Things to Do Indoors in Chicago: 21 Spots to Bookmark for the Next Downpour

Chicago winters aren’t just cold. They’re “three pairs of socks and a prayer” cold.

And even when the weather isn’t trying to freeze your eyelashes off, there’s always a rogue wind gust ready to wreck your hair and your mood.

When the skies turn gray, and your plans of outdoor activities start looking like a bad idea, it’s time to pivot. But we’re not talking sad mall wandering or half-hearted trips to art museums.

Think indoor roller coasters, skyline views that don’t require frostbite, secret speakeasies, and chocolate tours that could absolutely be the plot of a rom-com.

Whether you’re hiding from the cold or just want to keep your hair cute, this lineup of indoor things to do in Chicago is the cheat code.

Cozy, cool, and chaos-free. No winter meltdown required.

Rainy Day? Cold AF? These Cultural Spots Have You Covered

Looking for indoor things to do in Chicago that are actually fun and culture-packed? These museums and cultural hubs deliver big wow without the windburn.

Museum of Science and Industry (MSI)

5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637

This place is huge. We’re talking 14 acres of interactive exhibits that let you control avalanches, explore genetics, and walk through a real WWII submarine.

The replica coal mine is a fan favorite, but the storm simulator and baby chick hatchery also steal the show.

Kids love it, adults get weirdly obsessed, and your camera roll will be full of photos you won’t know how to explain.

Art Institute of Chicago

111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Home to American Gothic, Nighthawks, and the kind of Impressionist collection that’ll make you consider buying a beret!

The Art Institute is one of the most visited museums in the world, and for good reason. You’ll find Van Gogh’s The Bedroom, massive Monet panels, and a Modern Wing that feels like it belongs in a design magazine.

Allow at least two hours, but honestly, you could get lost in here all day and still have FOMO about what you missed.

Field Museum

1400 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Dinosaurs. Mummies. Crystals the size of your head!

The Field Museum is Chicago’s go-to for all things natural history, and yes, SUE the T. rex is worth the hype.

The Ancient Egypt exhibit is full of hidden staircases and sarcophagi, and the Hall of Gems is straight-up dazzling.

You’ll leave smarter, slightly winded, and possibly with a new obsession with paleontology.

Pro Tip: You can access the Field Museum and other natural history museums with the Go City Chicago All-Inclusive Pass, which also gets you into Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and Navy Pier rides.

It’s a smart way to stack your sightseeing and save if you’re museum-hopping like a pro!

Shedd Aquarium

1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Stingrays, sea otters, and a 90,000-gallon shark tank all under one roof!

Trust us, the Shedd Aquarium is the perfect indoor activity and gives you a front-row seat to ocean drama without needing scuba certification.

It’s a great place to visit for kids, mainly for the hands on activities, but secretly therapeutic for grown-ups, too.

Between the belugas, reef tunnel, and coral reef café, you’ll forget you’re landlocked in the Midwest, even though Lake Michigan is just steps outside.

Chicago Cultural Center

78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

This free-to-enter landmark is where art lovers and architecture fans both win. The building itself is a stunner, complete with the world’s largest Tiffany-stained-glass dome.

Inside, you’ll find rotating exhibits, surprise concerts, and gallery spaces that somehow always feel like a well-kept secret.

It’s a perfect stop between shopping sprees and city walks when your feet (or your credit card) need a break.

Pro Tip: Nearby, the Harold Washington Library Center, the central branch of the Chicago Public Library, is a hidden gem for rainy-day reading, free exhibitions, and a peaceful top-floor Winter Garden.

It’s a great spot to warm up, recharge, or just escape the city noise for a bit.

Adler Planetarium

1300 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

If space gives you existential chills, the Adler has the cure. You can sit under a domed theater and watch the stars in full 360 or explore exhibits that dive into missions to Mars and the physics of black holes.

It’s educational without being boring, and the views of the skyline from the front steps are worth the visit alone.

