Tips on avoiding Chicago Tourist Traps with Virtual Tourist

Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

1300 S Lake Shore Dr

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Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum in Chicago offers interactive exhibits and high-tech sky shows, attracting over half a million visitors annually.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

General Admission: $19.95 adults, $15.95 children (3-11), students, seniors. Special exhibitions may have additional costs.

Fashion Outlets of Chicago

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

5220 Fashion Outlets Way (at W Balmoral Ave)

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Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont offers over 130 designer outlets featuring savings up to 75%, just five minutes from O'Hare International Airport.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Shopping and dining do not require an admission fee.

Lincoln Park Zoo

May Mo[-1] - Sep Mo[1] Mo-Fr 10:00-17:00; Sa-Su 10:00-18:30; Sep - Oct 10:00-17:00; Nov - Mar 10:00-16:30; Apr - May 10:00-17:00

Park

2001 N Clark St (btwn Fullerton Pkwy & LaSalle Dr)

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Lincoln Park Zoo, established in 1868, is a free admission zoo in Chicago housing 1,100 animals from 200 species across its 35-acre grounds.

Duration: More than 3 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Paschen Park

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

1932 W Lunt Ave

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Paschen Park in Chicago offers green space and recreational facilities for families and outdoor enthusiasts in Cook County.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Some events may have a nominal fee.

Sheil Park Playground

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Amusement Park

3505 N Southport Ave

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Sheil Park in Chicago, Illinois, offers recreational activities, sports facilities, and green spaces for community enjoyment.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Sports equipment may require rental fees for certain activities.

Ford City Mall Shopping Center

10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Mall

7601 S Cicero Ave (btwn 72nd St & 76th St)

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Ford City Mall in Chicago offers over 150 stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities, making it a key retail hub for residents and visitors alike.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some special events may have ticket requirements.

Ehlert Park

8:00 AM–sunset

Park

Brookfield

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Ehlert Park in Brookfield, IL offers recreational space with playgrounds, sports facilities, and picnic areas, ideal for family gatherings and outdoor activities.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some events may have additional fees.

Bickerdike Square Park

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

1461 W. Ohio St. (btwn Armour & Bishop)

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Bickerdike Square Park in Chicago offers green space, playgrounds, and community events, catering to families and local residents seeking outdoor activities.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No admission fees for public access.

Goudy Square Park

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

Illinois

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Goudy Square Park in Chicago offers recreational spaces, playgrounds, and green areas for relaxation and leisure in Cook County, Illinois.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No charge for entry or use of facilities.

Fellger Park

6:00 AM–9:00 PM

Park

2000 W Belmont Ave

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Fellger Park is a serene urban park located in Cook County, Illinois, featuring open spaces, walking paths, and recreational facilities for all ages.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Facilities use does not require payment.

White Water Canyon Water Park

11:00 AM–8:00 PM

Amusement Park

8221 W 171st Street

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White Water Canyon Water Park in Tinley Park, Illinois offers family-friendly attractions like a lazy river, water slide, and kid-friendly pools across a 5-acre area.

Duration: More than 4 hours.

Paid. Prices vary by age with discounts for children and groups.

Grandparents' Park

7:00 AM–9:00 PM

Amusement Park

5445 N Chester St (Chester)

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Grandparents' Park in Chicago provides a tranquil green space with walking paths, gardens, and a children’s play area. It’s ideal for families and nature lovers alike.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may incur fees.

Horseshoe Hammond

24 hours

Casino

777 Casino Center Dr (at Calumet Ave)

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Horseshoe Hammond, located in Hammond, Indiana, features a diverse gaming experience, nightlife, and a variety of entertainment options, making it a key destination near Chicago.

Duration: 2-4 hours recommended.

Free entry to the casino; some events and dining options may cost extra.

Howard Beach Park

6:00 AM–9:00 PM

Amusement Park

7519 N Eastlake Terrace (btw Howard st. & Birchwood Ave.)

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Howard Beach Park is a scenic park in Chicago, offering beach access, recreational spaces, and natural beauty for families and nature enthusiasts.

Duration: 1 to 3 hours.

Free. All facilities are open to the public with no entry fees.

Chi Che Wang Playlot Park

6:00 AM–9:00 PM

Amusement Park

1762 W Diversey Pkwy (btwn Wolfram & Hermitage)

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Chi Che Wang Playlot Park in Chicago features a modern playground within a community-oriented neighborhood setting, ideal for families and recreation.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No paid tickets required for entry.

Merryman Playlot Park

Open 24 hours

Amusement Park

3736 N Marshfield Ave

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Merryman Playlot Park in Chicago, Illinois features playgrounds, recreational areas, and green spaces for families and children to enjoy outdoor activities.

Duration: Approx. 1-2 hours.

Free. No admission costs for entry.

South Lakeview Playground Park

Open 24 hours

Amusement Park

1300 W Wolfram St (at Lakewood Ave)

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South Lakeview Playground Park is a compact neighborhood park in Chicago, featuring a playground, basketball hoops, and a volleyball court for local recreation.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free.

Lincolnwood Town Center

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

3333 W Touhy Ave (McCormick Blvd)

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Lincolnwood Town Center in Chicago, Illinois, is a modern shopping hub featuring diverse retail, dining options, and entertainment amenities for all ages.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Free. Access to shops and dining is free; some events may require a ticket.

Kimbark Plaza

10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Mall

E 53rd St

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Kimbark Plaza is a vibrant outdoor shopping center in Chicago, featuring a variety of shops, dining options, and community events.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some events may have a participation fee.

Hyde Park Shopping Center

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

55th Street & Lake Park Ave

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Hyde Park Shopping Center features over 100 retailers, eateries, and services within a vibrant community hub in Chicago, catering to locals and visitors alike.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. No entry fee; some dining options require payment.

The Shops at Roosevelt Collection

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

150 W Roosevelt Road

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The Shops at Roosevelt Collection offers a vibrant shopping and dining experience in Chicago, featuring over 40 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free to enter. Retail purchases and dining are at individual costs.

Water Tower Place

10:00 AM-9:00 PM

Mall

835 N Michigan Ave (E Pearson St)

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Water Tower Place is a large shopping mall in Chicago on the Magnificent Mile. It features over 100 stores, restaurants, and a theater, all inside a stunning eight-level atrium.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

free

Shops at Northbridge

10:00 AM-9:00 PM

Mall

520 N Michigan Ave (at Grand Ave.)

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Shops at Northbridge is a stylish four-level mall located on the Magnificent Mile. It features over 50 top stores including Nordstrom and a variety of restaurants providing a lively shopping and dining experience.

Duration: approx. 2-3 hours

Free

Maxwell Street Market

Su

Market

800 S Desplaines St (btwn Polk St & Cabrini St)

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Maxwell Street Market is a vibrant open-air market held every Sunday. It features hundreds of vendors selling food, clothing, and unique items, making it a lively spot for foodies and bargain hunters alike.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Macy's

10:00 AM-8:00 PM

Mall

835 N Michigan Ave Water Tower Place

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Macy's in Chicago is a famous department store known for its wide range of fashion and home goods. It offers brands like Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, attracting shoppers from all over the city.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Harlem-Irving Plaza Shopping Center

10:00 AM-9:00 PM

Mall

4104 N Harlem Ave (at W Forest Preserve Ave)

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Harlem-Irving Plaza Shopping Center is a large retail space in Chicago. It features many popular stores, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it a go-to shopping destination for locals and visitors alike.

Duration: approx. 2-3 hours

Free