Things to Do in Hyde Park

There's a captured WWII U-boat inside. Also a coal mine ride. Free for IL residents on select days.

Largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere. A real captured WWII German U-boat, a coal mine ride, Science Storms, and a massive model train layout. The Idea Factory is built for kids 0-10 with water play and building activities. Free for Illinois residents on select days.

5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637 · Daily 9:30am-4pm · indoor

Order a half bird with mild sauce. The mild sauce is not mild. That is the Harold's experience.

South Side institution since 1950 with 40+ locations. Order through bulletproof glass, get fried chicken doused in the famous mild sauce (which is sweet, tangy, and not at all mild). Half chicken dinner is under $12. The Hyde Park location near UChicago is the classic move. Every location is independently owned, so quality varies — that is part of the charm.

1208 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615 · Daily 10am-midnight (varies by location) · indoor

A long-running cobbler shop in Hyde Park serving the University of Chicago neighborhood. Handles resoling, heel replacement, shoe stretching, zipper repair, and leather conditioning. Full resoling from $45, heel caps from $10. Also repairs bags and belts. Quick turnaround on basic jobs.

1512 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615 · Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-3pm · (773) 324-3100 · indoor