A Perfect Day in Hyde Park!
- uchicagohumanities
- Jan 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 28
Francis, MA in Digital Studies, 2026
Are you curious about what UChicago students do when they are not in school? Beyond exploring downtown, many students enjoy spending time with friends or embarking on solo adventures right here in Hyde Park. If you’re looking for some exciting things to do in the neighborhood, keep reading! I’ve put together a guide for a fun-filled day in Hyde Park, complete with two customizable sets of options to tailor the experience to your preferences.
FIRST STOP – Brunch at Roux Diner or Plein Air Café
Start your day with a tasty and filling brunch so that you have energy for the adventures that follow! My two personal favorite brunch spots are:
Roux Diner
Located on 1055 E 55th Street, Roux is Chef Charlie McKenna’s New Orleans-inspired, all day breakfast spot. If you are looking for some authentic chicken and waffle, biscuits and gravy, beignets, or coffee, Roux is the place to go!
Plein Air Café
Situated right next to the historic Robie House (5751 S Woodlawn Ave), Plein Air is a French atelier-inspired café and eatery seeking to provide a warm, serene environment where guests can savor coffee, food, and design. A French expression meaning “in the open air” that describes the act of painting outdoors, Plein Air offers a cozy interior as well as a relaxing outdoor sitting area, where guests can enjoy a menu of simple, comforting dishes with European-inflected twists and a variety of great coffee.
SECOND STOP – Book Shopping at The Seminary Co-op or Powell’s Books
After brunch, it’s time for some leisurely browsing at two of Hyde Park’s most beloved bookstores: The Seminary Co-op and Powell’s Books. Whether you’re looking for the latest bestsellers or hidden gems, both offer a cozy atmosphere to lose yourself in a book.
The Seminary Co-op is known for its expansive selection of academic and intellectual titles, perfect for students and scholars. It has a reading area for anyone who wants to enjoy a slow and sit-down reading experience.
Powell’s Books, on the other hand, offers an eclectic mix of secondhand books with highly affordable prices, often under $10! I especially like sifting through their Fiction section, which is ordered by authors’ last names, since I can always find interesting and rare titles there.
*Tips: The Seminary Co-op bookstore is in the same building as Plein Air Café, so if you’ve decided to have brunch at Plein Air, check out the bookstore too!
THIRD STOP – Visiting the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry or the Smart Museum of Art
Next, it’s time for a dose of culture and exploration! The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (5700 S Lake Shore Dr), one of the largest science museums in the world, offers interactive exhibits on everything from space exploration to industrial technologies. Whether you're a science enthusiast or just looking for something fun and educational, this museum has something for everyone.
If you are an art enthusiast instead, visit the Smart Museum of Art (5550 S Greenwood Ave) to experience contemporary art in an intimate setting. The museum regularly hosts fascinating exhibits, from visual art to installations, offering immersive encounters with the diverse voices of both local and international artists.
LAST STOP – Physical Fun at the Midway Plaisance Ice Skating Rink or the Gerald Ratner Athletics Center
To finish off your eventful day, it's time to get some exercise! Head over to the Midway Plaisance Ice Skating Rink (1130 Midway Plaisance North), where you can enjoy skating in a picturesque outdoor setting. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy the winter weather and have some fun on the ice.
If you're in the mood for something more indoor-focused, make your way to the Gerald Ratner Athletics Center (5530 South Ellis Ave), which offers a variety of fitness options, including swimming, basketball, and a fully equipped gym. Whether you want to glide on the ice or work up a sweat, these two locations offer great ways to wrap up your day.
I hope this customizable guide for a day in Hyde Park is useful to you and can help you understand what the Hyde Park community has to offer. Of course, these are based on my personal experience, and there are many more great options for you to explore with your friends or by yourself!
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