Activities for Seniors in Chicago

Chicago is packed with parks, tours, and recreational activities for seniors.

Explore outdoor activities in Chicago for seniors

Whether you’re near Lake Michigan or downtown, Chicago is packed with parks, tours, and recreational activities. Since the start of the City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, it is easier for seniors to get around and have a good time. This service, as well as the Discovery, center offers seniors trips and tours.

If you're interested in working with seniors in Chicago, become a Papa Pal companion caregiver. Photo by Conner Freeman on Unsplash.

Work with seniors in Chicago

If you're interested in working with seniors and older adults in Chicago, consider becoming a Papa Pal companion caregiver. The role of a Papa Pal varies from day to day. Some Papa Pals lend a hand around the house and help with errands, tech support, housekeeping, pet care, and gardening. Others offer company on a walk around the neighborhood or provide transportation to help seniors and older adults enjoy everything their community has to offer. It’s a great part-time job for friendly people.

Get started exploring Chicago

Explore the city on a cruise and listen to a guided architecture tour. Ride on the double decker bus and sight see different places such as SkyDeck, Michigan Avenue Bridge, the Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile, and so much more! Make sure you take a bike ride through Lakefront Trail.

Take a picture at the Bean in Millennium Park. Visit the animals at Lincoln Park Zoo. Have a picnic at Grant Park in Lake Michigan. The outdoors are endless in Chicago whether you want to be on foot or not.

Spend a glorious day exploring Lincoln Park Zoo. Photo by Matthew Mazzei on Unsplash.

Fun activities in Chicago for seniors

The best part about the Windy City is you will always find something to do. With over 16 senior centers in Chicago, play games with friends or take a Tai Chi class.

Walk along the river and admire the building’s soaring over you. Enjoy Chicago Botanical Gardens with 385 acres of landscaped gardens. Check out the oldest and largest museum in the United States, The Art Institute of Chicago. Because Chicago is the third largest city in America, you have the ability to stay active or have a relaxing day.  

Enjoy Chicago Botanical Gardens with 385 acres of landscaped gardens. Photo by Lindsay Kaymen on Unsplash.

Restaurants and Bars in Chicago for Seniors

Since Chicago is so big, there are many different pockets you can eat at. If you consider yourself a “foodie” make sure you go to West Loop. You will find a variety of food choices that will hit the spot! On Sundays go and visit Maxwell Street Market. They have many different food vendors and live entertainment. Enjoy an elegant steak in the River North area. If you like craft beers and eclectic food walk around Logan Square and find a nice bite to eat. Don’t forget to visit Lincoln Park for some casual dining and amazing cocktails! Whichever part of Chicago you roam to, you can always find the best deep-dish pizza.

Cultural Activities in Chicago for Seniors

“Full of culture” is a phrase that describes Chicago very well. It is a city that is full of life and passion. You will find so much culture in the streets, architecture, museums, and neighborhoods.

Enjoy the art and architecture of Chicago, including outdoor murals. Photo by JR Harris on Unsplash.

Here are some places you need to check off your list when you arrive:

See Emmy winning performances in the Chicago Broadway district.  You will be in awe with top talent and fall in love with live action.

Founded in 1857 by the Chicago Academy of Sciences, the museum has an extensive butterfly garden, nature trails, and many exhibits that change.

One of the largest museums in the world, this gallery has exhibitions that show ancient cultures to the latest scientific discoveries. This museum is a place that you can come back to multiple times and always learn something new.

Drawn by its beauty and the fabulous free public events, hundreds of thousands of visitors come to the Chicago Cultural Center every year, making it one of the most visited attractions in Chicago. The stunning landmark building is home to two magnificent stained-glass domes, as well as free music, dance and theater events, films, lectures, art exhibitions and family events.

This public museum is dedicated to the study of astronomy and astrophysics. Visit the stunning terrace views and unique sculptures and learn about the mysteries of our Universe.

Become a Papa Pal companion caregiver in Chicago

You’ll love the flexibility and opportunity that being a Papa Pal offers.

Ready to share your time and talents with your community? Click here to learn more.