Illinois
What to do on a rainy day in Chicago
Chicago's world-class museums and deep-dish dining rooms are a rainy day's best friend.
Chicago, Illinois is one of the most-visited destinations in the United States, and a wet forecast doesn't have to ruin a trip. This guide collects 20 hand-picked, fully indoor things to do in Chicago when it rains — everything from world-class museums to neighborhood food halls, working theaters, and quiet bookstores where you can wait out the weather over a cup of coffee.
Every recommendation below is something you can do entirely under a roof — no walking tours, no open-air piers, no rooftops. We've grouped them by 10 museums and cultural institutions, 3 theaters and performance venues, and 3 indoor food and drink spots, with direct links to each venue's official website so you can check hours, ticket prices, and current exhibitions before you head out.
20 indoor things to do in Chicago when it rains
Grouped by what kind of afternoon you're after.
Museums & galleries
Big, ticketed collections you can lose half a day in — perfect when the forecast says all-day showers.
- Visit the Field Museum of Natural History
- Tour the Museum of Science and Industry
- Explore Shedd Aquarium
- Tour the Adler Planetarium
- Visit the Chicago History Museum
- Tour the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen
- Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art
- Tour the Driehaus Museum
- Visit the American Writers Museum
- Tour the Chicago Architecture Center's indoor exhibits
Theaters, music & film
Matinees, jazz sets, and indie cinemas — the most reliable rainy-day plans in any city.
Food halls, markets & tasting rooms
Indoor markets, distilleries, tea rooms and dim sum — eat slowly while the storm passes.
More indoor ideas
Workshops, classes, and one-of-a-kind interiors that don't fit a tidy category.
- Spend the day at the Art Institute of Chicago
- Browse the Chicago Cultural Center (free)
- Tour Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House interior
- Get a deep tissue at a Mag Mile day spa
Frequently asked questions about rainy days in Chicago
- What can you do in Chicago when it rains?
- Plenty. Chicago's strongest rainy-day options are its museums, theaters, and indoor markets — this guide lists 20 curated spots, all fully indoor. A reliable starting point is to the day at the art institute of chicago.
- Are these activities good for families with kids?
- Most are. Aquariums, science museums, food halls, and bookstores work well for all ages. For families, prioritize ticketed museums with hands-on exhibits and indoor markets where kids can move around freely between bites.
- What's the best rainy-day plan in Chicago if I only have a few hours?
- Pick one anchor — usually a museum or a covered market near your hotel — and pair it with a nearby café or bookstore. Most venues on this list are clustered in walkable, transit-friendly neighborhoods, so you can string two or three together without spending much time outside.
- Do I need tickets in advance?
- For major museums, popular Broadway-style shows, and ticketed tours, yes — rainy days are when locals and tourists alike crowd indoor attractions, and walk-up availability can disappear by lunchtime. Use the official links in each listing to book before you go.
More rainy-day guides
Heading somewhere else next? These city guides pair well with Chicago.
