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35 Things We Can’t Wait to Do in Chicago Once Quarantine EndsLindsey Congeron May 26, 2020 at 6:08 pm

Events may be canceled, and life will still be restricted, but one day, the stay-at-home order will be lifted, and we will be able to go out and do things again! Here are 35 things we can’t wait to do once quarantine ends.

Photo Credit: Thalia Hall Facebook

Rocking out at a concert

Chicago is full of great venues like Thalia Hall, The Metro, Aragon Ballroom, Riviera Theatre, House of Blues, Concord Music Hall… the list goes on and on.

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Photo Credit: Cindy’s Rooftop

Rooftop drinking

Drinking on a rooftop, overlooking the lake and city skyline sounds like the perfect way to spend an evening.

Photo Credit: Acadia

Date nights at Michelin-starred restaurants

An evening at Chicago’s Michelin-starred restaurants, like Alinea, Acadia, Oriole, or Smyth, with our loved ones can’t come soon enough.

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Photo Credit: Yelp

Walking or riding along the shore

The beaches and lakefront remain closed, but one day, soon we will be able to exercise along the lakefront.

Photo courtesy of The Langham, Chicago

Enjoying a spa day

2020 has been one of the worst years for many, so we all deserve a full day of treating ourselves after this is all over.

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Photo Credit: O’Hare Instagram

Flying out of O’Hare

Remember traveling? I can’t wait to pay $15 for an airport beer before jetting off to a new exotic location.

Photo Credit: Starved Rock State Park Facebook

Hiking at Starved Rock

Starved Rock is only a short trip from Chicago. But, as everyone knows, it’s usually full of people. Hiking without having to worry about social distancing sounds amazing.

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Photo Credit: Six Flags Great America

Cooling off at a waterpark

Cooling off at one of the many waterparks in and around the city seems like the ideal way to pass a hot, humid summer day in Chicago.

Photo Credit: Chicago Sports Museum

Exploring museums

Checking out mummies at the Field Museum or the submarine at the Museum of Science + Industry is high on our to-do list after the quarantine ends.

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Coffee dates

We’re severely missing gossiping over cold brews, lattes, and tasty pastries from my favorite local independent coffee shop.

Hugging loved ones

Being able to hug and sit next to loved ones is something we took for granted before the quarantine.

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Photo Credit: Rad Vintage

Retail therapy… in person

Chicago is home to some of the best shops, including thrift stores and designer outlets.

Photo Credit: Navy Pier Fireworks Facebook

Fireworks at Navy Pier

We can’t wait to check out the weekly fireworks at Navy Pier, on a boat cruise, or along the shore.

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Photo Credit: Chicago Cubs Instagram

Rooting for the Cubs

Sports remain canceled, but we are looking forward to spending the afternoon at Wrigley Field cheering on the home team.

Walking down Michigan Avenue

Window shopping down the Mag Mile and stopping by our favorite shops will be a great way to spend a weekend.

Photo Credit: Millennium Park Facebook

Concerts at Millenium Park

Millennium Park is full of fun summertime activities like concerts, movie nights, and other shows.

Photo Credit: Riot Fest

Going to a music festival

Jazz festivals, Lollapalooza, Riot Fest, Spring Awakening… one day, festivals will be back on the schedule.

Photo Credit: Ted Nelson

Boating down the Chicago River

We are dreaming of renting a kayak or a pontoon with a group of friends down the Chicago River.

Photo Credit: Travel and Leisure

Exploring new neighborhoods

There are so many unique neighborhoods to try in Chicago. Pilsen, Wrigleyville, and Boystown are a few that have tons of personality and local businesses to try out.

Photo Credit: Chicago Architecture Foundation Facebook

Taking a Chicago architecture tour

Learning more about the city while on one of the architecture tours is another activity you might have overlooked the first time around. Now that quarantine is ending, why not take advantage of this amazing offering? 

Photo Credit: DryHop Brewers Facebook

Trying a new brewery

There are a ton of local breweries to try out and enjoy a hoppy IPA on the patio this summer. 

Photo Credit: DePaul Art Museum

Visiting an art museum

Get cultured at an art museum like the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Art Institute of Chicago, and the National Museum of Mexican Art.

Photo Credit: The 606

Going for a run along the 606

The 606 trail has been closed for more than a month, but we’re looking forward to a jog down the shaded path.

Photo Credit: Bob’s Pizza

Eating a pizza… at the restaurant

We know you’ve been ordering a pizza weekly, but it might be a while before dine-in is normal again. A fresh, Chicago-style pizza after a full day of exploring the city will be a great way to celebrate the end of quarantine.

Photo Credit: Aba

Brunching on a patio

Mimosas. Bloody Marys. Waffles. Bacon. Need we say more?

Photo Credit: Hoxton Facebook

Diving into a rooftop pool

Cooling off in a pool, surrounded by others, sounds like a great Saturday.

Photo Credit: The Chicago Crusader

Picnicking in the park

Heading to Grant Park, Humboldt Park, or Ward (A. Montgomery) Park with a picnic basket would be a tasty way to pass a Sunday afternoon.

Photo Credit: Skydeck Chicago

Braving the Skydeck at Willis Tower

Now that we can’t, all we want to do are touristy things like the Skydeck at Willis Tower or 360CHICAGO at what was formerly known as the John Hancock Building.

Photo Credit: The Second City Facebook

Catching a comedy show

We’re ready to laugh our stress away at an improv or comedy show at the Second City.

Photo Credit: Lincoln Park Zoo

Visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo and the gorillas are calling my name!

Photo Credit: Unanimous Boxing Gym Facebook

Working out in public

Going for a climb at First Ascent or stretching at a yoga session at Yogaview would help relieve some of the stress building up from the quarantine. 

Photo Credit: North Avenue Beach Facebook

Going to the beach

Do you think North Avenue Beach misses us as much as we miss it?

Photo courtesy of Marriott Theatre

Watching a play

Going to a play at The Chicago Theatre or Broadway Playhouse is going to happen as soon as the quarantine is over.

Photo Credit: Progress Bar

Barhopping in Boystown

A full night out with friends and strangers at Boystown bars is much needed.

Photo Credit: Beauty Bar Facebook

Going out for a night of dancing

Ready to dance the night away at some of the best local clubs in Chicago!

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