute first.

It’s the city’s most magnific museum, a Beaux Arts treasure flanked by two bronze lions that are as much a symbol of Chicago as the Willis Tower, and this Chicago summer attraction has one of the most interesting impressionist collections in the world.

While you’re there, plan to stroll through Millennium Park next door. There are many exciting things to see and do. Among them is Cloud Gate, known by basically anyone who’s anyone as “The Bean.”

To give you a better understanding: If the Silver Surfer were a bean, THIS would be it. A selfie in the weird reflections of this very excellent piece of public art itself is an absolute MUST. But we recommend going early if you want to bypass all the crowds.

The Morton Arboretum

Located 30 minutes west of downtown, the Morton Arboretum will make you feel like you’re a world away. It’s a rural escape that feeds the mind and heart. Art installations on site are rotated seasonally, so you never know what you’ll find.

Several are dedicated to the natural sciences, including the living exhibit dedicated to tree growth. “Of the Earth” is the current installation here, showcasing the work of Polish American artist Olga Ziemska.

The artist’s work was created from reclaimed and pruned tree branches and other natural materials gathered from various locations throughout the Arboretum’s 1,700 acres. Open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset, it’s a relative bargain at a $16 per ticket price.

With a maze garden and more than 16 miles of hiking trails, this is the ideal Chicago summer attraction for outdoorsy sorts looking to decompress.

Wrigley Field

This classic Chicago summer attraction is a sports fan’s dream! Wrigley Field Ballpark is definitely worth a visit if you’re in the windy city. You’ll find it on the North Side of Chicago. And grabbing a ticket for a game is easy enough.

Iconic Wrigley Field is probably one of Chicago’s most famous landmarks, with millions of baseball fans flocking to the stadium to get a pic in front of the Wrigley Field Marquee.

The stadium is smack-dab in the middle of the Wrigleyville neighborhood, which has undergone a boon in development recently.

Luxury hotels, a new outdoor plaza, and an influx of restaurants and bars have boosted the area’s cultural hub, so it’s worth hanging around this area before or after your stop at the stadium. The ballpark is the second-oldest in our country, having been built in 1914.

Catching a game here is one of the best things to do in Chicago. And we’re not the only ones who think so. The ballpark has been featured in loads of stuff from Family Guy and The Simpsons to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

Navy Pier

What in the world is Navy Pier? Well, it’s a 3,300-foot-long pier on the shore of Lake Michigan that isn’t only famous for being overly extended. It’s also got a rich heritage to it, dating back to 1916. So it’s over a century old!

But just seeing it doesn’t constitute as one of the best Chicago summer attractions: this pier has to be experienced! While here, you MUST walk around and check out the many attractions on the pier itself.

It’s got everything from old-time fast food stands and shops to seasonal festivals, exhibitions, and even spectacular views across the lake. Sounds like a fantastic time, right? This is probably why it’s one of the most popular Chicago summer attractions.

Night Crimes Tour, Chicago

Who doesn’t love gangster things? Well, it’s time to unearth Chicago’s criminal past! This city isn’t just famous for its deep-dish pizza. It’s also renowned for crime…that is, historical crime.

We’re talking about the Chicago Mob, Frank “The Enforcer” Nitti, Bugs Moran, The Lady in Red, The Untouchables, John Dillinger, and, obviously, the famous, notorious Al Capone.

So to experience one of the most incredible Chicago summer attractions, we recommend going on a stake-out to check out places where all these so-called hoodlums gathered.

Check out spots like the Biograph Theatre, the Holy Name Cathedral, and the Valentine’s Day Massacre site in Lincoln Park. There’s nothing quite like a bit of Prohibition-era gang warfare, right?

Green Mill

First thing first: Do NOT go there expecting fancy drinks, or anything else fancy, for that matter. This Chicago summer attraction is living history at its finest. And it’s always a “rocking” good time. The famed Green Mill is a warm and inviting return to a bygone era.

There’s live jazz, affordable drinks, and loads of local history. Fun Fact: Al Capone used to have a booth reserved here during Prohibition. So what’s not to love? Food isn’t on the menu here. So bring your own chips if you think you’ll need a snack. And don’t worry!

No one will judge you! The craft beer list at this Chicago summer attraction has significantly expanded over the past couple of years. So grab a cold one or a whiskey soda and see where the night takes you.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Located in the heart of the city’s Lincoln Park, this zoo offers accessible, family-friendly entertainment all year-round, including the joyful Zoolights around the holidays.

The sprawling setting of this Chicago summer attraction seamlessly integrates into the park’s landscape, balancing open, natural spaces and countless animal exhibits.

If you don’t include the pricey concessions, Lincoln Park Zoo is a fantastic option to keep all ages occupied while remaining on a budget. Although, we recommend you spring for a paddle boat ride.

Visit the animals, take a ride on the Lionel Train Adventure or the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel, and relish in family-friendly dining options, like the Patio at Cafe Brauer or Bird’s Eye Bar and Grill.

No matter which of these wonderful Chicago summer attractions you end up visiting, one thing’s for sure: You’ll want to put on some sunscreen to avoid the scorching sun’s rays. We suggest checking out this Oil Free Sunscreen from Amazon!

Be sure to let us know in the comments which of these Chicago summer attractions were your favorite. Meanwhile, if you’re planning a trip to Chicago, we think you’ll also love: 5 Places Near Chicago That Make for the Perfect Weekend Getaway