Bucket List Items in Chicago

The past couple of years has made many of us realize how desperately we crave experiences. Experiences that are outside of our homes, at least. Because we have experienced every show on Netflix and bonded with those we are living with enough, it is time to get out of the house. This is why there needs to be a bucket list for Chicago. While some of you might want to go experience the bean or walk Michigan avenue, these are very common bucket list items you can find on your own. The following are some bucket list items in Chicago that aren’t the most basic thing ever.

For the Plant Mom’s

Because plant moms have become such a thing and you likely have a friend or family member that has an unusual amount of plants, there is no better place to take them than the Garfield Park Conservatory. This particular conservatory is an experience even for those who aren’t plant-obsessed. The Horticulture Hall, Sugar from the Sun, Desert House, Aroid House, Palm House, and Outdoor gardens will definitely give you something to ooh and ahh about in your next visit to Chicago. There are things to do in both the warmer and colder months that Chicago experiences making this a solid option year-round. Go connect with nature instead of technology on this hot spot bucket list item.

Rock the Block

If plants aren’t exactly your thing, perhaps you might enjoy some food and a solid drink. This next bucket list item is a total change of pace from a conservatory but definitely a must-see. Green Street Smoked Meats is the place to go in the city for a taste of authentic barbeque. Green Street Smoked Meats, located in the Chicago West Loop neighborhood, has some of the best-smoked meat, fish, and sides. Venture down a brick-paved ally to experience rock music, a dark aesthetic, and Texas-inspired BBQ will make anyone feel accomplished when searching for bucket-list hot spots. Pair specialty cocktails with smoked meat of your choice and sit back to enjoy a community space with excellent food.

Unwinding Jazz

While you might be feeling a little full from all that BBQ, perhaps it’s time to chill with some family or friends while experiencing some historic Chicago. A favorite of Al Capone is Green Mill Cocktail Lounge. Sit back and experience one of the many talented jazz performers while sipping on a drink of your choosing. Green Mill Cocktail Lounge might not seem like the most boujee location, but it’s a great place for any Chicagoan to relax. If you like authentic music and drinking, add this one to your bucket list for the experience.

Another Drinking Option

You can literally never go wring wrong with another drinking venue, especially when it is The Aviary. Located in the west loop, this is the place to be to find extremely rare drinks with exquisite presentation. The drinks that come from this bar are just incredible, but you will definitely pay for them. Food options offered at this unique bucket list experience are equally as interesting and beautiful. Under The Aviary is The Office, a hidden bar with just as intriguing cocktails. The office is considered more of a speakeasy and is more challenging to locate. Finding The Office is half the fun. Experiencing the cocktails will be a whole other bucket list item.

Chicago’s Vantage Point

It is likely time for some exercise to burn off all the food and alcohol on this crazy Chicago adventure. While this is a popular activity in Chicago, it is worth doing. Kayak down the Chicago Riverwalk with Urban Kayaks. This is a kayak rental where no experience is required. You can experience Chicago in a whole new way from the water instead of a skyscraper. This is a great opportunity to sit back and relax while still feeling the fast pace of Chicago’s bustle. Add this to your bucket list to change your vantage point!

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While we are on the topic of exercise, perhaps you are feeling up for a bit of a workout at Maggie Daley Park. If you are unfamiliar, this is an outdoor climbing park which yet again changes your view of the city. This climbing park is a definite bucket list item that can hold anywhere between 25-100 climbers. In the winter, the perimeter of the climbing wall is transformed into an ice-skating rink which could be another bucket list option. If you don’t have much experience climbing, don’t worry because there is a beginner’s wall. Even if you don’t make it to the top, at least you tried.

Feel the Aire

Change up your Chicago experience from fast-paced and energetic to calm and serene at Aire and ancient bath experience. This is the place to come if your energy has been feeling off or you need a break from city noise. In Chicago, Aire is located in a restored factory that sets a dark aesthetic which might help you relax. The environment is complete with exposed brick and wood contrasted with varying types of pools inspired by traditional Roman, Greek, and Ottoman baths. Experience Aire with your partner or closest friend with The Wine Bath Experience or perhaps the Himalayan Salt Bath Experience. Don’t undress too quickly; you have to keep your suit on in this spa.

There are numerous things to do in Chicago. While it is always exciting to find and experience new places in the city, well known experiences can be equally as exciting, especially if they are new to you. Be sure to check out The Bean after walking along Lake Michigan. Don’t hesitate to taste coffee in a whole new way at the Starbucks Reserve. Maybe you want to feel more like a kid again and go play in the crown fountain in Millennium Park. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you check it off on that bucket list.

Don’t forget to share your favorite bucket list activities in Chicago in the comments below!