Seeing Chicago When the Weather's Bad

Face it: Chicago's weather can throw you a curveball at any moment. From sunny and warm to windy and cold, you can easily find yourself wanting to take shelter from the city's occasionally inclement weather. If the weather gets in the way of enjoying Chicago, try one of these indoor activities.

Taking tea

For about $30, you can be served in one of Chicago's finest hotels and linger for hours over pots of tea, finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. Civilized, relaxing, and, best of all, sheltered from the storm, having a civilized, sit-down tea is a great way to while away the day. Try The Drake Hotel, the Ritz-Carlton, The Peninsula, or the Four Seasons.

Hitting a Michigan Avenue mall

Chicago has a unique innovation: the downtown, high-rise mall. The 900 North Michigan, Water Tower Place, Chicago Place, and Westfield North Bridge malls can keep you warm, dry, and entertained for hours.

Immersing yourself in the Art Institute

When storms lash the lakefront, head straight for the Art Institute of Chicago. The museum's renowned Impressionist collection includes one of the world's largest collections of paintings by Monet. A little Impressionistic romance is just the thing on a rainy or snowy day.

Reading at a cafe

Go to Borders on Michigan Avenue across from Water Tower Place, pick up a book, and head for a comfy cafe. Farther north, in the Southport neighborhood is a local favorite, Julius Meinl Café. Pastries are out of this world and coffee is served to you on a silvery tray, accompanied by a small glass of water. Order a steaming mélange (coffee with milk), settle into a booth in front of the large picture windows that front Southport Avenue, and enjoy the live music that's frequently on offer here.

Seeing the stars at the planetarium

Even in cloudy weather, you can see the stars during the sky shows at the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum. Choose from a tour of the solar system or of the Hubble Telescope's view of the visible universe. You can also take a voyage to the edge of a black hole. Shows change frequently, so call ahead for the latest.

Watching the weather from the Oceanarium

John G. Shedd Aquarium is home to a 3-million-gallon saltwater oceanarium. A wall of windows reveals the lake outside, creating the illusion of miles of sea. You'll find beluga whales, dolphins, otters, and seals, none of which could care less that it's raining or snowing outside.

Going out for dinner

When the weather gets bad in wintertime, Chicagoans don't hole up at home. You'll find them overcoming cabin fever by dining at the city's many fabulous restaurants. Go out, lounge at the bar, eat a leisurely meal, and dream of the day that you can run off your meal on the lakefront.