10 TOP Things to Do in South Side (2026 Activity Guide)

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

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit University of Chicago, during your travels in Chicago. Stroll along the lakeside or experience the acclaimed art scene in this vibrant area.

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

A large museum close to downtown Chicago with plenty for all ages to see and do, with exhibits including a coal mine and World War II submarine.

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 scene in this vibrant area.

Illinois Institute of Technology

Walk around the campus at Illinois Institute of Technology during your visit to Chicago. Experience the acclaimed art scene 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

Though University of Chicago Medicine might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Chicago while you are here.

Robie House

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

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 scene.

Ida B Wells House

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

4944 S Woodlawn Ave

Find out about the history of Chicago when you spend time at 4944 S Woodlawn Ave. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Areas of South Side

Hyde Park

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

Chinatown

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 neighborhood'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

Travelers choose Bronzeville for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at 35th-Bronzeville-IIT Station or Indiana Station and check out top sights like Lake Michigan.

Douglas

Visitors often come to Douglas for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Lake Michigan and McCormick Tribune Center. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you catch a ride at 35th-Bronzeville-IIT Station.

South Chicago

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in South Chicago. You might want to make time for a stop at Lake Michigan or Mahalia Jackson Residence.

Things to do in South Side

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