Our city has some of the best iconic places to take pictures. From our skyline to the lakefront and even the street art, around every corner is an Insta-worthy picture. Whether you’re an aspiring influencer or desire some cute memorable moments with your kids, grab your phone and check out these top Instagram-worthy spots in our great city.
Downtown Murals
Rubber Ducky
View this post on Instagram
Artist: Various artists
Where: Magnificent Mile
Have you seen the ducks on the Mag Mile? Showing through Sept. 27, the duck sculptures designed by various artists represent the Special Olympics Illinois’ Chicago Ducky Derby. Here’s a map to help you track down these duckies!
We All Live Here
View this post on Instagram
Artist: Rich Alapack and local students
Where: 150 W. Roosevelt Road
When you’re visiting Roosevelt Collection Shops, its rainbow wall looks great any day (rain or shine). Your kids will love to pose in front of the bright colors.
Urbs in Hurto
View this post on Instagram
Artist: Nancy Pochis Bank Art Studio
Where: 511 N. Columbus Drive
Located at the Embassy Suites in the Mag Mile, this new 176-foot “city in a garden” mural was designed by Chicago-based Nancy Pochis Bank Art Studio as well as a group of eighth-grade students from LaSalle II Magnet Elementary who also helped by painting in the mural. With more than eight depictions, it’s hard to pick the best backdrop.
Moose Bubblegum Bubble
View this post on Instagram
Artist: Jacob Watts
Where: 33 E. Ida B. Wells Drive
The Wabash Arts Corridor (mainly on Wabash Avenue between Van Buren to Roosevelt) is a living urban canvas that has multiple levels of art pop-ups at the street level. This fun mural by Jacob Watts will make your kiddos giggle.
Rushmore
View this post on Instagram
Artist: Kerry James Marshall
Where: 78 E. Washington St.
When you stop by the Chicago Cultural Center, walk down Garland Court to find an extraordinary artwork honoring influential women. These 20 women, ranging from Gwendolyn Brooks to Maggie Daley, have helped shape the city’s culture. Do your homework in advance and make it a history lesson for your family in identifying these amazing women.
North Side Murals
Greetings from Chicago
View this post on Instagram
Artist: Victor Ving & Lisa Beggs
Where: 2236 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Styled as a “greetings” postcard, this sign in Logan Square embodies all that is Chicago, from a genuine Chi-style hot dog to the city flag and to an homage to Ferris Bueller—it has it all! And, what a better spot to snap a selfie?
The Happy Garage
Artist: Chris Uphues
Where: 1801 W. Winona St.
If this rainbow burst of color doesn’t bring a smile to your face, then I don’t know what will. Local artist Chris Uphues created this fabulous, cheer-y mural at the corner of Ravenswood and Winona. Come get some color in your life!
Flying High
View this post on Instagram
Artist: James Jankowiak
Where: 2912 N. Milwaukee Ave.
This literal metamorphosis is a prime spot to watch your little butterfly grow. You can take a photo every year to see how fast time goes by.
Genie Power
View this post on Instagram
Artist: Jerkface
Where: 2047 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Did you know that Robin Williams was born in Chicago? The late actor is painted in black and white while surrounded by laughing genies, the same character he voiced in “Aladdin.”
Love You!
View this post on Instagram
Artist: Miss Merlot
Where: 1401 W. Wabansia Ave.
We all need some extra love in this world. This sweet mural at Lincoln Yard helps spread the word and it warms our heart when our kids say those words, too.
South Side Murals
Blue & White Flowers
View this post on Instagram
Artist: Chester Chow, Andy Bellomo and Anna Murphy
Where: Under 18th Street Bridge in Ping Tom Memorial Park
This porcelain-inspired mural resides in Chinatown where members of the community worked together to create a masterpiece. It’s right by the Chinatown water taxi stop, too!
Black Love, Brown Pride
View this post on Instagram
Artist: Sentrock
Where: 1638 E. 79th St.
In South Shore, look for the Black Love, Brown Pride mural, inspired by a photo taken of two girls hand in hand during a Black Lives Matter rally.
Burger Flower
View this post on Instagram
Artist: Brenda López
Where: 4903 S. Paulina St.
Here’s another exciting mural that your whole family will be obsessed with. These “burger flowers” are so adorable that even grown-ups won’t help but pull a silly face when posing for a photo.
Sunshine Rays
View this post on Instagram
Artist: Luis Raul Muñoz
Where: 2111 S. Hamlin Ave.
How can you not smile when you see the flower and sunshine popping on this mural? We’re sure it will make your little ones smile instantly for the camera.
Stay True
View this post on Instagram
Artist: Miss Merlot, Aerub GSB, Max Sansing, revisecmw and Zach Rockstad
Where: 1321 E. 57th St.
The inspiring words on this colorful mural are a great reminder for kids and grown-ups. While you’re there, grab some tacos to-go at Seoul Taco.
West Side Murals
Pizza Wings
Artist: JC Rivera
Where: 108 N. Green St.
Holy Cheesus! Every kid loves pizza. Your kids will love it even more now that they can have pizza wings in this cool backdrop. Parlor Pizza in the West Loop is serving up awesome food and super cool mural to snap a pic.
Honey Bears
View this post on Instagram
Artist: fnnch
Where: 910 W. Chicago Ave.
Here are the cutest bears on this block! These four bears relate to Chicago personas: Mobster Bear, Kanye Bear, Cubs Bear and Cast Iron Pan Bear. Your little cuties will look adorable next to them.
Monkey See, Monkey Do
View this post on Instagram
Artist: Mosher
Where: 838 W. Kinzie St.
Hunt down Recess Bar and Patio’s new addition in the West Loop: street artist Mosher’s signature colorful character Dipso the Monkey.
Fish Sculptures
View this post on Instagram
Artists: Local Greek schools and various professional artists
Where: Halsted Street between Monroe and Van Buren
It will be tough to pick out a favorite among the 22 fancy fish public art sculptures along Halsted Street created by local Greek schools as well as some of Chicago’s best professional artists. Behind the art, there’s an important message kids will surely appreciate: The need to protect our waters and sea creatures.
No Place Like Home
View this post on Instagram
Artist: Hector Duarte
Where: Humboldt Boulevard & Wabansia Avenue
Did you know author L. Frank Baum lived in Humboldt Park when he wrote The Wonderful Wizard of Oz? To honor him, a new mural depicting the iconic yellow brick road includes a backdrop of the Chicago skyline.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
This story was originally published on Aug. 13, 2018. It has been updated with the most recent information. This article also appeared in Chicago Parent’s August 2020 magazine.
