The 7 Coolest Chicago Adventures

Chicago is one of the biggest cities in the U.S. and there are endless things to do around the city. If you love the outdoors and adventures, Chicago is a great place to visit. And if you live in Chicago or nearby, there’s always something new to go see and do.

Check out this list of fun, adventurous things to do around the city of Chicago.

1. Lincoln Park Zoo

In the middle of all the skyscrapers, Chicago also has an awesome zoo! The Lincoln Park Zoo is over 150 years old and sits right next to Lake Michigan.

If you find yourself in need of a break from the busy city, a zoo trip is a great way to relax and experience nature. The zoo has a mission to create an environment where wildlife can flourish in the middle of an urbanized city. Plan your trip and take a self-guided tour to see 200+ different species of plants and animals.

One of the best things about the Lincoln Park Zoo is that it’s completely free. It’s one of the few zoos in the world that offers free admission. You will need to make a reservation to limit the number of people in the zoo.

1. The Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile is a must-see for everyone in Chicago. This is a street running through the north side of Chicago from the Riverwalk to Oak Street.

What makes the Magnificent Mile magnificent?

Along the 14-block walk are some of the best places to eat, museums, 450+ popular retailers, and more. You could easily spend all day making your way from one end to the other, admiring the art, architecture, and great food.

Some fantastic public art pieces show off the culture and history of Chigaco. You can walk along the street and discover a variety of impressive attractions, or plan your walk to see specific highlights.

With a huge variety of shops, nightlife, and theatres, the Magnificent Mile has something for everyone to enjoy throughout the day and at night.

1. Chicago Riverwalk

The Chicago Riverwalk is definitely iconic and a walk along it is a necessity!

The Riverwalk is a 1.25-mile scenic walkway along the Chicago River. You’ll find some great food and plenty of adventures along the walk, especially when the weather is nice. There are some great wineries and cafes along the path, and you’ll get to take in the spectacular views of the city skyline.

You can enjoy a bike ride up and down the path, or rent a kayak and paddle your down the river. If you want to get on the water without paddling, you can hop on the Chicago River Taxi, which stops at seven different locations along the river.

There is plenty to see along the Riverwalk, and we think that it needs to be on everyone’s to-do list.

1. Legacy Paintball and Airsoft Park

If you’re looking for a high-speed adventure that will spark your adrenaline, playing airsoft is for you.

Playing airsoft is an exciting way to celebrate a bachelor party, birthday, work event, or having some competitive fun with your friends and family. You also won’t need to wash the paint off your clothes when you’re done.

Legacy Paintball and Airsoft Park offers a variety of different games and missions that are safe and enjoyable for everyone regardless of experience. You can book your airsoft game and play captures the flag, ironman, and elimination-style games.

Before you go, stop by Chicago’s Airsoft Station to pick up some airsoft gear, to avoid rentals. They have great deals on airsoft guns, bbs, and protective equipment.

1. Maggie Daley Park

Maggie Daley Park is right next to Chicago’s New Eastside and the Millenium Park Icerink. Maggie Daley is known for being Chicago’s First Lady and was committed to helping kids learn about art and culture.

In the park, you can enjoy a variety of activities like mini-golf, rollerblading, tennis, and ice-skating in the winter months.

You can also enjoy a picnic and the beautiful Cancer Survivors Garden, which is designed to celebrate life and provide hope to everyone.

We’d say that this park has some of Chicago’s hidden treasures, and it can be enjoyed all times of the year.

1. Maxwell Street Market

Open on Sundays from Sundays, March—December 9am–3pm

The Maxwell Street market is one of Chicago’s greatest hidden gems. This street market is only open on Sundays from 9 am–3 pm from March–December, and perfect for a Sunday morning adventure.

The Maxwell Street Market is about a mile long on S Desplaines St.

The outdoor market is a Chicago tradition for 100+ years and features lovely food, live music, and various handmade goods. The street market is free to attend and you can walk through to find an exciting mix of street food and live performances.

There are new vendors on a regular basis, so we bet that you will find something new every time. If you’re in Chicago on a Sunday, you need to stop by.

1. Chicago Escape Room

If you’ve never experienced an Escape Room, now is your chance! Escape Rooms are indoor puzzles where you and your team have a 60-minute time limit to find clues, solve puzzles, and escape.

The Chicago Escape Room is perfect for adventurers, risk-takers, and problem solvers. You can choose from five uniquely designed escape rooms, from launching a spaceship to breaking out of prison. It’s recommended for everyone to be at least 13 years old.

To be successful you’ll need to work with your team to find hidden clues around the room. They might be hiding on the bookshelf or under the rug. Escape rooms were introduced in the U.S. in 2012, and have continued to gain popularity.

An escape room is a great way to build teamwork and have fun with your friends. Don’t be afraid to get creative and take some risks.

If you can’t escape within the hour, they won’t leave you stranded, but if you’ve never been to an escape room check out this video for some tips.

Featured Image Credit: isfara / Pixabay

In Post Image Credit: Ken Lund / Wikimedia Commons