What to do in Riverdale, IL

Activities, attractions and tours

Riverdale Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Riverdale has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Riverdale is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Riverdale to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Riverdale Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Riverdale.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Riverdale attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

CA $37
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Regular & Express Ticket

Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket

CA $34
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket
Flyover in Chicago

Flyover in Chicago

CA $39
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Flyover in Chicago
Wendella's Lake and River Architecture Tour

Wendella's Lake and River Architecture Tour

CA $62
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Wendella's Lake and River Architecture Tour
Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower

Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower

CA $59
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour

Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour

CA $56
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour
Color Factory Chicago Ticket

Color Factory Chicago Ticket

CA $47
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Color Factory Chicago Ticket
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Top places to visit

1. 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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A modern glass building with a curved roof, surrounded by a landscaped garden and a water feature.

2. 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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A large stadium surrounded by a cityscape with modern buildings.

3. 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 and a carousel at a fairground.

4. 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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A large metallic sphere sculpture in a public square surrounded by tall buildings.

5. 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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A cityscape at night with illuminated buildings, a river, and a bridge.

6. 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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A city park at night with well-maintained lawns, trees, and a distant view of skyscrapers.

Recommended things to do in Riverdale

Number of things to do
14
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Bucktown and Wicker Park’s 606 Trail: A Walking Tour: CA $7
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Riverdale

Where to stay in Riverdale

Find the best Riverdale areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.

Altgeld Gardens

While there might not be top attractions in Altgeld Gardens, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Harborside International Golf Center and River Oaks Center.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Riverdale

A snowy mountain landscape at sunset with a clear sky.

Harvey

A city skyline with a prominent Ferris wheel and a river in the foreground.

Calumet City

A city skyline with modern skyscrapers and a river with boats and people in the foreground.

Chicago

A city skyline with numerous high-rise buildings, a body of water in the foreground, and a sunset sky.

Calumet Park

A calm lake reflecting trees and a sunset sky.

Dolton

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.

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