Things to do near and in Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)

Midway Airport is one of the biggest airports that support global travel, attracting millions of passengers. Many travelers who are traveling through or having a layover at Midway Airport often think about the things to do here. Being a bustling city, it offers plenty of fun things to do near Midway Airport.

They can visit the Wonderlust Sports complex, explore Downtown, eat, shop at various famous stores, and visit museums to look at the historic cultural art of Chicago. Travelers can even just relax and get a massage at spas, fitness freaks can move to gyms, and get involved in yoga. Not just around, there are so many fun things to do in Midway Airport (MDW).

Top Things to Do near Chicago Midway Airport

Chicago Midway Airport is well-connected to the city, providing very convenient and fun things to do nearby. There are multiple dining, shopping, entertainment, cultural, and relaxation options available, especially for tourists. Travelers can easily find these things to do near Midway Airport.

Dining Spots

Travelers can try various types of cuisines, including Chicago’s local food and other international food. These places offer comforting spaces to travelers for spending their time on something good.

1. Honey 1 BBQ: It is famous for its ribs and southern-style BBQ, which is loved by the locals.
   • Location: Honey 1 BBQ, 746 E 43rd St, Chicago, IL 60653-2947.
   • Distance from MDW Airport: 11.5 miles.
   • Estimate Reaching Time: 17 to 18 minutes.
     
2. Café 53: It offers a cozy place for breakfast and lunch to its customers, offering several food options.
   • Location: Café 53, 1369 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615-4001.
   • Distance from MDW Airport: 13 miles.
   • Estimate Reaching Time: 22 minutes.
     
3. Art of Pizza: Perfect place for those who want to try authentic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza and stuffed pizza.
   • Location: The Art of Pizza, 727 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605-2108
   • Distance from MDW Airport: 14 miles
   • Estimated Reaching Time: 29 minutes
     
4. Portillo’s: Known for its classic Chicago hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches.
   • Location: Portillo’s, 100 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60654
   • Distance from MDW Airport: 12 miles
   • Estimated Reaching Time: 27 minutes
     
5. Taco Burrito King: For international travelers who want some comforting food, a late-night spot for delicious tacos and burritos.
   • Location: Taco Burrito King, 5509 N Harlem Ave, Chicago, IL 60656-1871.
   • Distance from MDW Airport: 21.6 miles.
   • Estimated Reaching Time: 40 minutes.
     
6. El Solazo: It offers authentic Mexican food, making it a considerable choice for Mexican travelers.
   • Location: Solazo,5600 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60629-4420
   • Distance from MDW Airport: 1 mile
   • Estimated Reaching Time: 3 minutes

Shopping Hunts

While traveling somewhere, it becomes important to shop there. For this, there are very aesthetic shops for purchasing clothes, essentials, special souvenirs, and many more located near Chicago Midway Airport for passengers’ convenience.

1. Cicero Avenue Shopping District: There are local shops that offer unique finds, vintage items, and souvenirs.
   • Location: Cicero Market Place, 2601 S Cicero Ave, Cicero, IL 60804, United States.
   • Distance from MDW Airport: 3.5 miles.
   • Estimated Reaching Time: 12 minutes.
     
2. Marquette Park Plaza Shopping Center: A market for quick shopping for essentials and regional goods.
   • Location: Marquette Park, Chicago, IL, USA
   • Distance from MDW Airport: 3.9 miles
   • Estimated Reaching Time: 11 minutes
     
3. Target is nearby: A convenient option for buying essentials at a good rate before heading back to the airport.
   • Location: Target, 7100 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60629, United States
   • Distance from MDW Airport: 1.7 miles
   • Estimated Reaching Time: 5 minutes

Parks and Outdoor Activities

Travelers who have long layovers or want to do energetic sports can visit these places to refresh their minds before a tiring flight.These places are quite near to MDW Airport, tourists can play or even just sit and enjoy the nature reserves.

1. Douglas Park: A large urban park with walking trails and open green spaces.
   • Location: Douglas Park, Chicago, IL, USA.
   • Distance from MDW Airport: 6.4 miles.
   • Estimated Reaching Time: 20 minutes.
     
2. Beverly Hills Park: Perfect for relaxation, with a Quiet, peaceful park with nature walks and picnic areas.
   • Location: Beverly, Chicago, IL 60643, USA
   • Distance from MDW Airport: 8.7 miles 
   • Estimated Reaching Time: 24 minutes
     
3. Wintrust Sports Complex: It offers laser tag, an arcade, and basketball courts. Open to everyone, just walk in and start playing.
   • Location: Wintrust Sports Complex, 5499 W 65th St, Bedford Park, IL 60638, United States
   • Distance from MDW Airport: 1.7 miles
   • Estimated Reaching Time: 6 minutes

Museums and Cultural Spots

If passengers are looking for things to do near Midway Airport, which represents its history beautifully, then they can visit museums. These museums and cultural places are considered to be the tourist spots near the Chicago Midway Airport.

