Are you looking for things to do at home in Chicago?
For the last fifteen years (at least!), we’ve been sending out a weekly newsletter highlighting things to do in Chicago for the weekend.
Since that’s on hold, yet your desire to see and do things is not, we’re going to share things you can do at home. Don’t worry; we won’t be sharing knitting tutorials or how to organize your pantry. (Not that there’s anything wrong with either of those. I mean, knowing how to knit would come in handy right now.)
Instead, we’ll post links to places to explore from the comfort of your home, as well as virtual entertainment, like concerts, theatrical performances, author readings, chef demonstrations, etc, from creatives based in the Chicago area.
There’s also a list of additional resources with ideas, advice, and links to ways people and companies are creatively bridging the social distancing requirements.
If you’re hosting an event, please be sure to add it to our calendar. Also, please feel free to share it in our Facebook group.
This will be a running list and we’ll try to keep it current, but please forgive us if there are any outdated virtual events.
Things to do at home in Chicago
Things to do at Home in Chicago
Please Help Support Hospitality Businesses in Chicago
Heron Agency has put together a great list of ways to support local businesses, including artists, restaurants, hotels, and senior care facilities.
Buy a hero a burrito
Buy a Hero a Burrito program from Burrito Beach provides free meals to hospital workers and medical personnel.
Experience the Field at Home
Explore the museum's online library, chat with a dinosaur, and watch the Brain Scoop.
Streaming Performance
Stream this performance from the Goodman Theatre through April 26.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Thousands of works from the Art Institute of Chicago collections are online.
Off-the-Beaten Path Chicago Architecture Walking Tours
Virtual history talks and tours
Virtual Local Art Experiences
A Little Time & A Keyboard shares virtual art experiences.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
See a small selection of exhibits from the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
Chicagoland Musicians Facebook Live Broadcast Calendar
Keep up with virtual concerts and broadcasts.
Young Inventor Challenge
Free resources, plus inspirational videos and articles for kids.
#OpenForDelivery
Find local restaurants that are offering delivery.
Tana Karo is creating An Inside Look at a Traveling Circus Artist
Ongoing with Patreon subscription
Ralph S. Covert
Daily Ralph's World (kid-friendly) performances at 11am and Bad Examples at 8pm
Additional resources:
- Mommy Poppins Virtual Concerts, Storytimes, Events, and Classes
- Chicago Service Relief – virtual tip jars to support the staff at your favorite bars and restaurants
- Chicago Gallery News – featuring virtual gallery tours
- National Hellenic Museum – 20,000+ Greek American artifacts, photos, historic newspapers, books and more than 450 recorded oral histories
- A Social Distancing Staycation – virtual field trip, museums, cooking demos, tours, and classes around the world
- Experience Travel without leaving home – Tips from Postcard Jar on being armchair travelers