Things to do in Chicago.

With heavy traffic and expensive parking, it’s always good to take the Metra to downtown Chicago. You can get on the Metra in Aurora at the station on Route 59. Take the green BNSF Railway line to Union Station and back to Aurora. Check the schedule here or on this pdf, keeping in mind that you will be using station Route 59. Go to the Adams St or Clinton St exit of Union Station to get a cab. To return to Aurora know your train number, follow the signs to the correct rail and get on the train before the scheduled leave time. There are no announcements to let you know that the train is in the station. If you have questions look at the digital board or ask the conductors near the doors.

Purchase tickets in advance on the Ventra app. You can purchase multi-day tickets. Set up an account in advance of the trip so that you can easily purchase tickets.

When you get to Union Station take a cab from the Clinton St or Adam St side of the building. Use cabs, walk, or do the Big Bus Tour to get around downtown. It’s always a great idea to start off on the Big Bus Tour so that you can familiarize yourself with the downtown area.

When you’re ready to get a cab find one on the street or use the Curb app which is like Uber or Lyft. Download the app and setup an account before your trip so you’re ready to go. We even take the cab to Wrigley Field.

Parking in downtown Chicago can be expensive. Hotel parking is often $60/day with no in/out access. Use the Park Chicago app to find and pay for parking which can be $30/hour.

If you drive to Wrigley Field use ParkWhiz to reserve a parking spot in advance.

Navy Pier has amusement rides, shows, food, and fun. On Wednesdays they have fireworks over Lake Michigan.

High-end shopping is available on the Magnificent Mile.

Chicago has many museums to check out:

Art Institute of Chicago
Field Museum
Shedd Aquarium
Museum of Science & Industry
Adler Planetarium
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Museum of Contemporary Photography

Millenium Park has lots of fun things to check out with popular photo opportunities including The Bean and a video water fountain.

There’s a large outdoor amphitheater with lots of regular festivals and events.

SkyDeck at Sears Tower / Willis Tower is the tallest building in Chicago and allows you to walk out on the glass.

360Chicago is the 2nd tallest tower and is along the beach line with spectacular views.

Both towers can have long lines at different times of day and offer different types of tickets to get ahead of the line.

Chicago has several beaches along the beautiful Lake Michigan. Check out the activities and schedules here and here.

Get views of the coastline by boat with a guided architectural tour on Chicago’s First Lady.

There are numerous boat lines that will take you out on the water, rent electric boats, rent kayaks, or charter a boat to go out further on the lake. Several boat lines also have lunch or dinner cruises.

Attend a game, tour the field, enjoy Wrigleyville.