Now that Chicago is in phase four of reopening from COVID-19, there’s even more to do while socially distancing. Phase four allows reopening of museums and zoos, both outdoor and indoor seating at restaurants, tourist attractions, and the reopening of movie theaters and live performance venues. Here are some of the attractions that are now open near downtown Chicago for your entertainment!
Chicago Architecture Center, Wendella, Chicago Lakefront Cruises, and Shoreline Site Seeing have all resumed their boat tours. Hear expertly trained docents share fascinating stories about Chicago’s history, interesting details about over 50 of the buildings that line the Chicago River, and how Chicago from being a small settlement to one of the world’s largest and most prominent cities in the span of 100 years. If you visit the Chicago Architecture Center and book through them, you’ll save on admission!
Lincoln Park is now open near downtown Chicago! Lincoln Park Zoo is home to 200 unique species of wildlife from around the world. Enjoy strolling the zoo’s winding paths surrounded by the tranquil setting of trees, ponds, and glimpses of the city. Upcoming events hosted by Lincoln Park Zoo include virtual penguin feeding, virtual haunted history tours, and Zoo Nights, where you can enjoy fall decor, food, and beverage by Levy Restaurants on Saturdays, all of which run through October 31st. Lincoln Park Zoo admission is still free of charge but to limit the number of people on site, the zoo is requiring online reservations ahead of time.
Chicago offers one of the richest cultural scenes in the world and the extensive list of museums, across many mediums, is a big reason why! The Art Institute, Museum of Science and Industry, and Shedd Aquarium are now all open and require tickets in advance. The Field Museum, American Writer’s Museum, and Museum of Photography are open and offering tickets at the door. The Museum of Contemporary Art is open on weekends only with limited hours. If you’re looking for things to do or places now open near downtown Chicago, start by checking out one of Chicago’s many museums!
Looking for luxury apartments for rent near downtown Chicago? Contact us today! One of our neighborhood experts will be happy to provide you with more information. We are now offering virtual and in person tours. Be sure to ask about move in specials!
Illinois is now in phase 3 of reopening post COVID, meaning that infection rates are stable or declining, which allows residents to gather in groups of 10 or less and continue to wear a mask in public. Here’s an overview of what’s open and allowed in downtown Chicago as part of phase 3 of Illinois’ post COVID reopening plan.
Courtesy of Jason Mowry
Although restaurants have already been open for carryout, phase 3 allows restaurants to offer outdoor dining and drinking for groups of 6 or less with social distancing measures. Some restaurants that did not previously offer outdoor dining, like Smyth and The Loyalist of the West Loop, have made accommodations on the surrounding sidewalks and outdoor areas to offer outdoor seating.
Courtesy of Megan Markham
As of June 17th, bars that do not serve food were allowed to open for outdoor seating as well.
If you’re looking for summer activities, many outdoor attractions in Chicago are reopening, if they haven’t already. Walking, biking, and hiking as well as boating with no more than 6 to 10 people (depending on boat size) are already allowed. Parks are open with 25% maximum capacity for indoor facilities. The Lakefront Trail is set to reopen on June 22nd with hours from 6am to 7pm, while other parks and beaches east of Lakeshore Drive as well as the 606 trail will remain closed. Pools, playgrounds, beaches, museums, theaters, and zoos are to remain closed for the time being as well.
Kelly Sikkema
For more information on what’s reopening near you, here’s a comprehensive list of what each phase means for each type of site and which phase your area is currently in by zip code.
Looking for luxury apartments for rent near downtown Chicago? Contact us today! One of our neighborhood experts will be happy to answer your questions.
