Are you one of the many adventurous women traveling to Chicago and looking to fill your Chicago, Illinois itinerary with exciting and budget friendly experiences? Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Chicago has a variety of attractions and activities tailored to your interests—even when the weather isn’t on your side. From so many fun rainy day activities in Chicago to free must-see spots, there’s no shortage of things available in Chicago today and this post will show you how to make the most of it. So grab your umbrella and discover how to make the most of your time in this vibrant city without getting too wet! Here are 10 things you can do in Chicago, even on those rainy days:

Here are 10 Rainy Day Chicago Activities

Navigate the underground Chicago Pedway to explore the city while staying dry.

Admission to the Chicago Pedway is free; there is no cost to visit the Chicago Pedway. The Chicago Pedway is located underground and most of the entry points can be found at ground level through a store that leads you to a lower level with access to the pedestrian walkway. There are multiple entry points to the Chicago Pedway so you can refer to this map to see which one you are closest to and explore the area some more.

📍 Chicago Pedway, Multiple Entry Points, Chicago, IL 60602

Admire lush plants in the Victorian-style Lincoln Park Conservatory.

Admission to the Lincoln Park Conservatory is free; there is no cost to visit and enjoy the Lincoln Park Conservatory. No matter the time of year you can always enjoy the greenery at the Lincoln Park Conservatory. You can plan your visit to the Lincoln Park Conservatory by clicking this link here.

📍 Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 N. Stockton Dr., Chicago, IL 60614

Attend special events at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Admission to the Chicago Cultural Center is free; there is no cost to visit the Chicago Cultural Center, but there may be a cost for the special events that occur here. You can plan your visit to the Chicago Cultural Center by clicking this link here.

📍 Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602

Explore Puerto Rican culture at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture.

Admission to the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture is free; there is no cost to visit the NMPRAC as they take pride in being a free museum for the community. You can plan your visit to the National Puerto Rican Museum here.

📍 National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, 3015 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622

Marvel at modern works at the Museum of Contemporary Art on free-admission Tuesdays for Illinois residents.

Admission to the Museum of Contemporary Art is $19 for Chicago residents and $22 for non-Chicago residents; you can view the admission price here. Museum of Contemporary Art admission is free for locals on Tuesday; remember to bring your ID so that you can utilize the discounted tickets or the free days. You can plan your visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art by clicking this link here.

📍 Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Discover the vibrant exhibits at the National Museum of Mexican Art.

Admission to the National Museum of Mexican Art is free; there is no cost to visit the National Museum of Mexican Art, they claim admission is always free. You can plan your visit to the National Museum of Mexican Art by clicking this link here.

📍 National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago, IL 60608

Enjoy a peaceful escape at the Garfield Park Conservatory and take in the exotic plants.

Admission to the Garfield Park Conservatory is free; there is no cost to visit the Garfield Park Conservatory. You can plan your visit to the Garfield Park Conservatory and pre-schedule the time you are interested in going by clicking this link here.

📍 Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60624

Visit the National Veterans Art Museum for a unique perspective on military experiences through art.

Admission to the National Veterans Art Museum is free; there’s no cost to visit the National Veterans Art Museum as they believe art should be accessible for all. You can plan your visit to the National Veterans Art Museum by clicking this link here.

📍 National Veterans Art Museum, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60641

Gaze at the stars for free at the Adler Planetarium on Wednesday nights for Illinois residents.

Admission to the Adler Planetarium is about $25 for an adult ticket; you can view the admission price here. There are free days available for Illinois Residents & you can see that schedule here; remember to bring your Illinois ID if you were trying to use the free Illinois resident day.

📍 Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60605

Check out the impressive collections of the Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago.

Admission to the Smart Museum of Art is free; there is no cost to visit the Smart Museum of Art and the website says that they will always be free. You can plan your visit to the Smart Museum of Art through this link here.

📍 Smart Museum of Art, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave., Chicago, IL 60637

Are you ready to enjoy your Chicago trip?

No matter the weather, Chicago offers endless opportunities for women traveling to the Windy City. Rain or shine, there are always things available in Chicago today to explore, from fascinating museums to indoor gardens. So, as you fill your Chicago, Illinois itinerary, don’t let a little rain stop you from making the most of your trip. Be sure to check out these rainy day activities in Chicago and start planning an unforgettable experience now, even while on a budget. Ready to begin? Let me know your favorite places, and start your adventure today!