No Sun? No Problem! 15 Unmissable Chicago Indoor Activities
Uh oh! You’ve pulled out all the stops for your Windy City adventure but now you’re being met with buckets of precipitation.
Don’t go nuts wondering what kind of indoor activities Chicago has to offer, especially on a rainy day. Our Chi-town experts have scoured the internet to bring you the best things to do in Chicago on a rainy day. Follow along to learn everything you need to know about the 15 best Chicago indoor activities.
This Second City is a cosmopolitan hub of culture, history, entertainment, and food. Thankfully, Chicago in the rain doesn’t need to spell ‘stop’ for your tourist fun.
Gear up for hours of Picasso and Renoir at the Art Institute. Or embrace the H20 theme with a splashtastic visit to the Shedd Aquarium. From curious encounters with captivating Belga Whales to afternoons brushing up on the tragic story of the Great Chicago Fire. This Midwest mecca doesn’t need sunshine to show off.
Warm your tummy with a hefty helping of cheesy deep-dish pizza. Or keep kids’ developing minds challenged with a brick building and Kingdom Quest rides at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
Ready to know more about what to do on a rainy day in Chicago? Read on!
Indoor Activities in Chicago When It Rains
Pull on those galoshes and pony up for a $10 street umbrella because no amount of showers can dampen all of the things to do in Chicago when it rains.
From inspiring visits to your favorite pieces of contemporary art to soothing tired muscles with a serene bath soak, we’ve rounded up a list of what to do in Chicago on a rainy day.
Indoor Activities in Chicago
Visit a Museum
Stay dry and indulge in one of our preferred indoor things to do in Chicago when you spend an hour or two wandering around any of the Windy City’s museums.
- Museum of Science and Industry – Sparking creativity for nearly a century, this institution of discovery is ideal for learners of all ages. Take a gander at a real U-505 submarine, or feel firsthand the physics behind tornados and avalanches.
- The Field Museum – Considered one of the world’s largest natural history museums, curious minds can encounter towering dinosaurs, halls of gems, and ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics here at The Field Museum. Don’t forget to swing by the famous 2013 Chelyabinsk meteor, which landed in Russia in a flash of brilliant light and instantly went viral.
- Chicago History Museum – Looking for more rainy day activities Chicago? Seek refuge from the elements and explore the fascinating history of everything from the Great Chicago Fire to the origins of the city’s Polish communities when you visit the Second City’s oldest cultural institution.
- Art Institute of Chicago – Widely renowned as one of the oldest and largest art museums in the world, the Art Institute of Chicago boasts an unbeatable collection of works ranging from Tiffany Glass to African art. Come and get lost in the works of Van Gogh, Monet, and Matisse and discover why it is one of the best Chicago rainy day activities.
- American Writers Museum – Is the pen mightier than the sword? Channel your inner wordsmith when you uncover five centuries of American history and culture from the writers’ perspective while looking for things to do inside in Chicago.
Indulge in some TLC at the Aire Ancient Baths
Escape torrential rain showers for some spa treatments, salt rituals, and tantalizing massage experiences at the Aire Ancient Baths. Located at 800 W Superior St, guests can relish their traditional Roman and Greek-style pampering in this restored 1902 factory.
Settle in for a long soak, or treat yourself to a little something extra when you book a complete holistic ritual or their Signature Wine Experience featuring detoxifying grapes.
Chicago Cultural Center
A stunning Chi-town Landmark building that reflects the diverse nature of the city, the Chicago Cultural Center has become one of the most visited attractions in Chicago. Constructed over a hundred years ago, you can find it at 78 E Washington St.
The building is home to two magnificent stained-glass domes. Stroll freely through the hallways as you soak in exhibitions showcasing sculpture, photography, and more.
Garfield Park Conservatory
Who says you can’t commune with nature in the rain? The Garfield Park Conservatory at 300 N Central Park Ave may be best known for its stunning gardens, fishing lagoon, and being one of the top things to do in Chicago in the rain.
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True plant lovers know this completely free institution also contains a variety of ever-changing exhibits and installations from Chicago-based artists, community members, and Conservatory staff.
Admire historical photographs, peek into fairy houses, or learn all about the harmonious relationship between bees and blossoms.
Feast on Chicago Favorites
Chicago hot dogs perfectly dusted with celery salt or hefty helpings of deep dish oozing with mozzarella and fresh tomatoes? Whatever your preference, there’s no denying the Windy City’s epicurean delights.
If you can brave a bit of bad weather, we think it’s well worth it to trek through the city on Bobby’s Bike Hike Chicago Favorites Food and Walking Tour.
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From the iconic Chicago Theater marquee to the shining Bean, you’ll make your way to all of Chicago’s top sights as you munch away on hot dogs, the original chocolate brownie, craft beer, and, of course, pizza!
See the Blue Man Group
Feeling Blue? Turn that frown upside down when you jump into an afternoon or evening of paint splatter, percussion, and PVC pipes at the Briar Street Theatre on 3133 N Halsted St.
For decades, these cerulean men have been one of the most anticipated things to do in Chicago indoors. Blue Man Group is a jaw-dropping audiovisual experience that combines music, technology, and humor to create an unforgettable performance.
Fail to think about that dreary drizzle when you reserve a ticket to this over-the-top multimedia journey of drums, GiPads, and more.
Indoor Activities in Chicago for Families
Traveling to the Second City with your family in tow? Don’t let some gloomy weather stop you from relishing some of the premier activities in Chicago.
