Category: Chicago

Photograph: Courtesy of Flight ClubThe best things to do indoors in Chicago

When it’s pouring rain, snowing or disgustingly muggy, escape the weather with these fun indoor activities in Chicago.

The Windy City is filled with beautiful parks, bustling shopping districts and dramatic outdoor art installations, but when it’s raining or snowing, you shouldn’t let it ruin your day. There are world-class museums where you can explore everything from dinosaurs to modern art, relaxing spas for self-care, plus active fun to be had like bowling, bouldering and table tennis. So don’t let the weather get in the way of having a great day and stay warm and dry by enjoying some of the best things to do indoors in Chicago.

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago

Catch a matinee at Music Box Theatre

You could spend an afternoon sitting in the dark at a variety of Chicago movie theaters, but the Music Box caters to anyone with a preference for independent films, foreign cinema, vintage movies and documentaries. Have a drink in the lounge before taking your seat in the ornate main theater or the smaller screening room—and don’t forget to ask for butter (the real deal, not the pungent fake stuff) on your popcorn.

Take a dip at Aire Ancient Baths

If you’re going to spend some time indoors, you might as well make it a luxurious, relaxing experience. Inspired by Greek and Roman bath houses, Aire squeezes six thermal baths into a River West building that once housed a factory. Guests get 90 minutes to take a dip in as many of the baths as they like, though you can extend your stay by indulging in a massage or a variety of spa treatments (they call them “rituals”).

Visit your favorite exhibits at Art Institute of Chicago

No matter how many times you’ve visited the Art Institute of Chicago, it’s nice to come back and see some of your favorite works on display. While some gravitate to Sunday on La Grande Jatte or the New Contemporary collection in the Modern Wing, it can be equally fun to venture to the museum’s Medieval and Renaissance Art galleries or explore the art of ancient Egypt in the basement.

 » Read More

One of the best parts about living in Milwaukee is having easy access to the world-class popular attractions in Chicagoland (without the daily traffic!).

Chicago’s suburbs are packed with family-friendly attractions and activities.

Whether you’re planning an easy day trip from Milwaukee, a full weekend of fun, or just wondering what to do while you visit relatives, we found 35 of the best things to do with kids in the Chicago suburbs.

Read on for the best kid-friendly activities in the suburbs of Chicago, organized by region.

North Suburbs of Chicago Schuamburg

In the North Suburbs, Schaumburg takes the lead for the most family-friendly activities.

Bison’s Bluff, Photo from parkfun.com

1. Enterrium: For a giant hangout space with bowling alleys, ping-pong tables, and arcade games, head to the Enterrium at Woodfield Mall, formerly known as Pac-Man Entertainment.
2. Legoland Discovery Center: One of the main attractions in this suburb is the Legoland Discovery Center, a must-visit for lego-lovers with giant lego displays, amusement park rides, a 4D theater, and kid-sized lego worlds to explore.
3. Bison’s Bluff: Nearby Bison’s Bluff is one of the area’s best nature playgrounds with a large bison, waterfall, multi-tiered tree house, art area, music area, climbing walls, indoor nature center, and slides leading to the base of the bluff.
4. Challenge Course at Meineke Park: Also in Schaumburg is the free Challenge Course at Meineke Park, with an extensive ninja warrior course complete with ramps, vault wall, floating boards, ropes, and climbing walls. Digital timers even allow them to score their performance.
5. Peppa Pig World of Play: The Peppa Pig World of Play has 14 themed areas including Peppa Pig’s Treehouse, Miss Rabbit at the Supermarket, and George’s Fort.
6. Medieval Times: Travel back in time where knights in shining armor battled for honor on their horses. Medieval Times is an immersive experience for the whole family.
7. Pilot Pete’s: For a restaurant that will delight your kids, check out Pilot Pete’s, an aviation themed eatery. It has airplanes hanging from the ceiling, and you can watch the real airplanes at the neighboring Schaumburg Flying Club from your table!