Pro Tip: Illinois residents get free entry on Wednesday evenings after 4 pm, which is your sign to go stargaze midweek.

Nature, But Make It Heated

Looking for things to do indoors in Chicago that feel like a walk in the park without the frostbite? These indoor nature spots bring the green without the goosebumps.

Garfield Park Conservatory

300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624

This place is what your houseplants dream of becoming!

Spanning two indoor acres, the Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest in the country and feels like a full-on tropical paradise in the middle of Chicago.

You’ll walk through rooms filled with palm trees, cascading vines, koi ponds, and a humidity level that might as well be spa-approved.

Admission is free, but timed reservations are usually required, so snag a spot before your spontaneous nature craving hits.

It’s also an easy stop if you’re exploring nearby Oak Park or coming in from the west side.

Lincoln Park Conservatory

2391 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614

Step into this glass gem and feel like you’ve stumbled onto a Victorian-era botanical runway. The Lincoln Park Conservatory is smaller than Garfield but packed with charm and lush beauty!

You’ll find fascinating orchids, beautiful fern rooms, and seasonal flower shows that rotate throughout the year, often timed with Chicago’s festivals or holidays.

It’s a perfect pre-zoo stop, post-brunch stroll, or just a warm, leafy hug when the city feels a little too gray.

Where to Laugh, Play, and Dry Off in Style

Interested in the best ways to survive a rainy day in Chicago without falling into a TikTok scroll hole? These indoor entertainment spots are full of laughs, lights, and actual fun.

The Second City

1616 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614

If Chicago comedy had a birthplace, this would be it. The Second City is legendary for improv and sketch shows that have launched careers you definitely recognize, including Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and Bill Murray.

The shows are fast, smart, and laugh-out-loud funny, with plenty of moments pulled straight from current events and audience suggestions.

Even if you think improv isn’t your thing, this place has a way of converting skeptics by intermission.

Laugh Factory Chicago

3175 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657

This is where you go when you want guaranteed laughs and a drink in your hand!

Laugh Factory Chicago brings a rotating lineup of stand-up comics, ranging from local favorites to nationally known headliners testing out new material.

Shows tend to be high energy, occasionally unhinged, and very memorable. It’s a great option for date night or group hangs when you want comedy without committing to a full evening production.

Chicago Magic Lounge

5050 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Walking in through a secret laundromat door already sets the tone. Inside, the Chicago Magic Lounge delivers close-up magic at your table along with full stage performances that will leave you questioning reality.

The vibe is intimate, cozy, and slightly mysterious, in a fun “did that just happen?” way. Order a cocktail, lean in close, and prepare to be impressed repeatedly.

Broadway In Chicago

Various venues around the city

When you’re craving big production energy, Broadway In Chicago delivers. Touring productions take over historic downtown theaters, bringing everything from classic musicals to buzzy new hits.

Expect incredible vocals, elaborate sets, and the kind of applause that gives you chills.

It’s a perfect rainy day plan that feels polished without being stuffy.

Bonus: Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

2001 N Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60195

Dinner and a show take on a whole new meaning here. Medieval Times combines jousting, sword fights, and dramatic storytelling with a hearty, hands-on feast served without utensils.

It’s loud, over-the-top, and unapologetically cheesy in the best way possible. If you want a rainy day in Chicago to feel completely unhinged and unforgettable, this is the move.

Indoor Playgrounds That Are Absolutely Not Just for Kids

Wondering what to do in Chicago when it rains, and you’ve already finished your Netflix queue?

These game-filled indoor hangouts are the ultimate cure for cabin fever that’re enjoyable for both kids and adults alike!

WhirlyBall

1825 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

If bumper cars and competitive chaos had a baby, it would be WhirlyBall.

This Chicago-grown game mixes basketball, hockey, and lacrosse, then throws it all inside an arena where everyone’s driving bumper cars.

You’ll ram into your friends, miss wildly with a scoop stick, and laugh so hard you forget you haven’t technically scored.

It’s great for groups, birthdays, or any rainy day that needs a serious dose of fun and movement.

