Chicago weather has a mind of its own.
One minute you’re soaking up rays on a patio, and the next, the sky opens up and ruins your plans.
But you don’t have to let a little (or a lot) of rain stop your day.
We asked our Facebook community where they head when the clouds turn gray and they want to stay dry without staying home.
From secret gaming dens to riding the rails just for the view, here is where Chicagoans go when it’s pouring.
1. Chicago French Market
This is a “runaway winner” for staying dry because it’s tucked inside the Ogilvie Transportation Center.
You can arrive, eat, and shop without ever stepping outside into the wind.
It’s packed with local vendors, making it the perfect spot to grab a bite while you wait for the clouds to clear.
This earns a 10/10 on the Stay Dry Scale since you’re under a literal train station; you couldn’t get wet if you tried.
A quick pro move: grab a sandwich at Pastoral and a macaron from Vanille to make it a “fantastic” afternoon.
2. Art Institute of Chicago
If you want the quintessential “sophisticated indoor kid” experience, this is it. Locals repeatedly mentioned this as the go-to for a rainy afternoon.
You can lose hours in the Thorne Miniature Rooms while the rain lashes the windows outside. This is a 9/10 on the Stay Dry Scale, you’ll need to dash from the “L” or your Uber, but the museum itself is massive.
For a better experience, use the Modern Wing entrance on Monroe Street; it’s often less crowded than the main lion-guarded doors.
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3. Flyover at Navy Pier
Multiple locals admitted this was “way more fun than expected!”
It’s an immersive flight motion ride that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the city without actually having to stand out in the wind.
It’s a solid move for a “damn epic” view of Chicago while staying perfectly dry.
This is an 8/10 on the Stay Dry Scale because Navy Pier is long, so be prepared for a bit of a walk from the parking garage.
To save time, book your tickets online to avoid the “downtown circus” at the ticket booth.
4. Emporium Arcade Bar
The “pro move” here is to head to the West Loop location and play air hockey and vintage arcade games until your dinner reservation.
It’s dim, energetic, and has a great craft beer list.
This spot is a 10/10 on the Stay Dry Scale, it’s dark, cozy, and perfectly shielded from the elements.
Just keep in mind that it can get loud, so don’t expect a quiet conversation.
5. The “Full Circle” Brown Line Ride
This is the ultimate low-budget local hack. Hop on the Brown Line and ride it all the way to the end of the line (Kimball) and back.
You get a great tour of the city’s architecture from a dry, elevated seat.
This ranks as a 7/10 on the Stay Dry Scale; you’ll be dry on the train, but handling the walk to the station requires a good umbrella.
Try popping off near Southport for a quick brunch before heading back into the Loop.
6. Garfield Park Conservatory
Want to forget it’s 45 degrees and raining? Head to this “neighborhood gem” that feels like a tropical escape. It’s massive, lush, and completely indoor.
This is a perfect 10/10 on the Stay Dry Scale, it’s like a giant glass bubble of summer.
Remember that reservations are free but required, so book yours before you leave the hotel to avoid being disappointed.
7. The Museum “Big Three”
Whether you’re hanging with Sue the T-Rex at the Field Museum, watching the penguins at the Shedd Aquarium, or seeing the stars at the Adler Planetarium, these spots are reliable winners for a full day of indoor fun.
This rates an 8/10 on the Stay Dry Scale because the walk between these three is brutal in the rain, so pick one and stick to it.
The Shedd is a “runaway winner” for families, but it’s the hardest to book last-minute.
8. Museum of Contemporary Art
For those who want something a bit more modern and “refined,” the MCA is the move. It’s usually a bit easier to get into than the Art Institute, which helps its case when you need a last-minute plan.
It scores a 9/10 on the Stay Dry Scale as it’s very close to Michigan Avenue shopping for a quick dash inside.
Some exhibits are “next level” weird, so check their website first to see what’s on.
9. Puttery or Big Mini Putt Club
Indoor mini-golf is the new contender giving classic bars a run for their money.
Both spots offer drinks, music, and a high-end vibe that makes you feel like you’re doing something “next level.”
This is a total 10/10 on the Stay Dry Scale for pure indoor entertainment.
Puttery is generally 21+, but they have “all ages” hours on Sundays, check the schedule before bringing the kids.
10. The Hoxton Rooftop
Hear us out: going to a rooftop in the rain sounds crazy, but the Hoxton is “the move” for watching the thunder.
Grab a cocktail, find a cozy seat inside the glass-walled bar, and watch the lightning over the skyline.
It hits a 9/10 on the Stay Dry Scale, all the views, none of the wet clothes. Grab a drink at Cabra while you’re there and enjoy the “dim, sexy vibe.”
11. Kibbitznest
This is a “sleeper” spot that doesn’t get enough love.
It’s a bookbar and “human communication center” with a library and plenty of classic board games.
This is a 10/10 on the Stay Dry Scale because there are no windows in the back, so you’ll completely forget the weather.
Just a heads up: it’s a “wifi-free” zone, so put the phone away and actually talk to your friends.
12. Snakes & Lattes or Bonus Round
If you’re a board game fanatic, these cafes are legendary.
Snakes & Lattes has an enormous selection, though locals warn it can be “very costly” if you stay for hours.
This is a 10/10 on the Stay Dry Scale and perfect for an all-afternoon jump into a new game.
Be sure to check the Bonus Round calendar for their themed trivia nights.
13. WhirlyBall
If you’ve got a group and need to burn off some steam, WhirlyBall is the quintessential Chicago experience.
It’s a mix of lacrosse, hockey, and basketball, all while driving bumper cars. It’s a 10/10 on the Stay Dry Scale with high energy and zero rain.
Also, the bacon appetizer at the bar is surprisingly “divine.”
14. iFLY Indoor Skydiving
For those who want something “fantastic” and a little more intense, indoor skydiving delivers.
It’s a “pretty cool experience” that you can do right in the city without having to worry about wind speeds.
It’s an easy 10/10 on the Stay Dry Scale, you’ll be flying, but you won’t be getting wet.
15. The Riverwalk
The “pro move” for the brave: borrow a hotel umbrella and hit the Riverwalk anyway. It’s surprisingly peaceful when the crowds disappear.
Plus, you can duck into spots like Chicago Cut for a “damn epic” view of the water while staying dry behind the glass.
This is a 5/10 on the Stay Dry Scale because you’re going to get a little damp, but the payoff is a “seamless process” to get a table at normally packed riverside spots.
