10 Best Things To Do In Chicago When It Rains

1. Go to the Chicago Field Museum

Spending a rainy day exploring the natural world and historical artifacts in the Chicago Field Museum is truly suggested. This natural history museum has exhibits on a range of interests from the natural world as well as human-made relics, all divided into several sections. If you are curious how animals live in their habitat, Nature Walk is the right pick. Underground adventure allows visitors to feel the sensation of being a tiny creature and learn how insects and soil are connected each other. You catch a take a glimpse of mummified humans and animals and life of ancient Egypt in Inside Ancient Egypt. Other must-see attractions are Evolving Planet, Ancient America, and Working Laboratories. The museum is good to educate children about science and history.

Chicago Field Museum

Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

Price: from 22 USD (Adult), 15 USD (Student with ID), 9 USD (Child ages 3 to 11), and 19 USD (Senior ages 65+) for a basic pass

Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm. Closed on Christmas

Website: Chicago Field Museum

2. See aquatic life at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium

You don’t need to go diving or snorkeling to see aquatic life as Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium offers a great opportunity to greet underwater animals such as beluga whales, dolphins, colorful fish, and many others. The main features of its exhibitions are the Amazon Rising to see the Amazon ecosystem, the Caribbean Reef to enjoy reefs, green turtles, and sharks, and Waters of The World to check out diverse water habitats of the world. There are three types of tickets: general admission, the Shedd pass, and the total experience pass.

Chicago's Shedd Aquarium

Address: 1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

Price: from 8 USD (Adult), 6 USD (Child) for general admission

Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm (weekdays); 9 am to 6 pm (weekend)

Contact: +1 312-939-2438

Website: Chicago Shedd Aquarium

3. Go watch a movie in Chicago

Watching movies in the cinema is absolutely a bright idea to kill time when it is raining. There are some recommended theaters for your consideration. The first option is the two-screen cinema named Music Box Theater. The most recent films and documentaries are always showcased in this theater where you can enjoy the best buttery popcorn. The second suggested cinema, Logan Theater, was recently renovated. It has a lobby bar and comfy lounge where you can enjoy a live comedy show and movie trivia. Other choices are ArcLight Chicago and Davis Theater.

Chicago Music Box Theater

Address: 3733 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60613, USA

Price: from 10 USD, matinee 8 USD, Mondays 7 USD

Access: Brown to Southport. Bus: 9, 22, 80, 152

Contact: +1 773-871-6604

Website: Music Box Theater

4. Chill out in the Bridgeport Coffee House

The Bridgeport Coffee House is one of the coolest places to chill out in Chicago. It’s beyond everyone’s expectation with its antique furniture that is exquisitely ornamented. Meanwhile, the upstairs is decorated with mirrors on its walls, as if it were a boudoir. Visitors can indulge in a cup of coffee starting at 2 USD and sit comfortably on a nice sofa. To reach the coffee shop plus a bar downstairs, travel to 31st St. The opening time is from 6 am to 9 pm on weekdays, 7 am to 9 pm on Saturday and 7 am to 8 pm on Sunday.

The Bridgeport Coffee House

Address: 3101 S Morgan St Chicago 60608

Price: from 2 USD

Access: Bus number 8

5. Try the best cocktail at Lost Lake

Do you fancy a cocktail? Then you shouldn’t miss this cozy cocktail bar named Lost Lake. Unlike other bars that are identical with common tropical decor on their drinks, Lost Lake has its own special Hula Hips of Heaven. You should try on the agave-based concoction of mescal and tequila, which has strong taste. The food offered is another great thing to try. You can have spicy fried long beans, shrimp, and egg rolls dipped in plum sauce as your main entree.

Lost Lake Bar

Address: 3154 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA

Opening Hours: 4 pm to 2 am (Sunday to Friday) 4 pm to 3 am (Saturday)

Access: Blue to Logan Square. Bus: 56, 76.

Contact: +1 773-293-6048

Website: Lost Lake

6. Marvel at contemporary art at Artspace 8

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Modern art enthusiasts are highly recommended to visit Artspace 8 on a rainy day, which is located on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. You will be amazed by its impressive paintings, sculptures, mixed media, and prints created by international artists from China, Europe, and Latin America as well as established local artists. This art gallery has pioneered in fine art exhibitions, focusing on contemporary art. It’s open for visitors every day.

Artspace 8

Address: 900 N Michigan Ave, 4th floor Chicago

Opening Hours: 10 am – 7 pm (Monday to Saturday), 10 am – 6 pm (Sunday)

Access: Red to Chicago. Bus: 3, 66, 143, 146

Contact: +1 (312) 241-1607

Website: Artspace 8

7. Explore Chicago Pedway

If you are a city explorer, it can be tricky to get around a rainy Chicago on foot. Your alternative option is to take a walk in the Chicago Pedway. This pedestrian system covers five miles using overhead bridges and underground tunnels connecting private to public areas and subways in the center of the city. You will never be bothered by the inconvenience of rain during your exploration.

Chicago Pedway

Price: free

Opening Hours: 24 hours

8. Enjoy reading at Harold Washington Library

To prevent boredom, head to the thrilling Harold Washington Library for some reading time. The spacious library has post modern architecture, which is eye-catching and creates a positive ambiance for readers. Moreover, its free Wi-Fi internet is provided to allow visitors to search the web. The library, located at 400 S. State Street, has a large collections of books and government publications ranging from social science, history, literature, language, and many others.

Harold Washington Library

Address: 400 S. State Street Chicago IL 60605

Opening Hours: 9 am to 9 pm (Monday to Thursday), 9 am to 5 pm (Friday to Saturday), 1 pm to 5 pm (Sunday)

Contact: +1 312-747-4300

Website: Harold Washington Library

9. Try afternoon tea

Sipping a cup of hot tea accompanied by cakes and French macarons in the afternoon would certainly boost your mood and refresh your weary body. This British tradition can be enjoyed even in Chicago. Treat yourself to afternoon tea at some of the best spots in Chicago: The Allis, Deca Restaurant Bar, and the Lobby. These establishments also offer meals such as seafood, wood-fired pizza, and sandwiches.

The Allis

Address: 113-125 North Green Street

Price: 4 USD (all types of tea), 4 USD (pastries)

Opening Hours: 7 am to 1pm

Contact: +1 312-521-8000

10. Indulge in a spa treatment in Chicago

Indulging in a spa treatment for your exhausted body during rainy day is a must. Having a spa treatment is a great choice for relaxation. Spas in Chicago are mostly found in downtown hotels. If you want to try a unique spa treatment, like a bamboo massage to reduce stress, the Four Seasons is the right place. The bamboo massage costs 175 USD. Other recommended spas are the Peninsula Hotel Spa, Chuan Spa, and Cowshed Spa at the Soho House.

Chuan Spa

Address: 330 N Wabash Ave Chicago

Price: from 340 USD to 365 USD

Opening Hours: 5.30 am to 10 pm every day

Access: Red to Grand. Bus: 29, 65

Website: Chuan Spa

A rainy day is the right time to experience Chicago

Some people might assume that rainy day is such a terrible time for travel. That outdated thought doesn’t seem in accordance with Chicago’s hustle and bustle under rain. Travelers are literally spoiled with a lot of enjoyment and amusement. Visitors can go museum hopping, hang out at numerous cool places, enjoy fine contemporary art, sip on tea, do a spa treatment, and more. Chicago always offers you its best and never disappoints.