1. Museum of Science and Industry (South Side): This museum showcases the advancements of science, technology, and industry.
   • Location: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
   • Distance from MDW Airport: 13.7 miles
   • Estimated Reaching Time: 26 minutes
     
2. National Museum of Mexican Art (Pilsen): It is a cultural gem that represents Mexican Art and History. It is one of the oldest museums located near Chicago Midway Airport.
   • Location: National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608, United States
   • Distance from MDW Airport: 6.9 miles
   • Estimated Reaching Time: 21 minutes
     
3. Chicago Botanical Garden at Midway: A beautiful spot located just outside the airport.

NOTE: These museums are not very far from the Midway Airport, and a short taxi trip or public transport can easily assist in getting here.

Local Hangouts

Travelers can enjoy the famous beers, crafted ice creams by visiting these places. They offer a wholesome experience of relaxation and entertainment, which becomes a reason that tourists often choose these places. 

1. Marz Community Brewing Co: Tourists relish crafted beers and local brews in a laid-back setting, located on the south side. 
   • Location: Marz Community Brewing Company, 3630 S Iron St, Chicago, IL 60609, United States
   • Distance from MDW Airport: 5.5 miles
   • Estimated Reaching Time: 19 minutes
     
2. The Original Rainbow Cone (Beverly): Famous for its unique cone combination of flavours of ice cream.
   • Location: The Original Rainbow Cone – Beverly, 9233 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643, United States.
   • Distance from MDW Airport: 7.3 miles.
   • Estimated Reaching Time: 18 miles.

Relaxation and Fitness

Some people find relaxation in fitness, and for them, many gyms and yoga centres are located near the airport. For those who want a good massage, they can move to the spas and massage centres.

1. Massage Envy: Located near Midway Airport, Massage Envy offers various massage and facial services.
   • Location: Massage Envy, 11022 S Cicero Ave, Oak Lawn, IL 60453, United States
   • Distance from MDW Airport: 6.6 miles
   • Estimated Reaching Time: 16 minutes
     
2. Yoga and Fitness: Several gyms and yoga rooms are situated within and outside the airport for a quick workout before boarding the flight.
   • Location: Protein Fit Studio, 4076 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60623, United States
   • Distance from MDW Airport: 4.5 miles
   • Estimated Reaching Time: 16 minutes
     

Things to Do at Midway Airport

If passengers do not have much time to go out of the airport, they can still explore and spend their leisure time enjoying themselves at the Chicago Midway Airport. 

• Explore the Battle of Midway exhibit: Travelers can learn about the Chicago Midway Airport’s history and its connection to World War II, located in concourse 2.

• Enjoy airport art: Passengers can just spend their time admiring the exceptionally beautiful paintings, murals, and photos highlighting Chicago’s landmarks. 

• Yoga Room: Fliers can relax by engaging in fitness activities in the dedicated Yoga Room within the airport.

• Dine at Reilly’s Daughter: An Irish pub located near the airport center, offering a cozy place to relax and eat.

• Lounges: It is a great option to explore and relax. The MDW Airport Lounges offer complimentary food, wifi, working stations, charging points, and many more services.

• Mother’s Rooms: Located at Concourse C, these rooms are especially designed for nursing mothers to help feed their infants in private.

• Children’s Play Areas: The Chicago Midway Airport also provides children’s play areas that contains a lot of toys, where they can play peacefully without disturbing others.

• Sleeping Pods: Passengers who have layover or late night delayed flights can access Chicago Midway Airport sleeping pods to give their body some sleep and relax before the flight. These are located at each concourse coping with fliers’ need and comfort. 

• Shopping: There are various duty-free shops available at MDW Airport, from where travelers can pick both premium and necessary things. 

Final Analysis

Travelers get a wide range of things to do near Midway Airport, whether it’s their final destination or a layover spot, there is something for everyone. There are classic, authentic food options, markets for shopping for both unique and essential things, gyms, spas for relaxation, and even things to do in Midway Airport. These places are located quite near the airport, so passengers can easily access the MDW Airport Transportation facility for traveling. Overall, travelers shouldn’t just stay at the terminal wasting their time; rather, go out and explore to make the most of it. 

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)