There are an endless amount of things to do in Chicago, but before you turn 21, you might feel restricted. Growing up in Chicago, I learned there is still plenty to do without drinking alcohol.
Here is my list of 21 things to do before you turn 21:
1. The Art Institute of Chicago
You can almost never go wrong with museums in Chicago. The Art Institute is right by Grant Park on Michigan Avenue. It is one of the largest art museums in America. The museum is actually free for Chicago teenagers, so be sure to take advantage of that. Don't forget to mimic this iconic scene from Ferris Bueller.
Image from The Smithsonian Magazine
2. The Shedd Aquarium
This aquarium is located right on Lake Michigan. It has recognizable sea creatures like Octopus and Jellyfish, but you'll also find unique animals you wouldn't be able to imagine. It's worth noting that Chicago residents receive a discount, so be sure to check out their website to find the best time to go. If you liked the museums mentioned, be sure to check out the other ones in Chicago!
3. Portillo's
Portillo's is a staple for Chicago food. I recommend getting a Chicago hot dog; that is on a poppy seed bun with mustard, onion, relish, tomato, pickle, peppers, celery salt, and absolutely NO KETCHUP! If you are not a fan of hot dogs, Portillo's is known for its Italian beef.
4. Rainbow Cone
On the south side is the legendary Rainbow cone. The classic cone has five flavors: chocolate, strawberry, Palmer house, pistachio, and orange sherbet. Personally, I don't like pistachio ice cream so I get the cone without it and it's still incredible. They also have other ice cream flavors if this combo doesn't seem appealing to you.
Image from the official Rainbow Cone website
5. Stan's Donuts
Stan's is my favorite doughnut shop. There are several locations downtown and in Wicker Park. They cater to several dietary restrictions too so there are options for everyone. My favorite doughnut is any one with Nutella.
6. The Oven Grinder
This pizza restaurant is unique to Chicago. They are known for the pizza pot pies. Going with friends is a great experience for tourists and locals alike. However, they do not take reservations so the wait can be over two hours if you go with a big group during prime time. If you do not feel like waiting that long, there are plenty of other pizza restaurants in the city. My other favorites are Pequod's and Lou Malnati's. image from the official Oven Grinder website
7. The Taste of Chicago (Early July)
The Taste of Chicago is a big street fest at Grant Park where a bunch of restaurants set up tents and you can try a bunch of different foods. Some of the restaurants I have mentioned above also have stands at the Taste of Chicago. There are also free concerts with big artists. A few years ago they Alessia Cara played; another year Chance the Rapper performed.
8. The Time Out Market
This is a new indoor market in the West Loop. It supposedly has the best restaurants in Chicago all in one place. From tacos to Italian beef to smoothies, there are endless options. The market was initially only supposed to be active this past summer but they have extended the lifetime to an undetermined date. Be sure to check it out while you still have the chance!
9. Starbucks Roastery Reserve
This is a relatively new location that Starbucks has opened. It is the biggest Starbucks in the world. It is a bit more expensive than regular Starbucks, but it has a nice atmosphere to just grab a coffee and chill with some friends. You could also bring your laptop and get some work done.
10. The Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are have been iconic and have grown in popularity since winning the World Series in 2016. The games at the beginning of the season can be quite cold so be sure to dress accordingly and possibly bring blankets if you decide to go early. Ticket prices can be expensive, especially for a large group, but weekday games are more affordable.
11. The Chicago White Sox
On the south side of Chicago you can enjoy a baseball game for cheaper. Although Wrigley may be more iconic, there are more family friendly facilities at Guaranteed Rate Field such as batting cages and running bases for kids. On certain days they also have special deals on food or cool giveaways so check out the official website to schedule a visit.
12. Take the "L"
The CTA is a crucial part to Chicago transportation and it's super easy. You can take the red line to get from Wrigley to Guaranteed Rate Field. You can buy a one-way ticket, an all-day pass, a weekly pass, or other options. It is fairly inexpensive and a good way to navigate through the city. In December, they run the holiday train with Santa. Each car smells like cinnamon and there are elves who give out candy canes. Be sure to check out their website to time your schedule to ride the holiday train.
image from the official Chicago Transit Authority Website
13. The Christkindlmarket (November & December)
Speaking of things to do during the holiday season, be sure to check out the Christkindlmarket! This is a German market where you can go get hot chocolate and delicious German food like the wiener schnitzel. This market is located at the Daley Plaza and opens in late November and closes on Christmas Eve. It can be very crowded on the weekends so the best times to go are during the week.
14. Skating at Maggie Daley (Winter)
Another winter activity that is free is skating at the Maggie Daley park. This ice ribbon is unique to the usual circular skating rink. There are parts of the rink that are slightly uphill and downhill so be careful if it's your first time skating. You can rent skates for less than $15 but you have to wait in a line that can take up to two hours. I recommend bringing your own skates to skip the line.
15. The Bean
You can't go to Chicago and not see the Bean! The bean is located in Cloud Gate which is right by Grant park. It was sculpted by Anish Kapoor. If you're a local it won't be that exciting, but it can still be fun to take pictures there and there is a lot to do in the area.
16. See a movie at the Pritzer Pavillion (June)
Right behind the Bean is the Pritzer Pavillion. In the Summer, on Tuesday nights they play movies you can enjoy with friends for free. Again, the park can fill up quickly, so I recommend getting there an hour and a half to two hours before the movie start. You can set up a picnic with your friends or you can bring some paints and canvases and do some art before the movie starts. Be sure to bring a blanket or big towel to sit on during the movie.
17. Lollapalooza (Early August)
Lollapalooza is an electric music festival in Grant park during the first weekend of August. Some of the top music artists come from across the world to perform at Lolla. It can be expensive to get a general admission wristband for the entire weekend but you will find that one day is definitely worth it. If you see that your favorite artists are playing there, it is a must to go. You can go early to the stage where they will be performing later and secure a good spot to enjoy their show. Make sure you bring a water bottle as there are many water filling stations throughout the park.
18. Windy City Smokeout (Early July)
If you are a country fan the Windy City Smokeout is the best event for you! The best barbecue restaurants in the country have tents set up while the top country musicians are performing. This annual event is relatively new and it has already grown massive in popularity. This upcoming year Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, and Jon Pardi are performing. Buy tickets through the official website.
image from WindyCitySmokeout.com
19. Oak Street Beach
Oak street beach is open to the public and has both a beach with sand and a concrete area if you do not want to get sandy. The view is incredible as it is right next to Lake Shore Drive. When the water is warm it is fun to jump off the ledge and swim with friends. When it is not warm, it can still be relaxing to sit on the ledge with snacks and music and just hang out. There are also bike paths and running paths if you are interested in either.
20. Chinatown
Chinatown is located on the south side of Chicago and is easily accessible via the red line. There is an abundance of Chinese culture in the area with regards to restaurants and shops. I recommend getting dim sum for lunch. Also, it is probably a good idea to not wander around at night.
21. River Architecture Tour
The final activity to do that is fun for a local or a tourist is an architectural river tour. Chicago has a lot of diverse architecture so it's interesting to learn about the history of the buildings and architects. There are many tours offered along the river in River North; they can give you a new perspective on the unique buildings.
Image taken by author Joseph Bergren
Although I have listed 21 things, there is still a lot you can do before you turn 21! There are concerts going on all the time, sometimes they are free. There are so many neighborhoods to check out as well as restaurants. During the summer, there is almost always a street fest going on during the weekends. Even if you're not 21, you can find more than enough things to do!