If you have a 3 or 4 day weekend for President’s Day, there are tons of things to do in Chicago on Presidents Day (Monday, February 17, 2025) and even more during the weekend. Below are the best things to do in Chicago for President’s Day weekend from a local.
I suggest bookmarking this blog post as will be updating it regularly with any new information and events.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission if you make a booking using my links at no extra cost to you.
Things to Do in Chicago on Presidents’ Day
In addition to the events listed above, below are more things to do in Chicago on Presidents’ Day (Monday, February 17, 2025).
Commemorate Presidents’ Day Family Event at the Chicago History Museum
The Chicago History Museum is having a family-friendly Presidents’ Day event featuring hands-on activities designed for families with young children. Kids can write a “Letter to the President” which will be mailed to the White House.
Where: Monday, February 19 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614 United States
Cost: Included with admission, which is FREE for Illinois residents on this day.
Disney100: The Exhibition
The Disney100: The Exhibition is in Chicago only for a limited time. This exhibition celebrates the magic of Disney, with The Walt Disney Archives openin its vault of historical and special treasures, works of art, artifacts, costumes, and memorabilia. Wonder at more than 250 artifacts and props, see costumes from some of your favorite Disney classics, and explore enchanting galleries that bring the magic of Disney to life. Featuring the latest members of the Disney family (Pixar, Star Wars, and MARVEL) along with renowned classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and recent releases such as Encanto.
Where: Exhibition Hub Art Center Chicago, 2367 W Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647
Cost: Price varies. Click here for full prices and to purchase tickets in advance.
Watch a Drunk Shakespeare Play
Join The Drunk Shakespeare Society for an unforgettable evening of Shakespearean revelry. Set within a speakeasy, five actors attempt to perform a Shakespearean play after one of them downs multiple shots of various alcohols. Every show is different depending on who is drinking and what they’re drinking. Must be 21+ with valid ID. Click here to purchase tickets in advance.
Where: The Lounge At The Lion, 182 North Wabash Avenue
Visit the Field Museum
The Field Museum is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. Inside the museum you will see Maximo, the Titanosaur, the largest dinosaur that ever lived. (Click here to purchase an Early Access VIP Tour if you want to avoid crowds).
Where: Chicago’s Museum Campus, 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Cost: Admission varies.
Admire Famous Works at The Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago has many great museums which are worth visiting but my top pick is the Art Institute of Chicago conveniently located next to Millennium Park. It is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States and is frequently found on lists of the top museums in the world. In addition to its large permanent collection of art from around the world, you can see rotating exhibitions. (Click here to buy a skip the line ticket if you want to avoid long lines).
Where: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Cost: Price varies. Must purchase tickets online in advance. Admission is free for Illinois residents on Monday, February 20.
Enjoy the Views from 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
360 CHICAGO, the observatory on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Building, has the best views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. (Click here to buy a skip the line ticket).
Where: 875 North Michigan Avenue, 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611
Enjoy the Views from Skydeck Chicago
Skydeck Chicago in Willis Tower offers spectacular views spanning up to four states. Make sure to visit The Ledge, a glass balcony extending four feet outside the 103rd floor of Willis Tower. The Skydeck has implemented timed ticketing and they recommend reserving your tickets in advance to guarantee access. (Click here to buy a skip the line ticket if you want to avoid long lines).
Where: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
Tip: If you are visiting a few museums and indoor attractions, consider purchasing a Chicago CityPASS or Go Chicago Card to save money on entrance fees.
Go Outdoor Ice Skating
Looking for a fun outdoor activity in Chicago? There are many places to go outdoor ice skating in the city.
One of the best and instaworthy places to go ice skating in downtown Chicago is the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink right in front of The Bean (a must on any Chicago bucket list). Online ttcketed reservations are required and reservation dates are released exactly 2 weeks in advance.
