Wondering what to do while Visiting Chicago? Or maybe you just need some fun new date ideas… Either way, expanding y our horizons can be an interesting opportunity to learn more about the culture and lifestyle of a city. Chicago does not disappoint when it comes to options for entertainment.

If you’re looking for for live events, such as concerts, art, comedy, music, theater, etc.. check out our local events calendar. But if you’re looking for other date ideas, or fun things to do near you, check out some of these awesome attractions.

Oak Street

There are various high-end stores and shops here. Whatever you want, be it designer wear or personalized accessories, this place has ‘em all! Oak Street is a kind of ensemble market where you can purchase home furnishings, jewelry, art, music, shoes, and just about anything you can think of! In addition to stores and boutiques, this place has loads of salons and spas where you can spend ample time pampering yourself after a long day of shopping!

Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

This museum will be an unusual and exciting experience for the family. A lapidary is a term for an artist who creates decorative items and art by using gems and minerals creatively.  Two floors of this museum contain some of the finest lapidary exhibits, with the top floor, which is a hands-off area, having the most captivating ones. However, kids will get ample opportunity to get a first-hand experience of the elements of gems and minerals downstairs. The location of the museum is also great as it is located in the middle of a beautiful park, where you can take walks and have a leisurely time.

The City of Aurora

Situated about an hour away from the city, this is a perfect chance for the whole family to spend some quality time away from the noise and hustle bustle of the city. The Sci-Tech Hands-On Museum is filled with interesting things to do and exhibits on each floor. This place is referred to as the charming suburb of science fun. An added attraction is the free zoo right in the middle of an amazing park.

Gene Siskel Film Center

This newer theater was renamed after the late film critic in 2000. Situated right across the famous Chicago Theatre, it is presently the sole movie theater in the loop area in downtown Chicago. This venue is renowned for being one of the major art-house showcases in the city. Film festival screenings often take place along with a mixture of classics, independents and more high-profile art films.

Alinea

There is a 24-course tasting menu by owner and master chef Grant Achatz, which takes around 5 hours to finish. The cuisine here is Contemporary American and Achatz is simply a culinary wizard and his experiments with food ingredients and presentation is what makes the place famous. Imagine truffle-juice ravioli with melted leek and bison with multiple preparations of Iranian pistachios.