Best Rainy Day Activities In Chicago
Chicago's weather can be very unpredictable, but no matter what type of weather Mother Nature brings, there is always plenty to do in the City of Chicago. Rainy days in Chicago can be the most fun by taking advantage of the best rainy day activities. If it should rain in Chicago, jump for joy and plan a day of fun activities in the great city.
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2430 N. Cannon Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 755-5100
www.naturemuseum.org
This museum has wonderful collections and exhibits, but a great exhibit to visit at this museum, especially on a rainy day in Chicago, is the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven. Visitors can get very close to over 75 species of exotic butterflies and spectacular bird types from the Southern Hemisphere. This amazing exhibit is located in a 2,700-square-foot greenhouse that houses tropical trees, pools of water, flowers and 1,000 butterflies which include those that have never been seen in our region.
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-5440
www.chicagobotanic.org
Visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden on a rainy day in Chicago is an activity that is exciting and memorable. Although walking around a botanic garden on a rainy day may not be the first thought that comes to mind for a fun activity, it really is the perfect day to visit. Here you can ride a tram, take a tour and get an overview of the popular areas all while being covered overhead from the rain. The tours run daily from April through October. Not only does the Chicago Botanic Garden offer extensive horticultural displays, but it also offers a wide variety of exhibitions which include an array of artwork and fine photography. There is much to do and enjoy at the Chicago Botanic Garden that does not involve going outside in the rain.
The Chopping Block
4747 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 472-6700
www.thechoppingblock.net
If you enjoy cooking or want to learn to cook better, a demonstration class at The Chopping Block may be a great best rainy day activity. Enjoy a class led by a professional chef-instructor that is informative and entertaining, plus participants receive generous samplings of every dish prepared in class. Participants are encouraged to ask questions throughout the demonstration and take notes so that the dishes can be recreated at home. The monthly class calendars are listed on The Chopping Block website.
Water Tower Place
835 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 440-3166
www.shopwatertower.com
A day of shopping and dining can make for a great rainy day activity in Chicago at Water Tower Place. Water Tower Place offers a large selection of shopping experiences and also dining establishments that will fit the needs of most any visitor. The mall offers parking and rates are listed on the website including parking specials. Be sure to click on the Shopping Packages link on the website to be directed to premier perks.
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 595-7437
www.navypier.com
A rainy day spent at Navy Pier is sure to be a day of fun and exciting activities. Navy Pier has so much to offer on rainy days and all days. Indoor activities include shopping, dining, Chicago's Children Museum, Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze, Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows plus entertainment venues as well. Keeping busy on a rainy day in Chicago is easy and entertaining at Navy Pier.
Michelle Guilbeau is an elementary teacher living in Chicago, Illinois. She has also experience in school administration and literacy coaching. Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
