Explore Chicago cultural institutions this summer

Chicago’s biggest attractions have no shortage of fascinating exhibits and activities to offer Windy City residents this season. Here are just a few of Chicago Star’s top picks:

Shedd Aquarium

Jazzin’ at the Shedd returns with midweek concerts. Visit the Virtual Sea Otter Encounter and come face to face with the otters that live at the Shedd Aquarium.

Field Museum

Field Explorer Summer Camps are available for children in grades K-8. Meet a real scientist, spend the night with dinosaurs or take a tour of the museum.

Adler Planetarium

The planetarium will offer both free admission on Wednesdays and Adler at Night, featuring sky shows and immersive activities.

Navy Pier

Summer fireworks return every Wednesday and Saturday. Check out the live performance calendar. Navy Pier Pride celebration is open to all on June 24. 

Art Institute of Chicago

Enjoy summer exhibits such as Georgia O’Keefe: “My New Yorks”, Kabuki-Actor Portraits by Tōshūsai Sharaku, and Ellsworth Kelly: Spectrum Colors Arranged by Chance.

Museum of Science and Industry

Visit the Museum of Science and Industry to see the immersive seasonal exhibit "The Blue Paradox" in addition to permanent collection favorites like Colleen Moore's fairy castle and more. 

Lyric Opera

During Sundays in Millennium Park, artists from The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center will perform a variety of favorite pieces, accompanied by members of the Lyric Opera Orchestra and conducted by Music Director Enrique Mazzola. Join Lyric on August 25 at 7 p.m. for the next edition of Sundays in the Park with Lyric.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Head to the Lincoln Park Zoo for tons of fun events in August and September. Break out your best white attire for Party in White at the Zoo: A 21+ After-Hours Event on Friday, August 9. Enjoy a throwback party with ’90s/2000s Night at the Zoo on Friday, September 6. For a relaxing retreat, immerse in a sound meditation on Sunday, September 8.

Museum of Contemporary Art

This year’s summer exhibits include Nicole Eisenman: What Happened and Chicago Works | Andrea Carlson: Shimmer on Horizons.

Maggie Daley Park

Mini golfing is back, and scooter and rollerblade rentals are available Friday through Sunday, while summer yoga programs, onsite Night climbs and Nights Out in the park have all returned for the summer. 

Chicago Riverwalk

Summer activities are gearing up at this iconic city destination. Visit restaurants such as Robert’s Pizza & Dough Co., enjoy the show at Art on theMart, and enjoy kayak rentals, boat tours and Water Taxi stops. 

Chicago Cultural Center

Experience free visual art and performance programs courtesy of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Seasonal exhibits include “Surviving the Long Wars: Transformative Threads,” and "Opening Passages: Photographers Respond to Chicago and Paris."