Things to do in Chicago today
Looking for something to do this evening? Have a friend coming into town who wants to see the sights? You're in luck, because Chicago is a city filled with attractions and things to do (including some that cost absolutely nothing). Seize the moment with our list of today's best concerts, shows, activities and more.
The Naked at the Art Museum Scavenger Hunt
Search out bathing beauties, sultry sirens, provocative Picassos and more undressed art at this Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt in the Art Institute. You’ll view some of the museum’s best nudes, while learning about art history and enjoying the company of your fellow peeping Toms.
wndr museum
Step inside one of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama's famous Infinity Mirror Rooms at this new pop-up exhibition, which features installations that blend art and science. Other attractions include a “zero-gravity ball pit” that uses helium balloons and fans to simulate a weightless version of the childhood attraction, a floor that reacts to your footsteps and a gigantic screen that replicates your image with black and white discs. According to a press release, the exhibit will remain on display for a “limited, but undetermined, amount of time,” so you might want to book tickets sooner rather than later. Oh, and if you happen to use the restroom during your visit, definitely go ahead and press the red button.
Ice Skating in Millennium Park
Skate under the Chicago skyline and within eyeshot of the Chicago Christmas Tree at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. Admission to the rink is free, and you can rent skates for $13–$15. The most popular time to hit the rink is in the evening, so show up earlier if you don't feel like waiting in line for your chance to slide around. Take advantage of free skating lessons on Fridays at 11am and Saturdays and Sunday at 9am. If it seems too warm to skate, call ahead—this rink is open through March 10, weather permitting.
Ice Skating at Maggie Daley Park
Situated in the heart of downtown Chicago, with the city's sweeping skyline as a backdrop, the Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park is a winter attraction unlike any other. Skaters can lace up and wind around a path that's twice the length of a lap around a traditional rink. Admission to the Skating Ribbon is always free, and skate rentals are available. Short on time? Snag a Fast Pass for $40 and skip the line! The Ribbon stays open through March (weather permitting) and will host a Skate with Santa on Saturday, December 15 from 10am to noon. Visit the winter attraction Monday through Thursday from noon to 8pm, Friday from noon to 10pm, Saturday from 10am to 10pm and Sunday from 10am to 8pm.
Chicago Botanic Garden Orchid Show
The North Shore's annual salute to this prized family of flowers is the perfect cure for wintertime blues. The greenhouses and gallery will be packed with more than 10,000 in-bloom orchids, featuring an array of hybrids.
“Coated: A Lauren Asta Solo Show”
You've likely seen Lauren Asta's destinctive murals, festooned with her wide-eyed cartoon characters, on the side of old warehouses in the West Loop or on the way to the bathrooms at Emporium Fulton Market. In addition to two more murals, Asta's debut solo show, “Coated,” features smaller works that capture the bold lines and fun-loving spirit of her larger-than-life ideas. Many of the pieces on display are available for purchase and you'll have your best chance of snagging one by attending the show's opening reception on January 19 from 6-10pm.
Ice Skating in Millennium Park
Skate under the Chicago skyline and within eyeshot of the Chicago Christmas Tree at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. Admission to the rink is free, and you can rent skates for $13–$15. The most popular time to hit the rink is in the evening, so show up earlier if you don't feel like waiting in line for your chance to slide around. Take advantage of free skating lessons on Fridays at 11am and Saturdays and Sunday at 9am. If it seems too warm to skate, call ahead—this rink is open through March 10, weather permitting.
Ice Skating at Maggie Daley Park
Situated in the heart of downtown Chicago, with the city's sweeping skyline as a backdrop, the Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park is a winter attraction unlike any other. Skaters can lace up and wind around a path that's twice the length of a lap around a traditional rink. Admission to the Skating Ribbon is always free, and skate rentals are available. Short on time? Snag a Fast Pass for $40 and skip the line! The Ribbon stays open through March (weather permitting) and will host a Skate with Santa on Saturday, December 15 from 10am to noon. Visit the winter attraction Monday through Thursday from noon to 8pm, Friday from noon to 10pm, Saturday from 10am to 10pm and Sunday from 10am to 8pm.
“David Maljković Also On View”
Croatian artist David Maljković has created photography, paintings, videos and sculptures throughout his career, but his latest show doesn't concern itself with the "proper presentation" of its contents. Instead, Maljković uses the opportunity to display his output as a way of remixing it, projecting films on top of one another and assembling collages out of his own photos, prints and paintings.
Alita: Battle Angel
The plodding James Cameron-produced manga adaptation looks pretty, but gets lost in endless tech-porn jargon
The Kid Who Would Be King
A Spielbergian spin on Arthurian legend combines high-school life, ancient wizards and CG-enhanced battles
On the Basis of Sex
The life of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg get the dramatic biopic treatment
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Thought we’d reached peak Spider-Man? Think again.
Aquaman
Jason Momoa's surf-bro superhero is crushed by a waves of boringness
Bumblebee
A soft-reboot of the Transformers franchise tells the predictable story of a kid and their car
Ralph Breaks the Internet
This riotous, arcade-game-inspired sequel is everything Ready Player One should have been
The Grinch
Illumination's latest animated movie updates the Dr. Seuss holiday tale for a new generation
Widows
Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen swerves into the fast lane with this Chicago-set heist him
The Favourite
Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz spar for the affections of their queen in a swooningly rude period piece
