10 TOP Things to Do in South Side February 2026

I thought Wood Ducks were the most amazingly colorful and photogenic ducks until I spotted this incredible bird on the lakefront. What a handsome beautiful duck.

Today was an amazing experience. We found a male mandarin duck just after sunrise on the lakefront with a group of mallards and mergansers. This was the most stunning duck I have ever seen in my life. What it was doing in Chicago and how it got here is a total mystery.

A male mandarin duck in the harbor at 31st street. What an amazing treat. This is a duck from Asia that has no business here in Chicago Illinois.

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What to do in South Side

Popular places to visit

Aerial View of a large University in the Chicago Neighborhood of Hyde Park

University of Chicago

4/5(15 reviews)

Explore the campus of University of Chicago during your travels in Chicago. Stroll along the lakeside or experience the acclaimed art galleries in this vibrant area.

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

4.5/5(23 reviews)

This large, interactive museum contains a coal mine and World War II submarine among its many attractions.

U.S. Cellular Field is the 4th MLB stadium that I have visited. The main thing that stands out about my visit is that it was really warm out in the sun, but it felt like the temperature dropped 20-30 degrees in the shade. Awesome stop in Chicago.

Rate Field

Catch an event at Rate Field during your trip to Chicago. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries in this vibrant area.

Illinois Institute of Technology

Explore the campus of Illinois Institute of Technology as part of your travels around Chicago. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Double exposure of abstract virtual heart rate hologram on Chicago city skyscrapers background. Healthcare technolody concept

University of Chicago Medicine

If University of Chicago Medicine is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Chicago.

The Museum of Science and Industry has a huge exhibit dedicated to the actual U-505—the only German submarine in the United States.

On June 4, 1944, a German submarine known as U-505 was prowling off the coast of West Africa on a hunt for American and Allied ships, when depth charges from the USS Chatelain blasted the dreaded U-boat out of hiding.

Jackson Park

Jackson Park is just one of the places to see in Chicago, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble around this vibrant area's lakeside or experience its acclaimed art galleries.

Robie House

Witness the simple beauty of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs in a Chicago house that epitomizes a popular American style of architecture.

Abbott Park

Abbott Park is just one of the places to see in Chicago, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble around this vibrant area's lakeside or experience its acclaimed art galleries.

Ida B Wells House

You can find out about the history of Chicago with a visit to Ida B Wells House. Amble around this vibrant area's lakeside or experience its fascinating museums.

Explore areas of South Side

Hyde Park

3/5(1 area review)

Hyde Park is noteworthy for its museums, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Lake Michigan and Robie House.

Chinatown

4/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Chinatown, you might enjoy attractions like Chinatown Gateway and Chinese American Museum of Chicago. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Cermak-Chinatown Station to see more of the city.

Bridgeport

Well liked for its restaurants and churches, Bridgeport is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Bridgeport Art Center and Zhou B Art Center, and jump on the metro at Halsted Station (Orange Line) to get around the city.

Bronzeville

3.5/5(4 area reviews)

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Bronzeville. If sightseeing is on the list, Lake Michigan is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at 35th-Bronzeville-IIT Station or Indiana Station to see more of the area.

Douglas

If you're spending time in Douglas, you might enjoy attractions like Lake Michigan and Ida B Wells House. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at 35th-Bronzeville-IIT Station to see more of the city.

This photo is special because it reflects the beauty of this magnificent city.

Woodlawn

The beaches and restaurants are just a few things visitors like about Woodlawn. Lake Michigan and 63rd Street Beach are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Cottage Grove Station or King Drive Station to get around the larger area.

What to do in South Side, IL

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