Get outdoors · Chicago, United States
7 Outdoor Adventures Near Chicago
When the city is done with you: the outdoors within 100 km of Chicago, ranked by the travelers who went.
Everything here sits within 100 km of Chicago, ordered by review volume from real travelers. Distances are measured, not guessed. Updated monthly.
Millennium Park
Park & nature4 km awayMillennium Park is a vibrant public space in the heart of Chicago, blending art, architecture, and nature.
Read our full guide →Maggie Daley Park
Park & nature4 km awayFree entryMaggie Daley Park is a modern urban oasis in the heart of Chicago's Loop, offering a dynamic mix of recreational activities and green spaces.
Read our full guide →iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Chicago (Lincoln Park)
Entertainment6 km awayiFLY Indoor Skydiving in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood provides the sensation of freefall without jumping from an airplane.
Read our full guide →Lurie Garden
Park & nature4 km awayLurie Garden is a 2.5-acre perennial garden within Millennium Park, designed as a living tapestry of native and exotic plants.
Read our full guide →Wicker Park
Park & nature7 km awayFree entryWicker Park is a lively green space in Chicago's West Side, offering a peaceful retreat from the urban bustle.
Read our full guide →Daley Bicentennial Plaza
Park & nature5 km awayFree entryDaley Bicentennial Plaza is a public park situated in Chicago's downtown Loop area, at 337 E Randolph Dr.
Read our full guide →Ping Tom Memorial Park
Park & naturein the cityFree entryPing Tom Memorial Park is a serene urban oasis nestled in the heart of Chicago's Chinatown along the Chicago River.
Read our full guide →
How we pick these
Outdoor and active spots around Chicago — trails, viewpoints, water and adrenaline — ranked by real review volume out of the 111 places we track. Updated monthly.
Good to know
Some activities near Chicago are weather- or season-dependent, so confirm they're running.
Popular tours and rentals sell out on weekends and holidays.
Bring layers and water; outdoor conditions shift faster than in the city.
Common questions
What outdoor activities are there in Chicago?+
The list above covers the top-rated active things to do in and around Chicago, from easy walks to bigger adventures.
Is Chicago good for adventure travel?+
Yes — this page ranks the outdoor experiences visitors rate most highly.
Do you need to book activities in advance?+
Guided and equipment-based activities are best booked ahead, especially in peak season.
Rather have a human do the planning? A Local Friend can build this day for you, at local prices.