Things to Do in Near South Side, Chicago The Near South Side features the Museum Campus with the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and Shedd Aquarium, all near Grant Park, which hosts major events like Lollapalooza and the Chicago Blues Festival.
Plan Near South Side Plan your Near South Side trip Free · and No sign-up By TripSapien · Updated September 9, 2026
Home / Things to do in Chicago / Neighborhoods / Near South Side Top things to do in Near South Side
Field Museum ★ 4.7 · 31.8k· $$$ ★
State-of-the-art museum of science & invention, with the world's largest Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Every day 9 AM – 5 PM
John G. Shedd Aquarium ★ 4.5 · 33.2k· $$$ ★
State-of-the-art indoor aquarium, famous for its variety of habitats & views of Lake Michigan.
Mon–Tue 9 AM – 6 PM
Wed 9 AM – 10 PM
Thu–Fri 9 AM – 6 PM
Sat 9 AM – 6 PM
Sun 9 AM – 6 PM
Adler Planetarium ★ 4.2 · 3.1k★
Interactive exhibits & high-tech sky shows entertain stargazers, lakefront views are a bonus.
Mon–Tue 9 AM – 4 PM
Wed 4 PM – 10 PM
Thu–Fri 9 AM – 4 PM
Sat 9 AM – 4 PM
Sun 9 AM – 4 PM
Second Presbyterian Church ★
church building in Illinois, United States of America
Mon Closed
Tue–Fri 10 AM – 2 PM
Sat Closed
Sun 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM Where to eat & drink in Near South Side
Oliver’s ★ 4.7 · 478· $$$
There are just a few tables at the entrance looking out into the street, but don't be deceived, as a larger dining room awaits.
Mon Closed
Tue–Thu 5 PM – 9 PM
Fri 4 PM – 9:30 PM
Sat 5 PM – 10 PM
Sun 11 AM – 2:30 PM, 4 PM – 7:30 PM
Prohibition THCafe ★ 4.9 · 290
Mon–Thu 10 AM – 11 PM
Fri 10 AM – 1 AM
Sat 10 AM – 1 AM
Sun 10 AM – 11 PM
Reggies Chicago ★ 4.5 · 5.0k· $20–30
No-frills venue for hearing up-and-coming acts plus a wide pub grub menu & loads of beers.
Mon–Fri 11 AM – 2 AM
Sat 11 AM – 3 AM
Sun 11 AM – 2 AM
Chicago Waffles South Loop ★ 4.4 · 2.8k· $20–30
A modern, brightly colored daytime cafe, known for its Belgian waffles & build-your-own omelets.
Mon–Fri 7 AM – 3 PM
Sat 7 AM – 4 PM
Sun 7 AM – 4 PM
Southern Chicago ★ 4.4 · 1.0k· $100+ per person
Mon–Thu 4 PM – 10 PM
Fri 12 PM – 11 PM
Sat 11:30 AM – 11 PM
Sun 11:30 AM – 10 PM Planning time in Near South Side?
Add your dates and we'll check every place for closures, limited hours, and booking needs before you go.
Pick your dates Near South Side map Ranked using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.
1 Field Museum 2 John G. Shedd Aquarium 3 Adler Planetarium 4 Second Presbyterian Church 5 Oliver’s 6 Prohibition THCafe 7 Reggies Chicago 8 Chicago Waffles South Loop 9 Southern Chicago Ready to plan Near South Side? Turn these Near South Side picks into a day-by-day Chicago plan, with every place checked for closures and booking needs on your dates.
Plan my Chicago trip
Field MuseumNatural History Museum
John G. Shedd AquariumZoo & Aquarium
Adler PlanetariumScience Museum
