The Art Institute is a must for any art lover. See pieces by van Gogh, Seurat, Picasso, Chagall, Matisse, Monet, Renoir, and hundreds more. Even if you don’t have time to stop in, it’s worth walking by for a view of the famous lions outside!

This interactive fountain features the faces of Chicago residents and is a favorite for families seeking refuge from the oppressive heat during the summer. Wait long enough and you’ll see the faces “spit” at those playing in the fountain!

This park features 25 acres of landscape, architecture and public art. During the summer months, the park even hosts outdoor music, movies and fitness classes.

Known by everyone as “The Bean,” this is one of the city’s most beloved permanent art installations. Getting a selfie at The Bean is pretty much a must when you visit Chicago.

This hella big fountain produces a fantastic water display every hour on the hour for 20 minutes starting at 9am. At dusk, lights and music are added to the display.

I know you need to get your sea turtle fix while you’re in Chicago. Look no further than the Shedd! The conservationists there are not just showing off some amazing sea life; they’re also restoring the health of the Great Lakes and sparking compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world.

Aside from serving as a home to Sue, the Field Museum’s famous T. rex, the museum has a ton of both permanent and rotating exhibits to pique the interest of any science lover.

If you’ve ever looked up in awe of the night sky, you’ll love taking a visit to the Adler. This is also a great one if you’re visiting with your family – there’s plenty of stuff to interest kids and adults alike!

MSI has been a favorite of mine since I was a wee kidlet. In addition to a rotating schedule of shows and special exhibits, there are tons of hands-on/interactive exhibits that will bring out the kid in everyone.

Things I love about the Lincoln Park Zoo: the polar bear and it is always FREE! You can spend a few minutes meandering through or a whole afternoon making friends with the animals – it is totally up to you. But really – make time to see the polar bear. He’s pretty great.

Navy Pier has been a Chicago landmark for over a century. Visit the Crystal Gardens, take a ride on the famous ferris wheel, visit the Chicago Children’s Museum, or simply sip a beer while enjoying views of the lake and the city.

You won’t find a better sky-high view of the city than from the Willis Tower Skydeck. You can even step out on the Ledge if you’re feeling brave!

Not to be outdone, you can also head to the Hancock Building for incredible city views from its observation deck. You can also brave TILT – an enclosed moving platform that literally tilts you out over Michigan Avenue from the 94th Floor. (Ya know, if just reading that sentence didn’t make you pee your pants.)

The Cubbies may be out of town during the conference, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t visit Wrigley Field! If you’re a baseball fan, you can still take a tour of the stadium, or simply stop by for some quick pictures.

This building is home to beautiful architecture as well as tons of free music, dance and theatre events, films, art exhibitions, and family events.

Stroll along the main branch of the Chicago River on this 1.25-mile-long path. It’s a beautiful way to simply see some of the city, but will also take you by a number of wonderful restaurants and art installations.

This was one of the few buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire and has become a real icon on Michigan Avenue. It also houses the City Gallery, for anyone interested in photography.

Ok, I’ll admit, Illinois is not exactly what you think of when you think of beaches. But trust me – on a blisteringly hot Chicago day, there’s nothing better than a day at one of the beaches along Lake Michigan. Oak Street Beach is just one of many options!