It’s summer in the Windy City, which means the teens have been unleashed! With this brief time away from the classroom and out in the sunshine (or in the air conditioning), teens and their parents have only a narrow window to really take advantage of warm temperatures and summer events. To help you narrow down the choices, we’ve made this list the best things to do in Chicago with your teenager.
Chicago Riverwalk
There are plenty of interesting spots along the Chicago Riverwalk for the teenage explorer to discover! From McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum — a monument to the Chicago River and its bridges—to the Chicago Architecture Center, there’s always something more to learn about the river. The Riverwalk is also packed with great restaurants, so there’s never any lack of dining options.
Maggie Daley Park
If you’re looking for things to do in Chicago with your teens, Rollerblades and scooters can be rented for use on the ribbon. In addition, miniature golf is available for those looking for something a little tamer.
Navy Pier
This lakefront attraction is one-stop-shopping for dining, sight-seeing, and shopping. Visit The Crystal Gardens (a one-acre, indoor botanic garden), check out the view at East End Plaza, or stroll through Polk Bros Park. When you get hungry, visit Harry Caray’s Tavern, and maybe cruise through Chicago Sports & Novelty before heading home.
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360Chicago
Everybody could do with a different perspective on occasion, and there are few perspectives like the one you experience from the observation deck on the 94th floor of the John Hancock building. Teenagers are ordinarily $25 per person, but if you’re a Chicago resident with a 606 zip code, you can get a 50% discount any day of the year.
Shedd Aquarium
You’re never too old to be genuinely charmed by the surprisingly-graceful beluga, or by the comical walk of a penguin. If you have an appreciation for nature or animal life, a fun thing to do in Chicago with teenagers includes visiting the Shedd Aquarium. Say hello to green sea turtle Nickel at the Caribbean Reef, meet a zebra shark at the Wild Reef, or investigate some intimidating predators at the Amazon Rising exhibit!
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Segway Tour
Glide by the sights and sounds of Chicago on a Segway! With so many tours to choose from, you can learn a lot about the local highlights while zipping along on your two-wheeled steed. The only catch is that anyone under 18 years of age needs to be accompanied by an adult.
Water Tower Place
A huge destination for shopping in Chicago (both in terms of physical size as well as popularity), Water Tower Place accommodates teen shoppers in search of clothing, accessories, gifts, games, and just about anything else they might be seeking. With a long list of available restaurants as well, Water Tower has plenty of options for when weary shoppers need a snack break.
View Chicago Venues Open in July
Want to add some cool shows to your entertainment list? View our list of which venues in the city open in July.
View Chicago Venues Open in July
Seadog Extreme Thrill Ride
Thrill-seeking teens with a need for speed will want to check out the Extreme Thrill Ride offered by Seadog Cruises. Feel the wind and spray on your face as the Seadog Extreme races along the lakefront and spins 360 degrees! Just make sure you meet the minimum height requirement of 48 inches.
Lincoln Park Zoo
An oasis of wildlife in the midst of Lincoln Park, this zoo is free for all in attendance. Make friends with the giraffes, admire the gorillas, and wonder at the majesty of the noble rhinoceros.
Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities
Is there a teen in your life who’s a bit entranced by the ethereal? Mesmerized by the macabre? An entertaining thing to do in the city with your teenagers may include visiting this shop of curiosities that’s a little off the beaten path. At Woolly Mammoth, you’ll find taxidermy, bones, toys, charts, maps, and all sorts of other odds and ends to sift through.
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Featured Image Credit: Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities Facebook Page
