Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in North Riverside

"Located at lake shore Dr Chicago, this all-ages outing is great for anyone who loves the water or the creatures that live in it. The tanks here are so large that there are some unexpectedly large guests living here – whales!. It’s an experience your kids will never forget."

"Begin your morning at the Shedd Aquarium. Plan to get here when it opens, as it gets busy (depending on the time of year you decide to visit)."

"The Shedd offers plenty of free days throughout the remainder of the year. January 16-20 February 3-7, 10-14, 17-21, 24-28 June 15, 16, 22, 23"

"Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions and is certainly not your average pier. Stretching over 3,000-feet into Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is packed full of entertainment, offering 50-acres of shops, restaurants, parks, and attractions. Enjoy a ride on the Centennial Wheel that stands prominently in the middle of Pier Park, and there’s often live music, art exhibitions, and firework displays throughout the summer."

"Play and learning are bridged together at this museum, where kids can: tackle the Cloud Buster, a 30-ton, 37-foot-tall steel dreamscape that celebrates adventure and risk-taking — qualities that are inherent to childhood — excavate dinosaur bones, explore the way water moves through pulleys and pipes, pretend to fight fires, and discover how our skyline full of buildings is created through architecture and engineering."

"Probably the most iconic part of Navy Pier is the Centennial Wheel, a large ferris wheel. It’s open year round, weather permitting. Towards the end of the pier, you can also get a really good view of the city. It also holds several free events from time to time, so make sure to check the calendar before you go."

"If you’re looking for a quiet place to unwind, Welles Park can offer a respite from all of the lights, noises and crowds of Chicago. It isn’t without amenities. Its centerpiece is an ornate, wire-topped gazebo where bands can play outdoor concerts and community leaders can give rallying speeches."

"Welles Park is a 15.84-acre park located in the heart of Lincoln Square. It is a gathering place for musicians and sports & fitness enthusiasts. The park was created in 1910 and named after Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy from 1861 to 1869."

"Holy Trinity is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Chicago Landmark and is the oldest Orthodox parish in Chicago. Its unique style is typical of Slavic provincial architecture. Designed by Louis Sullivan, it is the famous architect’s only remaining church in Chicago and one of just two in the world."

"With over 40,000 unobstructed-view seats, the White Sox stadium is a good spot to capture your ice cream cone, the crowd, AND the field in one shot. Unless you’re going for the 3lb ice cream sundae in a batting helmet… you’re probably gonna need two hands for that."

"Pablo Picasso produced this monumental piece of public art for Chicago in the mid-1960s. Standing in Daley Plaza, the Chicago Picasso weighs almost 147 metric tons and stands over 15 metres tall. Since it was unveiled in 1967, the work, rumoured to depict French model Lydia Corbett who sat for a series of drawings for Picasso in the 1950s, is a landmark for the city and something for kids to clamber on."

"This massive cubist sculpture by Pablo Picasso was the first major piece of public artwork of its kind in downtown Chicago, and today, this Daley Plaza piece is a major landmark. Choose your selfie position — “The Picasso” looks quite different depending on where you stand."

"This slag-filled site at the confluence of Lake Michigan and the Calumet River was once home to the massive South Works U.S. Steel manufacturing plant that employed 20,000 workers at its peak. But the steel giant closed in the early ‘90s and the Chicago Park District acquired the vacant land. In 2014, it re-opened as Steelworkers Park—a 16.5-acre lakeside landscape dotted with pleasant walking paths, artifacts of the old U.S."

"You’d have to try really hard to not be pampered at the Peninsula. From the opulent lap pool (its floor-to-ceiling views are worth Instagramming) to the facial treatments featuring Biologique Recherche (the holy grail of French skin care), everything is a little extra. We suggest you take it as a challenge and book not one but two treatments for a half-day retreat."

"The Spa Peninsula by ESPA earns a place on the list for their luxury treatment named Peninsula Haven. This is a 4.5 hour treatment which includes an Uplifting Mint Experience, Espa Intensive Facial and a Reflex Zone foot massage. It's a mint-inspired treatment that combines aromatherapy with energetic massage and includes a tailored facial for $630."

"The Peninsula Chicago has maintained its Forbes Five-Star rating for 17 years. Among the many perks for guests, the spa, spanning the 19th and 20th floors, is a 15,000 sq.ft. oasis in the middle of the Mag Mile."

"With its dramatic white draperies and warm uplighting, Allyu is the kind of place we’re tempted to loiter. So it’s a good thing that loitering, lingering and general lounging are encouraged for all spa guests. After your hot stone massage or chakra balancing, curl up in an armchair with an herbal tea and take it all in."

"Allyu Spa dedicates a tremendous effort to giving you a truly relaxing environment. Modern and luxurious, the spa is the ultimate getaway that doesn’t require a passport. They provide unique services, valuable to your health and wellbeing, and are designed to alleviate discomfort and stress symptoms."

"A post shared by Allyu Spa (@allyuspa) on Nov 22, 2016 at 10:18am PST. With an aim to ensure your well, the Allyu Spa is known for its therapeutic massages and treatments. They offer special massages and treatments for expecting mothers as well as couple massages and services."

"Trust Kohler (maker of sinks, baths and showers) to know a thing or two about hydrotherapy. The company has long operated water-loving spas in the suburbs and recently opened its first Chicago location in Lincoln Park. Spend a day unwinding in the cool plunge or hydromassage pool, only to emerge for a Digital Detox wrap when your fingers prune."

"From Business: Yummy Buffet is a Buffet Restaurant located in Chicago, IL. We offer Sushi, Chinese, Hibachi, All You Can Eat, Seafood, Catering, Carry Out, and Dessert!"

"Sure, table manners are important, but sometimes it’s even more fun to get down and dirty with your hands!. This seafood-in-a-bag spot lets kids dig into buttery garlicky seafood with digits, at casual picnic tables. Popcorn chicken, buttermilk biscuits and deep-fried Oreos make this a place your kids will likely beg to come back to."

"Lowcountry South Loop is another one of the best seafood restaurants in Chicago. Lowcountry South Loop specializes in Southern-style seafood and offers a wide variety of Cajun cuisine. Additionally, the restaurant encourages guests to wear a bib and get messy when eating their meals."

"Covering an area of over 60 acres, Rainbow Beach and Park is a huge beach and one of the prominent public park areas in Chicago. Meander along the expansive lush green area of the park, choose from the varied sports options on offer which include basketball, tennis, baseball, handball, and take pleasure in the unparalleled views of the lakefront along with the skyline. Rainbow Beach and Park hosts holiday-themed events throughout the year and also organizes summer camps for adults and kids alike."