You and your family are all geared up for your Chicago adventure. Maybe you've planned a river cruise or a stroll through Grant Park. You've undoubtedly planned to gaze into the liquid-looking, reflective surface of Cloud Gate, more commonly known as "The Bean" sculpture. Then it happens, as it often does in Chicago. Dark rain clouds roll in from Lake Michigan, ruining all your outdoor plans. Suddenly, the question becomes — what is there to do inside in Chicago?

The Windy City offers many indoor delights when it's raining. Here's a look at five fun things to do when it's raining in Chicago. 

5 Things to Do in Chicago Inside When It Is Raining

Here are five of our favorite things to do in Chicago when it rains.

1. Explore the Indoor Parks or Aquarium

Many tourists come to Chicago for outdoor sights, but rest assured that there are indoor attractions worth your time if the forecast is less than ideal. Keep yourself or your entire group entertained at some of our favorite indoor parks, gardens and aquariums:

• Jurassic Gardens: Get transported millions of years in the past to the time of dinosaurs. Jurassic Gardens is a 15,000-square-foot safari adventure featuring life-like, animatronic dinosaurs. Kids and parents can dig for fossils, learn cool facts in the dino-lab and even play a round of dino-themed mini golf. 
• Shedd Aquarium: With more than 70 different habitats, you can see aquatic life of all shapes and sizes at the Shedd Aquarium. Get a close-up look at sea otters, dolphins, fish, whales and over 32,000 other animals. You can even reach into select tanks to pet stingrays, starfish and sturgeon lake fish.

• LEGOLAND® Discovery Center: Let your imagination run wild at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center. You can go on rides, see 4D animated shows, view LEGO® replicas of Chicago buildings and take pictures with characters from LEGO films. 
• Garfield Park Conservatory: Immerse yourself in nature in this multi-acre attraction filled with greenery and the beauty of the outdoors — inside. The conservatory offers free admission and features a variety of different landscapes and plant species to explore.
• Adler Planetarium: Fans of space exploration and astronomy must stop by the Adler Planetarium. You can take a closer look at Chicago's night sky, the solar system and the Apollo 13 space mission through a wide range of indoor exhibits.

2. Take in the Sights Without Getting Drenched

Just because it's raining doesn't mean you should miss out on this impressive city's many wonders. Chicago is famous for its massive buildings and iconic architecture.

Explore Downtown Via the Pedway

Chicago is a pedestrian-friendly city with its own underground tunnel system, the Pedway. In 1951, officials in the city started working on a project that would connect two highly traveled subways, the Red Line and Blue Line. The Pedway now connects over 50 buildings underground after decades of expansion. The entire network of tunnels stretches five miles (40 blocks) and extends through Chicago's Central Business District.

 The project's goal was to create a method for pedestrians to walk down the street without cars being a hazard to them, but you can also use it to explore the city comfortably when it rains.

A free tour of the Pedway is a great way to see it all. You might schedule a guided tour to see City Hall, the Wrigley Building, the Thompson Center or the Marina Towers, to name a few.

Enjoy a Bird's Eye View From the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

At 1,000 feet above the sprawling city is the famed 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck. Formerly called the John Hancock Building, visitors are lifted higher and higher to enjoy magnificent views of the Chicago skyline day or night. 

For those who want to amp up their sightseeing, try TILT. This thrill ride is a moveable platform that hangs visitors over the plummeting height for an unforgettable experience. 