Hotels in Schaumburg Skokie

Further easy in Skokie,

 » Read More

ByChristian Piekos

My Block, My Hood, My City created a fun-filled day in downtown Chicago for 1,000 young people from the West Side and the South Side.

CHICAGO (WLS) — Cheers of excitement started a fun-filled Saturday for 1,000 young people from Chicago’s South and West sides.

Nathaniel Viets-VanLear is the director of youth development for My Block, My Hood, My City, the nonprofit organization debuting its very first “Downtown Day.”

“The energy is electric and young people are so excited to explore their city,” Viets-VanLear said.

The organization works to provide more opportunities for the city’s youth.

“It’s a crazy issue that Chicago deals with that so many of its young people have never been downtown,” Viets-VanLear said. “People aren’t approaching this event with fear. They are approaching it with, ‘Oh, my God, yes, welcome these young people downtown. We’ll donate to your cause.'”

Ranging from 13 to 22 years old, each visitor to the Loop was given a $50 gift card to explore the city.

“An organization like My Block is so important, because it gives students opportunities and brings more resources to communities. Most students don’t get to see downtown often and My Block is giving students that opportunity,” said Damarion Spann.

Cathy Holleb is a tour guide downtown, and volunteered with My Block, My Hood, My City on Saturday.

“I want them to have the opportunities that everyone does. Why shouldn’t they?” Holleb said.

The teens were sent out across some of the most iconic sites in the city, and said they feel uplifted by this unique opportunity.

“I went to a museum, and they had Black people, African Americans, and it was great to learn more about my culture and my people,” said Jessikah-Rae Merritt.

My Block My Hood My City hopes to make this inspiring trip downtown an annual affair for the city’s rising next generation.

Copyright © 2024 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

 » Read More

CHICAGO (WLS) — Shane van Gisbergen won the NASCAR Cup Series in Grant Park on Sunday afternoon.

After multiple weather delays, the race finally kicked off, but it was cut down to 75 laps from 100 laps. That race was supposed to begin at 4:05 p.m., but started just after 5:15 p.m.

“It was crazy seeing the rain. I was heartbroken, thinking I wasn’t gonna go,” said Caron Steele.

It was a long day of uncertainty, but fans finally heard that beloved sound.

READ MORE | Chicago Cubs-Guardians game delayed due to possible inclement weather, team says

“It’s just so exciting to hear the sound of the cars rippling through the city,” said Stuart Llewellyn.

Pit crews did what they could to clear the track of standing water after hours-long deluge, using every resource available, including a leaf blower.

WATCH: ABC7 Team has fun with NASCR driver Ryan Preece

ABC7 Chicago Team has some fun with NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece ahead of the race.

“Once we saw it was tapering off, we saw they were drying the cars off, we got excited. We hit it, and got down here,” said John Llewellyn.

Elijah Williams helped sing the national anthem, which they moved inside the media room to usher in the race.

“I’ve been a racing fan pretty much my whole life, and this is actually my first NASCAR event. And, I got the opportunity to perform. It feels surreal,” Williams said.

WATCH: NASCAR podcaster Andrew Kurland shares excitement

NASCAR podcaster Andrew Kurland joined ABC7 to talk about his excitement for the first-ever Chicago street race and a new era of NASCAR.

Fans were more than ready, especially since the weather kept drivers off the race past their scheduled start time.

“I feel like a soggy mess. My sweatshirt is soaked. My shoes, I feel like I’m walking on water, but it’s worth it,” said Amber Jeschke.

“We got absolutely soaked, but we had a fun time,” said Will Otter.

“I’m excited about it. I mean, it’s the first time anything like this has happened, so I’m very happy to be part of it,” said Malcolm Majors.

WATCH: NASCAR Chicago Street Race President Julie Giese ready for race day

NASCAR Chicago Street Race President Julie Giese talks to ABC7s Christian Piekos ahead of first race.

 » Read More