At some point in time during our travels, we’ve all experienced waiting for hours, forcing ourselves to read a book or listening to music until it’s time for us to board. We’ve all been there. But at the O'Hare International Airport - the third busiest airport in the United States- there is something for everyone to enjoy as they while away the time. Whether you want to shop, eat, play or just relax, facilities to suit your needs are all under one roof. This airport connects millions of people traveling to all corners of the world and can obviously be chaotic sometimes. But they’ve managed to provide some nooks where you find complete tranquility. The O'Hare International Airport is also the first major airport planned after World War II. It will give you a hint of what the Chicago is like even without stepping out! They have brilliant art that supports the local community and brings inside the airport some of that Chicago flair. Here are some things to do in Chicago Airport, Illinois, that are spread across any budget - some even for free.
1. Explore Rotunda Tower Garden
The aeroponic garden in the mezzanine level of O'Hare Rotunda Building grows everything from lettuce to basil without any soil! The CDA and HMS came together to create the world’s first aeroponic garden, a phenomenal gardening practice that could be the future! The restaurants around use some of the produce as well, with everything from Swiss chard, habaneros, chives, thyme, even edible viola flowers. It is indeed thrilling and exciting to witness such an innovation in a busy airport.
Rotunda Tower Garden
Address: O'Hare Airport Terminal 3, Rotunda, Mezzanine Level, Chicago, IL 60666
Website: Rotunda Tower Garden
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
2. Relax at Bubbles Wine Bar
The best thing to do when you’re waiting for a flight, without a doubt, is to sip some wine with a plate of cheese! Bubbles Wine Bar has a classic menu with shrimp cocktails, cheese plates, Scottish smoked salmon tartines and other delectable fare which you can pair with some fantastic wines from their selection. They also serve beer and some god ol’ liqueur if you are in the mood!
Bubbles Wine Bar
Address: 10000 W O'Hare Ave H 4, Chicago, IL 60666
Website: Bubbles Wine Bar
Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)
3. Work out at O’Hare Hilton Health Club
For the gym buff, Hilton Health Club is fully equipped and also has a steam room, sauna, lap pool, and full-service locker rooms. If you’re in between flights and didn’t get your daily fitness fix, you can hit the gym and break a sweat here! You don’t have to miss out on your every day fitness regimen–and that’s a guarantee!
Hilton Health Club
Address: Inside the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel, Between Terminal 2 and Parking Garage
Website: Hilton Health Club
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4. Watch a hockey game at the nearby Allstate Arena
Allstate Arena hosts everything from concerts and hockey games and is always busy! If you are lucky enough to catch a game, don’t think twice. Better yet, if you know you have a long layover, just book it ahead! You can never go wrong watching a game, vibing with the crowd, and snacking on some corndogs! The arena can seat 17,500 for basketball games and 16,692 for ice hockey games and is home to the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League.
Allstate Arena
Address: 6920 Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018
Website: Allstate Arena
5. Check out O'Hare's public art collection
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Like we said earlier, there is something for everyone at the O'Hare Airport. For the art connoisseur, the airport has on display public artworks with an emphasis on local and global interests. You’ll see bright paintings, statement art, minimalistic sculptures, and other pieces that will surely make you think! Just walk around to discover and appreciate the city’s love for art.
O'Hare's public art collection
Website: O'Hare’s public art collection
6. Do some yoga at the airport's Yoga Room
O'Hare’s Yoga Room is a perfect option for you to relax, reflect, and recharge. The tranquil room located in the mezzanine level of the terminal 3 rotunda is a great place to escape the rush and sounds of the airport. They’ve done an amazing job in concealing all the sounds from outside, ensuring an environment where you get focus and meditate as you do some rejuvenating yoga exercises.
Yoga room
Address: Mezzanine Level of the Terminal 3 Rotunda; near Urban Garden
Website: Yoga room
Opening hours: 6am to 10pm (daily)
7. Go online using free Wi-Fi
If all else fails, just grab your laptop or even your phone and get online. Just Netflix the rest of your hours at the airport! They offer unlimited WiFi before and after security checks and are well0equipped with power sources all around. And, it is all free! You won’t even notice time fly by for sure! We suggest you get a coffee, find a nice spot, put your headphones on, and indulge in some Netflix hours! Of course, this works if you have to catch up on some work, too, but a little down time enjoying some shows or just surfing the Net won’t hurt.
8. Shop at luxury stores
And of course, like all airports, shopping at O'Hare is something else! They have everything from Coach, MAC, Michael Kors, Harley Davidson, Salvatore Ferragamo, Swatch, and other luxury stores. If retail therapy is something that calms you down during the long waits, go for it!
9. Try your luck at Rivers Casino
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
In the mood to try your luck? Rivers Casino, located in a northern suburb of Chicago, is only minutes away from O'Hare International Airport. They have great slot and tables games and the environment is lively and loud–you will hear people cheering everywhere! They also serve good wine and fantastic food. You will not notice the time fly by when you’re here!
Rivers Casino
Address: 3000 S River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60018, United States
Website: Rivers Casino
Opening hours: 9am - 7am (daily)
10. Have a massage at Terminal Getaway Spa
Couldn’t get your routine mani or pedi before boarding? Or did the long flight stress you out? Head to the airport’s spa for a luxurious massage before you head on to a meeting or to start your journey to your next location. The spas are wonderfully managed and are sure to transport you to a calm and tranquil space where you can just relieve all that stress your travels have been building up!
Terminal Getaway Spa
Address: Terminal 3/Main Building, 10000 W O'Hare Ave, Chicago, IL 60666
Website: Terminal Getaway Spa
Opening hours: 6:30am - 9:30pm (daily)
Where airports can be fun
Clearly, O'Hare airport can allow you to do more than just board a plane. With something for everyone to do here, you’ll be able to while away hours in between flights or grab a new look before heading to your meeting just after landing! You have nothing to worry about if you have an extra-long layover at this airport.
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