3. Imbibe and Dine in the Windy City

Chicago is jam-packed with some of the best restaurants and bars in the world. Whether you're looking for food to share or a memorable draft pour at a local brewery, check out some of these fantastic Chicago bars, breweries and eateries when it is raining: 

• Twisted Hippo: You're always in for a one-of-a-kind experience with each sip at the Twisted Hippo brewery. Get the perfect combination of great atmosphere, tasty beer and phenomenal service, plus a vast food menu, too.
• Eris Brewery and Cider House: More of a cider fan? This women-run restaurant and brewery is the city's favorite place to try a flight of ciders that will give your palate a taste of something new.
• Lula Cafe: This casual restaurant is famous for serving brunch with locally sourced ingredients. Lula Cafe has been a hot spot for residents since it first opened over 20 years ago, so we suggest making a reservation ahead of time.
• Pequod's Pizza: Get a deep-dish pizza you'll remember long after your visit to the city. Pequod's Pizza steps outside the norm by making Chicago-style pizzas with caramelized cheese crust. 
• Afternoon Tea at the Drake Hotel: With a tea service that's nearly 100 years old, tea time at Palm Court is a must for those who love the finer things. Some of Palm Court's most famous guests have included the late Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana. Visitors can order a variety of teas, as well as bread and scones made with rich ingredients. 

4. Take in a World Class Show

Move over Broadway. The Chicago theater scene is alive and thriving. From the legendary Chicago Theatre to the smaller venues dotted throughout downtown, you can experience a unique theatrical experience like none other. And it's not just musical theater. The city features a variety of extraordinary on-stage entertainment, including comedy clubs, magic shows, speakeasies and live music. The world of entertainment is ready and waiting for your rainy-day enjoyment. 

 

5. Explore History, Art and Entertainment at a Chicago Museum

In the mood for something educational and fun on a rainy day? The following Chicago-based museums offer relief from the weather and help you learn something new in a pleasant indoor environment.

• The Field Museum: Explore fossils, artifacts and the history of humankind and wildlife. Since 1921, the museum has been a public attraction for those passionate about history. You'll find exhibits on concepts like Ancient Egypt and the Prehistoric Period. See human mummies from centuries ago or learn how you'd measure up against Máximo the Titanosaur.

 

• Driehaus Museum: With its collection of 19th- and 20th-century art and artifacts, the Driehaus Museum is a repurposed mansion featuring unforgettable architecture and creative genius. Dive into historical paintings from America and Europe on any rainy day.
• Museum of Science and Industry: With changing exhibits and attractions year-round, there's something new to learn on every rainy or snowy day in the city. Watch informational videos in a theater, expand your knowledge in chemistry, design and engineering or immerse yourself in a virtual reality experience.
• Chicago Children's Museum: Few museums in Chicago create an environment where kids can play while learning something new. Your family can build castles, paint in an art studio and enjoy other activities indoors at CCM.
• Art Institute of Chicago: Fine-tune your understanding of art from around the world. From Ancient Egyptian pieces, Chinese headdresses and Greek sculptures to modern mediums like print and photography, there's always something interesting to see and learn more about within the Art Institute of Chicago.

Spend a Full Rainy Day at the Volo Auto Museum

When you're looking for indoor activities near Chicago, you should check out the Volo Auto Museum, where you'll find more than just historic cars. Located just a short trip from Chicago, it's a unique attraction that provides something for all ages.

The Volo Auto Museum has been family-owned since 1960. Since the beginning, the museum has focused on expanding a massive collection of iconic automobiles for enthusiasts to see in person. Some vehicles in showrooms were featured in television shows and big-screen films.

There are 33 exhibits in the Volo Auto Museum. These collections range from sports cars and pop culture artifacts to family-friendly exhibits with Disney-related items. Everyone in your family or group will see something interesting, no matter their passions or hobbies.

There's no reason to leave Volo Auto Museum for food or refreshments, either. You can visit the on-site pizza parlor to grab a slice between activities.

Take a Trip to Volo Auto Museum Today

If you're still deciding on things to do in Chicago when it's raining or snowing, make the most out of the day at the Volo Auto Museum. Our attraction consists of 12 buildings stretched out across two blocks, so it's easy to spend an entire day here taking in the sights and, of course, staying dry. 

We offer discounts for children, veterans, active military members and seniors. Purchase a combo ticket to experience Jurassic Gardens as part of your rainy-day fun. Volo Auto Museum is an all-day destination your entire family will be talking about for years!