Chicago: Things To Do

Architectural River Cruise The city’s “living museum” of architectural treasures are candidly and humorously uncovered during these lively docent-led tours down the Chicago River. The Loop; 224 S Michigan Ave.; 312-922-3432; www.architecture.org
architecture | tour | history

Art Institute of Chicago This prestigious museum includes over 500,000 works in its permanent collection. Among the Monets, O’Keefes and Warhols are Grant Wood’s American Gothic and Edward Hoppers Nighthawks. The Loop; 111 S. Michigan Ave.; 312-443-3600; www.artic.edu
family | culture | museum | art

Lincoln Park This 1,200+ acre park hugs the eastern shoreline providing miles of bike trails, beaches, baseball diamonds and ample skyline sightings. Lincoln Park; www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
beach | family | park

Millennium Park Da Mayor’s much-hyped vanity project has paid off in spades. Take in a free concert at Pritzker Pavilion, splash around in Crown Fountain, or marvel at Cloud Gate, aka “the Bean.” The Loop; Michigan Ave. and Randolph St.; www.millenniumpark.org
family | live music | park

Second City Chicago’s famed temple of improv still cranks out satire and superstars. Steve Carrell, Stephen Colbert, and Tina Fey all cut their teeth here in recent years. Old Town; 1616 North Wells St.; 312-337-3992; www.secondcity.com
culture | comedy | night life

Shedd Aquarium The largest aquarium in the world recreates the eco-system of the Great Lakes and dazzles with a living coral reef, but it’s whale- and dolphin-watching in the Oceanarium that brings in the crowds. Museum Campus; 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr.; 312-939-2438; www.sheddaquarium.org
family | aquarium | wildlife

Wrigley Field The Chicago Cubs may never win the World Series, but spending an afternoon swilling beer in the bleachers at this ivy-covered neighborhood ballpark should be a compulsory part of every visitor’s experience. Lakeview; 1060 W. Addison St.; www.cubs.mlb.com
family | spectator sport | smart splurge