10 Activities You Must Do When Visiting Chicago

Regardless of the season, Chicago is always a city that offers a variety of activities that appeal to people of all ages. Here are some of my personal favorites...

1. Ice Skating at Maggie Daley Park

Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

Hours Open:

- Monday – Thursday: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm

- Friday: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm

- Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm

Price: Admission is FREE. $12/skate rental. $2/locker rental.

Why you should do this activity: Ice skating at Maggie Daley Park is a experience you will want to remember even if you're a first-timer or an expert. Maggie Daley Park's skating rink is shaped as a ribbon and twice the length of a lap of a regular skating rink. The beautiful skyline of the Windy City can be seen when skating around.

2. Visit one of the many Museums that Chicago offers

Art Institute of Chicago

Hours:

- Monday–Wednesday: 10:30am–5pm

- Thursday: 10:30am–8pm

- Friday–Sunday: 10:30am–5pm

Price: $25 for adults; seniors (65 & up), students and kids 14 and over $19; kids under 14 FREE. $5 discount for Chicago residents, Illinois residents $3 off. Thursdays 5–8pm FREE for Illinois residents.

Why you should do this activity: Whether it be the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium or the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago offers many museums that locals and tourists can visit. My favorite museum is the Art Institute of Chicago not because of its lions that can be seen when you first enter the museum, but because of the artwork and architecture that it offers from every era. I recommend visiting the Modern Wing because it includes all sorts of artwork that families can take in as well as the spectacular views of Millenium Park.

3. Go to Lollapalooza

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When: July 28 - July 31, 2016

Where: Grant Park, Chicago

Price: Single Day Ticket: $120, Four-Day Ticket: $335

Why you should do this activity Lollapalooza is a 4-day musical fest that takes place in Grant Park where tons of teenagers and adults gather to hear the sounds from over 170+ musicians. It is a once in a lifetime experience that everyone should go and see. Last year's lineup consisted of Sam Smith, The Weeknd, Twenty One Pilots, Paul McCartney, and Logic just to name a few. The 2016 lineup for this year's Lollapalooza will be announced soon.

4. Visit Navy Pier

Navy Pier

Hours Open: Navy Pier is opened year-round and general operating hours vary depending on the seasons and may be subject to change.

Price: No admission. Attractions within Navy Pier may have admission prices and those prices can be obtained from each individual attraction’s box office.

Why you should do this activity: Navy Pier is a not-for-profit corporation that was established in 2011 and this year marks their 100th anniversary. Navy Pier provides tourists with shopping, attractions and entertainment year-round. The best time to visit the Pier is during 4th of July when the fireworks show is displayed and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The fireworks show can be seen every Wednesday (9:30pm) & Saturday (10:15pm) from Memorial Day Weekend (May 28) to Labor Day Weekend (September 3).

5. Attend a Sporting Event

ESPN

Why you should do this activity: Whether it's experiencing how loud the Madhouse on Madison aka United Center really is or taking in the smell of the Friendly Confines aka Wrigley Field, Chicago is known for its sports teams and attending at least one event is something you won't regret. The roar of the crowd and the support that these Chicago teams get from their fan base is something else.

6. Go to Wiener's Circle & Order a Chicago Style HotDog

RedEye / Via redeyechicago.com

Hours Open:

- Monday - Thursday: 10:30 AM - 4:00 AM

- Friday & Saturday: 10:30 AM - 5:00 AM

- Sunday: 10:30 AM - 4:00 AM

Where: 2622 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Why you should do this activity: At Wiener's Circle, you better be able to take the punches when making your order. This iconic Chicago hot-dog stand is known for its sass when customers place their orders. If you haven't been here, you may or may not regret it as the staff hurls insults left and right. Here's a video of Chicago Bears WR, Alshon Jeffery ordering from the stand.

7. Try Chicago Style Pizza

Lou Malnati's

Why you should do this activity: A Chicago style pizza or better yet known as "deep dish" pizza is something everyone should try (I recommend trying Lou Malnati's). You can try this type of pizza at any pizzeria but these three (IMO) are the best: Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, & Gino's East. The way the pizza is made is unique as the crust is baked in a pan and there are only two ingredients involved. A lot of cheese and chunky tomato sauce.

8. Eat Garrett's Popcorn

Garrett's Popcorn | 625 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611

Hours Open: Depending on location of store, hours may vary.

- Monday - Thursday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

- Friday - Saturday: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

- Sunday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Why you should do this activity: "They can imitate you, but they can't duplicate you because you've got something special that makes me want to taste you. I want it all day long." A Chicago tradition since 1949, Garrett's Popcorn is a gourmet popcorn that is known for it's flavors and tin cans. Popular flavors include: Garrett Mix (CaramelCrisp & CheeseCorn), Buttery, and Plain. It's a bit pricey but worth it. The Garrett Mix is highly recommended.

9. Visit the Bean & Millenium Park

Grant Park Music Festival

Why you should do this activity: This is a must for first timers that have yet to visit our city. There are many things you can do when visiting Millenium Park as the Bean aka "Cloud Gate" is in the heart of the park. It is here where tourists take pictures of themselves as the Bean shows the person's reflection. You can also listen to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra play here sometimes.

10. Watch the Air & Water Show

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When: August 20 & 21, 2016 from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Where: North Avenue Beach

Price: Admission is FREE

Why you should do this activity: The Chicago Air & Water Show takes place in the summertime and is great for families to come to the city and enjoy the spectacular showcase given by the Blue Angels. The show can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point.