Embrace board games, adorable otters, and GOT-inspired feasting when you partake in any of the following indoor activities:
Shedd Aquarium
Looking for rainy-day Chicago activities? Travel around the world without ever leaving the confines of the Windy City when you spend a day with the fishes at the Shedd Aquarium, located at 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr.
From the flooded forests of the Amazon to wild reef ecosystems that are home to Moon Jellies and Zebra sharks, there are endless wonders to encounter.
Peek at waddling penguins showing off their formal attire, or come face to fin with a barking California Sea Lion.
Visit the Museum of Ice Cream
Screaming for more things to do inside Chicago? You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream! From chilled treats to an epically Instagrammable sprinkle pool.
Every corner of the Chicago Museum of Ice Cream at 435 N Michigan Ave Suite G overflows with color and finger-licking good cheer.
Jump into immersive installations, sample unconventional flavor combos, or break out your best swing for rounds of dessert-themed putt-putt. Prime yourself for an unforgettable, tasty adventure.
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As you sample ice cream treats in 5 different shapes and forms, learn all about this frosty treat’s delicious history.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Chicago Tickets
Royalty, honor, and heart-pounding jousting come together in perfect harmony at our nation’s #1 and longest-running dinner attraction. Experience the pageantry and thrill of Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Chicago, arguably one of the best indoor activities in Chicago for adults.
Ideal for all ages, this live-action tournament showcases brave knights battling for the honor of protecting the Queen. Let yourself be dazzled by the chivalry of these talented swordsmen as they parade their stallions through the court.
Tuck into your feast sans silverware as you devour plates full of roasted chicken, sweet buttered corn, and herb-basted potatoes all within the castle walls. Make your way over to 2001 N Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, for a taste of this exciting attraction.
Board Games at Snakes & Lattes
Keep little ones excited sans screen time when you settle in for a homey afternoon of pretzel bites, themed private rooms, and board games at Snakes & Lattes, located at 1965 N Milwaukee Ave. The Chicago outpost of this popular game cafe is brimming with rainy-day possibilities.
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Wrangle up friends and family for rousing games of Monopoly, Clue, and Balderdash. Or assuage that hunger with homey favorites such as truffle mac and cheese, fish & chips, and a warm skillet-baked chocolate chip cookie. What could be more perfect and cozy indoor activities in Chicago?
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago
Brick, brick, boom! Ditch-soggy Millenium Park strolls for a day of educational play at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago over at 601 N Martingale Rd, Schaumburg.
Glean best building practices from real LEGO masters, gawk at expertly created Miniland recreations, or aid your favorite wizard on the Merlin’s Apprentice ride. Complete your day of Kingdom Quest adventures and flying hot dogs with an immersive screening in the LEGO 4D Cinema.
Chicago Hotels
Awe-inspiring architecture, world-class shopping, and lots of iconic attractions – including a giant metallic bean ensure you’ll want to spend more than a day or two in this buzzing metropolis.
Even with unyielding drizzle, indoor activities in Chicago have their charm. Take shelter from the weather and plan out your perfect day of indoor activities in Chicago when you reserve any of our premier lodgings.
From boutique offerings by Hyde Park to historic stays at the Drake, we offer heaps of Chicago hotels for every type of traveler. Soak in an on-site spa treatment, curl up in your spacious suite with a piping mug of tea, or sneak in a workout with a 24-hour fitness center.
Once you’ve locked down your premier accommodations, you can work on things to do on a rainy day in Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indoor Activities in Chicago
Does it rain in Chicago in the fall?
Fall in Chicago comes with its fair share of rain showers, where rainfall is about 2.7 – 3.3 inches (69 – 84 mm). It kind of sets the perfect scene for those crisp autumn days, mixing in sunny spells with those chill, rainy vibes.
It’s the perfect excuse to dive into the city’s cozy cafes or check out some indoor spots. Just a heads up, tossing a jacket and an umbrella in your bag isn’t a bad idea—it’s all part of the Chicago fall experience!
What is the rainiest month in Chicago?
The rainiest month in Chicago is actually August. Despite the summer season, August brings the highest rainfall to the city, contrasting the warm temperatures with wetter weather patterns.
So, if you're planning a visit in August, it might be wise to pack both sunscreen and an umbrella!
What to Do When It Rains In Chicago?
Don't be dismayed when the weather turns wet in the Windy City. After all, Chicago has some of the best museums in the world, and rainy days are the perfect time to explore them.
Whether it's delving into the depths of ancient history, discovering celestial wonders, or marveling at priceless art, your unexpected rainy day could turn out to be a treasure trove of memorable experiences.
Stormy skies and the ominous crackling of thunder don't need to derail your plans for a perfect Chicago day. This city of awe-inspiring architecture, culinary invention, and gritty history is just as fun even when Mother Nature doesn't comply.
Feast your eyes on real dino skeletons at the Field Museum. Or take in Tiffany Stained glass at the Chicago Cultural Center.
Embrace indoor cat vibes with rounds of Clue or Settlers of Catan at a board game cafe. Or inspire sunnier attitudes when you submerse yourself in a pool of multi-colored sprinkles.
From educational museums that celebrate the great titans of literature to rousing suppers spent cheering on Knights and Medieval royalty. There’s no limit to the things to do in Chicago when it rains.
Tell us, Did We Skip Any of The Best Rainy Chicago Activities?
Leave a comment below for more suggestions on what to do in Chicago when it rains!
