Chicago – Things to do with your Team

Many people think that Chicago’s called the Windy City because of the winter winds that come roaring off the lake and howl through the canyons created by downtown skyscrapers. But the real reason is because of the bloviated jaw flapping of local politicians in the late 18th and early 20th century–politicians who were old windbags and “full of hot air,” according to journalists. Chicago has an incredibly colorful history, especially during its mafia heydays in the 20’s and 30’s. Modern-day Chicago is a thriving metropolis packed full of fascinating museums, famous sports venues, and thrilling adventures like the 103rd floor Skywalk in the Willis Tower and the Centennial Wheel, a 200-foot high Ferris wheel at Navy Pier, which are included on this list of exciting activities the Windy City has to offer.

 

Shedd Aquarium

Aquariums are awesome, and Shedd Aquarium is one of the best, housing more than 32,500 marine animals belonging to over 1,500 species. Be sure to catch a daily show starring dolphins, whales, and sea otters, and prepare to be blown away by the stingray exhibit that invites you to touch these incredible creatures. Exhibits at the aquarium include the Polar Play Zone featuring animals that live in icy waters; Amazon Rising, which showcases animals native to the Amazon; Caribbean Reef, a rainbow display of colorful reef species; and At Home on the Great Lakes, featuring marine life that call HOMES home. 1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605  

 

Navy Pier

If you have never been to Navy Pier, then let’s start with this: It’s a lot more than a pier. Overlooking the Chicago skyline, Navy Pier is a 3,300 foot-long pier on the shoreline that encompasses more than 50 acres of parks, gardens, shops, restaurants, theaters, family attractions, and exhibition facilities. With the 200-foot Centennial Wheel as its centerpiece, the pier is the top leisure destination in the Midwest, drawing nearly nine million visitors annually. Not surprisingly, it is Chicago’s number one tourist attraction. Do not miss Navy Pier! 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

 

City Mini Golf

City Mini Golf is a privately owned 18-hole miniature golf course located in inside beautiful Maggie Daley Park. The course has one-of-a-kind holes and obstacles, some that can only be found at City Mini Golf. Boasting a 7-foot tall putt under replica of the Willis Tower, a putt-thru model of the famous Wells Street Bridge, a 6-foot tall replica of the Picasso sculpture located in Daley Plaza, and even a basketball hoop obstacle, golfers are sure to leave with wonderful memories and even better pictures. Located on the south end of the BP Bridge, golfers are treated to breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline throughout their entire game play. 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601

 

Museum of Science and Industry

Chicago - Things to do with your Team - Travel - Hotels4TeamsThe Museum of Science and Industry is a fascinating exploration of, well, science and industry. This sprawling, 400,000 square-foot facility features immersive, interactive exhibits that give you a hands-on experience you won’t soon forget. Exhibits include a full-size replica of a coal mine, a German submarine, the Apollo 8 spacecraft, and a Boeing 727 jet that you can board and explore. There’s a 3,500 square-foot model railroad, gigantic Lego buildings, a mind-boggling mirror maze, and a thrilling exhibit on tornadoes and avalanches. And that’s not even the half of it. You can’t help but come away from this museum with a new appreciation for science and industry. 5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637

 

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Chicago Riverwalk

The Riverwalk is a walkway that follows the south bank of the Chicago River in downtown Chicago. It’s a stunning walking tour that takes place in the shadow of some of America’s tallest skyscrapers. It’s also a great way to get a little exercise and see the sights. Shops and restaurants line the walk, and you can find places to rent kayaks or bicycles for a different kind of exploration. Along the way, you’ll likely see plenty of public art, live performances by street musicians, and other special events. Visit the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum, or take a water taxi ride or a river cruise to learn more about the fascinating history of downtown. Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601

 

Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium is a public museum dedicated to the study of astronomy and astrophysics. The Adler’s mission is to inspire exploration and understanding of the Universe. The Planetarium opened to the public on May 12, 1930 and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987. The Adler is home to three full size theaters, extensive space science exhibitions, and a significant collection of antique scientific instruments and print materials. In addition, the Adler boasts the Doane Observatory, one of the only research-active, public urban observatories. This lakeside observatory is the only place in Chicago where the public can see planets, stars, and galaxies up-close and in person. 1300 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

 

Chicago River & Lake Michigan Cruises

Some of the best views of Chicago are from the water – the Chicago River or Lake Michigan. There are numerous cruise lines that offer a variety of different boat rides. Here are a few: Mercury Cruises; Shoreline Sightseeing; and Cruise Chicago. For a speed ride, try Seadog Cruises. 112 E Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601; 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611; 112 E Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601; Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

 

Lincoln Park Zoo

One of the best things about Lincoln Park Zoo is that it’s free, and it’s smack dab in the middle of the city, surrounded by skyscrapers and featuring more than 1,200 animals, including African lions, bald eagles, giraffes, gorillas, gibbons, leopards, and pandas. You can go for a paddle boat ride, take on the Tree Canopy Climbing Adventure, enjoy hands-on experiences with the wildlife, and watch the zookeepers train the resident seals and apes. 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

 

Wrigley Field Tour

Chicago - Things to do with your Team - Travel - Hotels4TeamsWrigley Field is the beloved home of the Cubs, and it houses more than a hundred years worth of Chicago baseball history. You can go behind the scenes with a Field Tour, which includes checking out the seating bowl, press box, bleachers, visitors’ clubhouse, the Cubs’ dugout, and the field itself. This inspiring tour will get you more excited about baseball than ever before, and you’ll see scores of Cubs artifacts from the very beginnings of the team to the present day. 1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613

 

Skydeck

If it’s thrills you’re looking for, look no further than the Ledge at the Skydeck. Located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, the tallest building in the western hemisphere, the Skydeck offers incredible views of the city from 1,353 feet in the air. But the real fun begins when you take the Ledge challenge. The Ledge is a four-foot glass box that extends out from the building and features a transparent floor. When you step out, you’re looking straight down from over a thousand feet in the air. If that doesn’t make your palms sweat and your heart race, we don’t know what will. After you conquer the Ledge, check out the Skydeck Visitor Center, featuring interactive exhibits about the building and its construction. 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

 

There’s so much more to see when exploring Chicago, including numerous tours, outdoor activities and extreme adventures, sports events, and endless museums and art galleries. No matter what you find to do here, your team will have a good time in The Windy City.