Throughout December and January I had an influx of visitors which resulted in me partaking in tons of touristy things. Side note: I happen to love taking pictures and every single one of these places is a goldmine for photo ops (you may notice some of these photos from my Instagram ;)). My top picks for the best things to do in Chicago during the winter months are…
This beautiful mecca for plant life is one of my favorite places to visit in the winter. When the skies are dark and grey, it’s warm and colorful inside the many rooms of Garfield Park Conservatory. Admission is free, so is the parking. Hint: Leave your coat in the car. 
Adults, kids, this place is for everyone. I hadn’t been in over a decade and I am so grateful to have made it there this year. There are dozens of different exhibits including Amazon Rising, Caribbean Reef, Abbott Oceanarium, Polar Play Zone, Waters of the World, At Home on the Great Lakes and Wild Reef. The best part? For Illinois residents, there are 52 days per year of FREE general admission or discounted premium admission, which you can view here. If you’re going to go on a paid day, I highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance to avoid the long ticketing lines.
3. Signature Lounge at the Hancock Building
Rather than pay $20 for a ticket to go up to 360º Chicago (formerly known as the Hancock Observatory), grab a drink at the Signature Lounge on the floor below. The drinks are a little overpriced ($16.50 for a lackluster bloody mary), but you can’t beat the view, especially in the women’s bathroom.
4. Chicago Helicopter Experience
Never have I ever photographed the city at such an incredible angle. This one is a little pricey for a 20-25 minute helicopter ride but worth every bit because of the photos you’ll take home. Hint: Check Groupon before you buy as they regularly feature discounted tickets. Also, don’t come with a hangover, you can become a bit queasy as you’re scooting around in the air.
