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.
Outdoor picks within 100 km of the city center, ranked by traveler review volume, 1 right in town. Distances computed from coordinates. 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.