What to do in Riverdale, IL

Activities, attractions and tours

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Top places to visit

1. Navy Pier

Navy Pier draws more than 8.6 million visitors each year. It has rides, restaurants, shops, parks and boat tours, all within a 50-acre pier on Lake Michigan. Open year-round, it’s busiest in the summer months when there are open-air stalls selling souvenirs and weekly firework displays.
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A ferris wheel, shopping, restaurants and more can be found in this waterfront entertainment district.

2. McCormick Place

McCormick Place is both the biggest convention center in Chicago and the biggest one anywhere in the U.S. This vast, sprawling complex is an impressive feat of architecture and engineering that was founded well over half a century ago. Attend an event here to get a sense of its incredible scale.
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Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.

3. Millennium Park

Millennium Park is a 25-acre (10 hectare) park in the central Loop. Locals and tourists gather year-round for concerts, biking and jogging, and to admire the sculptures dotting the landscape. Conveniently located near other attractions, it’s easy to combine a walk through the park with a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago or shopping along the Magnificent Mile.
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Millennium Park which includes autumn colours, modern architecture and street scenes

4. Soldier Field

Soldier Field has been one of Chicago’s most well-known landmarks since its construction in 1924 and is the oldest NFL stadium in the country.
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Soldier Field which includes a high-rise building, a city and modern architecture

5. Grant Park

Grant Park is one of Chicago’s most loved and diverse public parks, with a host of family-friendly attractions and activities. It spreads across 319 acres (129 hectares) between Michigan Avenue and the banks of Lake Michigan. Grant Park is a scenic area blessed with everything from concert venues and museums to public art, statues and well-groomed lawns. Walk along wide tree-lined promenades dissecting the park.
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Chicago’s front yard is a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.

6. Chicago Riverwalk

Get a sense of the culture and character of the Windy City by wandering along the Chicago Riverwalk. This scenic stretch of the city follows the banks of the Chicago River from near the edge of Lake Michigan through Downtown to where the river splits. As you follow the walkway, pass impressive bridges, fascinating museums and trendy dining spots.
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Chicago Riverwalk featuring a river or creek, a bay or harbour and a city

What to do in Riverdale

Popular places to visit

Wrigley Field featuring a city, a sporting event and city views

Wrigley Field

4.5/5(40 reviews)

Tour the iconic grounds and catch a game March through September at Chicago’s beloved baseball stadium.

Wrigley Field
Magnificent Mile - River North which includes street scenes, signage and night scenes

Michigan Avenue

4.5/5(14 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Michigan Avenue
Navy Pier

Navy Pier

4/5(125 reviews)

A ferris wheel, shopping, restaurants and more can be found in this waterfront entertainment district.

Navy Pier
McCormick Place

McCormick Place

4.5/5(36 reviews)

Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.

McCormick Place
Millennium Park which includes autumn colours, modern architecture and street scenes

Millennium Park

4.5/5(147 reviews)

A landmark gathering place for locals and visitors who come to admire the unique art, architecture and landscape.

Millennium Park
Soldier Field which includes a high-rise building, a city and modern architecture

Soldier Field

4/5(44 reviews)

Events center, NFL stadium and historic landmark all in one, this waterfront field is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations.

Soldier Field
Grant Park

Grant Park

4.5/5(96 reviews)

Chicago’s front yard is a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.

Grant Park
Chicago Riverwalk featuring a river or creek, a bay or harbour and a city

Chicago Riverwalk

4.5/5(29 reviews)

Stroll along the waterfront of the Chicago River to pass some of the city’s most appealing attractions and appreciate how a once grim area has been successfully revamped.

Chicago Riverwalk
Six Flags Great America which includes rides

Six Flags Great America

Spend a day at this sprawling theme park to enjoy an array of thrilling roller coaster rides, a water park and entertainment for kids of all ages.

Six Flags Great America

Explore areas of Riverdale

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Altgeld Gardens

While Altgeld Gardens may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like River Oaks Center and Harborside International Golf Center.

Altgeld Gardens

Day trip destinations from Riverdale

Chicago showing a city and a skyscraper as well as a family

Chicago

Photo by Monica Harrison

Calumet Park

Frequently asked questions

Is Riverdale worth visiting?
Riverdale has a unique mix of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into nature, history or local culinary flavours, there are many things to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Riverdale?
After you've checked off top attractions like Calumet Beach and Hollywood Park, spend some time exploring Riverdale's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Riverdale?
Calumet Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Riverdale and deserves a place on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Riverdale?
Three days in Riverdale is plenty of time to enjoy the city's main highlights. Many travellers book for two days on average. William W. Powers State Recreation Area, Midwest Carvers Museum and Abbott Park are highly rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a while longer to explore nearby hotspots like Chicago.
Is Riverdale a walkable city?
That depends on what you'd like to do and see in Riverdale. Several key sights, like Midwest Carvers Museum and Veterans Memorial Park, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Riverdale's best neighbourhoods, Dixmoor is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while West Harvey is 3 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Riverdale with kids?
If you are after activities and sights for all the family, we've got some terrific ideas for what to do in Riverdale with kids.

What to do in Riverdale for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or thrill seeker, there are lots of things to do in Riverdale for adults including Highland Community Bank and A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum.
Are there free things to do in Riverdale?
In Riverdale, William W. Powers State Recreation Area is an unmissable spot for anyone wishing to see the city without taking their wallet out. Also, stroll around the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a top way to find out about the best free things to do in Riverdale.