Activities and Engaging Experiences in Chicago
From boat tours to daunting sky-high excitement, Chicago does not disappoint in activities. Though the admission costs of each began to add up, they are all unique and worth it in each way.
My favorites were the Chicago River Tour and 360 Chicago.
Navy Pier - This is an old shipping and recreation facility used back in World War 1. Now, it serves as a tourist spot with amenities for children and a variety of dining options. To me, it’s not really worth the hype and I didn’t really see the purpose of visiting beyond taking some pictures of the skyline.
Overall - 4/10
Chicago River and Architecture Tour - A 90-minute boat ride along the Chicago River. The tour was a great opportunity to see the entirety of downtown Chicago, learn about the city’s history, and acknowledge all of the beautiful architecture on every corner. If you are going to take photos (as I did), the best time is around sunset, but if you just want a cool experience, I would go at night or after the sun sets.
Overall - 10/10
SkyDeck Chicago - Whew. Scary, but what a thrilling experience. SkyDeck is located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower. On this level, you can have a breathtaking and adrenaline-rushing adventure on the ledge. The glass box experience allows you to step outside of the building’s exterior and see the entirety of the city’s streets and skyline below your feet. It’s completely safe and a great photo opportunity!
Overall - 9/10. I would give this a 10/10, but the guy at the Photo Purchasing Station scammed me into buying photos with digital copies (What I really wanted), but the downloadable ones were the photos I selected NOT TO DOWNLOAD.
360 Chicago - Similar to SkyDeck, this is a 360 observation deck at the John Hancock Center. But, here, you have the opportunity to participate in the TILT experience. You enter a special area, grab onto the handlebars, and lean forward as the surrounding glass tilts 30 degrees over the city streets 1,030 feet in the air. I was scared to death. I was bending my knees the entire time. It’s 100% worth it but if you’re scared of heights, this was a little more intimidating than SkyDeck.
Overall - 10/10
The Art Institute of Chicago - I’m not an art person. I understand the intention and appeal of aesthetic artwork, but I’m not an enthusiast about the sort. Here at the Institute of Chicago, they have many works of Pablo Picasso, the American Gothic, and Vincent van Gough. They even have Asian and European exhibits showcasing paintings, sculptures, and other objects.
This place is HUGE. I got lost multiple times and found myself walking in circles. I did not plan on spending almost 2.5 hours here, but they just have SO MUCH to see. I even got an out-of-state student discount for admission.
Overall - 9/10
The Field Museum - I got another out-of-state student admission ticket. There were a lot of different exhibits here. From dinosaur fossils to animal DNA extraction stations; it was so much fun.
Overall - 8/10
Chinatown - Well, I truly wasn’t a large fan of Chinatown. It was very cool and worth visiting, but I don’t think I will praise it very much. I am sure to others, it’s a great replication of upholding Chinese culture in America but it did not appeal that much to me. It also smelled really funny…
Overall - 6/10