Another picture perfect spot is the nearby skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park which has a path twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink. Tickets for President’s Day weekend will be released at 12:00pm (noon) on January 22.
Take an Architecture River Cruise
If you are visiting Chicago for the first time don’t mind the chilly weather, take an architecture river cruise for great views of the Chicago skyline.
Go Outdoor Curling
View this post on Instagram
Curling is a winter sport in which players slide stones on a sheet of ice or a lane towards a target. Below is a list of places offering outdoor curling (along with drinks):
Upstairs at The Gwen, 521 North Rush Street
Harry Caray’s Tavern – Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave
Kaiser Tiger, 1415 West Randolph St
Things to do in Chicago during Presidents Day Weekend
If you are spending Presidents Day weekend in Chicago, you will find even more fun things to do. (And if you have more time, here are more things to do in Chicago in February.)
These activities are not available on Monday but are open on the weekend:
Titanic: The Exhibition
Titanic: The Exhibition is coming to a Chicago suburb for a limited time run starting this President Day weekend. This interactive experience allows you to step inside recreations of the Titanic’s interior. Immerse yourself in the stories of its passengers, see hundreds of artifacts, and discover the tale of the design, creation, launch, maiden voyage, and tragedy of the historic ship.
Where: 4963 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie, IL 60077 (about 17 miles from downtown Chicago)
Cost: Price varies. Click here for full prices and to purchase tickets in advance.
Hearts & Daggers Live
Hearts & Daggers Live is ending on President’s Day weekend. Immerse into a dazzling narrative of love with the spellbinding saga of a young couple filled with interactive enchantment, surprising delights, circus feats, dance, and themed cocktails. This unique show is for adults 21+ and over.
When: February 16-18
Where: MSA & Circus Arts, 1934 North Campbell Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647
Cost: Price varies. Click here for full prices and to purchase tickets in advance.
Love Struck – AirOtic Soirée
Love Struck – AirOtic Soirée is a new Valentine’s themed burlesque-style cirque cabaret where sultry performances blend with dazzling cirque acts. featuring world-class acrobats flying through the air in a seductive and risqué manner. 21+ with valid ID.
When: February 16-17
Where: Joy District, 112 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
Cost: Price varies. Click here for full prices and to purchase tickets in advance.
Enjoy the Spring Flower Show at the Garfield Park Conservatory
The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest and most stunning botanical conservatories in the US. Often referred to as “landscape art under glass,” the Garfield Park Conservatory showcases thousands of plant species from around the world throughout eight indoor display gardens. Visitors can enjoy the lush flora and tropical temperatures indoors even if it is cold or rainy outside.
During Presidents Day weekend, you can also see the Spring Flower Show: What’s In A Name, which explains the history and science of botanical nomenclature alongside a beautiful flower show full of blooms.
Where: 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60624
Hours: Closed on Monday but open on the weekend. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Cost: Admission is FREE but donations suggested
See the Spring Flower Show at the Lincoln Park Conservatory
Although not as large as the Garfield Park Conservatory, the Lincoln Park Conservatory is worth a visit and is more conveniently located for visitors.
During Presidents Day weekend you can also check out their “Sweet Gnome Chicago” Spring Flower Show.
Where: 2391 N Stockton Dr., Chicago, IL 60614
Hours: Closed on Monday but open on the weekend from 10am-5pm. Advance online reservations are strongly recommended.
Cost: FREE
Chicago Presidents Day Weekend Events
Major events taking place in Chicago during Presidents Day weekend include: Chicago Auto Show, Chicago Black Restaurant Week, Toast to the Pier (February 16), Chicago Winter Tequila Tasting Festival (February 17), Polar Adventure Day at Big Marsh (February 17), Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration (February 17), Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade (February 18) and Chicago Theatre Week (through February 18).
As you can see there are many things to do in Chicago on Presidents Day and even more on the rest of Presidents day weekend.
Planning a trip to Chicago? Check out my Chicago guides and itineraries:
