10 Fun (But Unusual) Things to Do in Chicago, Illinois

Tired of Doing the Regular, Tourist-y Activities All the Time? Try These Fun Ideas

Tonya Hillukka, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Feb 7, 2011 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

Chicago is the place to go if you want to see tourist attractions, visit historical landmarks, and shop until you drop. However, there are plenty of other fun things to do in the city that you haven't already done a million times. Here are ten fun, but unusual, things to do in Chicago, Illinois.

1. Pack a lunch and have a picnic downtown. One day that my boyfriend and I devoted to exploring the city, we decided to bring our own lunch rather than eat at a restaurant. We packed some sandwiches and walked around until we found a grassy spot near Buckingham Fountain to eat our lunch.

2. Visit the individual suburbs. There are many smaller suburbs that make up the Chicago area. Find one that interests you and spend the day walking around; we spent one of our days there visiting the shops in Downer's Grove.

3. Take an architectural tour of the city. On a college trip to Chicago, my class went on a river cruise, during which we learned about the architecture and history of the surrounding area.

4. Tour Frank Lloyd Wright's home and studio. My class also visited Oak Park, a Chicago suburb, where these places are located. We were given a tour of the home he designed for his family, his studio, and we even got to see some of his other designs in the neighborhood.

5. Visit Ernest Hemingway's birthplace. While you are already in Oak Park, check out the Hemingway memorabilia at the Ernest Hemingway Foundation, where you will also get a ticket to the place where he was born.

6. Cool off near Millennium Park. The day we chose to walk around downtown was one of the hottest days of summer. But if you plan on visiting Millennium Park, you will have the chance to cool off your feet at Lurie Garden in a man-made stream--or you can splash around with all the kids at Crown Fountain.

7. Eat dinner at someplace you have never been. As you walk around, there may be small diners or restaurants that you have never heard of. Keep your eyes open for one of the more unknown eating places.

8. Photograph birds and other wildlife. You probably have dozens, if not hundreds, of pictures the Chicago architecture. Look for something new to photograph--like seagulls or geese. I saw plenty as I walked around the city.

9. Eat a Chicago-style hotdog. I know, hotdogs aren't the greatest lunch choice ever, but you haven't experienced Chicago until you've tried one of their 'dogs. Especially if you plan to make a trip to Wrigley Field.

10. Go jogging along Lakeshore Drive. Not that you will be lacking physical exercise while you're in Chicago, but if you want to get a little running in, no place beats a path by the lake, where you can check out all the boats (and the people).

Finally, enjoy your visit!

** Disclaimer : The author/photographer did not feed the seagull that ice cream cone.**

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.

Published by Tonya Hillukka - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

Tonya writes about a variety of topics that interest her. Having earned a degree in Interior Design, she is knowledgeable in various aspects of the home improvement industry, including decorating and green l... View profile