Big Mini Putt Club

1302 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Mini golf, but make it cool. Big Mini Putt Club is Chicago’s first indoor 9-hole course, complete with a full bar and a vibe that feels more like a hangout than a kiddie course.

Each hole has clever, Instagram-worthy designs, and the cocktails are strong enough to make you forget how badly you’re putting.

Whether it’s a casual date or a group outing, it’s the perfect spot for low-stakes competition and cozy indoor vibes.

Arcade Bars

Emporium Arcade Bar: 1366 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Headquarters Beercade: 213 W Institute Pl, Chicago, IL 60610

Arcade bars are the ultimate throwback escape when the weather is acting up!

At places like Emporium and Headquarters, you can play vintage video games, pinball, and skee-ball while sipping on a solid lineup of local craft beers.

Expect a soundtrack full of ’90s bangers, neon signs, and people pretending they’re not taking Pac-Man too seriously.

It’s part bar, part arcade, and fully designed to make you feel like a kid again, just with better snacks.

Escape Rooms

The Escape Game Chicago: 42 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611

Mind Trap Escape Rooms: 1034 S Elmhurst Rd, Mount Prospect, IL 60056

Escape rooms are your chance to feel like the smartest person in the room or the reason your team gets locked in forever!

The Escape Game Chicago offers highly detailed rooms with themes like prison breaks or art heists, while Mind Trap takes things up a notch with cinematic-level setups and clever puzzles.

You’ll get one hour to work together, panic slightly, and either escape triumphantly or dramatically fail in a flurry of clues and confusion.

Either way, you’ll leave with stories and probably a group photo holding fake evidence.

Food Halls, Markets, and Stores Worth Getting Lost In

Looking for things to do in Chicago when it rains that don’t involve getting soggy or bored? These indoor spots serve up eats, treats, and plenty of retail therapy.

Time Out Market Chicago

916 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Time Out Market is like having a greatest hits album of Chicago restaurants, all in one gorgeous space.

Located in the heart of Fulton Market, this upscale food hall features hand-picked vendors serving everything from juicy smashburgers to Filipino barbecue.

The vibes are chic but casual, and there’s a rooftop bar for when the rain takes a break.

It’s perfect for group hangs when no one can agree on what to eat, and even better for solo grazing with a cocktail in hand.

Chicago French Market

131 N Clinton St, Chicago, IL 60661

Tucked inside the Ogilvie Transportation Center, the Chicago French Market is your rainy day passport to global flavors.

Over 30 local vendors offer everything from lobster rolls and bánh mì to sweet crêpes and Belgian fries.

The space is low-key and lively, with a casual European feel that makes wandering with a coffee feel like a mini vacation.

It’s a go-to for lunch breaks, food crawls, or just warming up while people-watching with a pastry.

Aster Hall

900 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

If you want your lunch with a side of elegance, Aster Hall delivers!

Located inside the 900 North Michigan Shops, this beautifully designed food hall includes gourmet vendors, plush seating, and even an upscale bar tucked away on the upper level.

Think truffle fries, sushi, and matcha lattes with marble countertops and mood lighting.

It’s a perfect mix of mall convenience and curated cool, especially when paired with a little retail therapy downstairs. A perfect addition to your list of indoor activities in Chicago.

Water Tower Place

835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

This multi-level shopping landmark on the Magnificent Mile is a classic for a reason.

Water Tower Place is stacked with national retailers, local boutiques, and a food court that has surprisingly solid options for a mid-spree snack break.

Whether you’re restocking your closet, hiding from a downpour, or treating yourself to a beauty haul, it’s all under one roof. It’s the kind of place where time disappears in the best way.

Your Turn: Spill the Rainy Day Tea!

Discovered any hidden gems or off-the-radar favorites for things to do in Chicago indoors? Drop your go-to spots, snack stops, or surprise finds in the comments!

We’re all ears (and totally bookmarking them for the next downpour).

Indoor Things to Do in Chicago FAQs