Best things to do this summer in Chicago

by Park Place Realty

There’s nothing like a summer in Chicago. Whether you choose to spend your day at the beach, or explore the city at night, there is always something to do here. If you are only visiting for a short time, I recommend checking out the Chicago CityPASS for common tourist spots. If you’re in Chicago all summer, then this article is for you. This is a guide to make the most out of the warm summer months of Chicago.

Explore a City Park

So many of the summer activities take place at Chicago’s Parks. If you want to stay on the move, or chill and have a picnic, these parks have what you need. Here is a list of the top city parks you need to visit this summer and what they are known for.

Millennium Park – Has cloud gate or “the bean”
Lincoln Park – Has the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Lincoln Park Cultural Center.
Grant park – The Buckingham Fountain
Maggie Dailey Park – Outdoor activities like roller skating and rock climbing, listed HERE
Garfield Park – Has the Garfield Park Conservatory
Jackson Park – Home to the Museum of Science and Industry, Osaka Japanese Gardens, and the city’s cherry blossoms.
Welles Park – Has a beautiful gazebo, and April 15 through September 1 you can enjoy a tasty treat from the Crepes in the Park kiosk.
Oz park – Step into the Land of Oz in Chicago’s most unique park, tributed to “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”.

Spend a day at the beach

Chicago has a variety of options when it comes to finding a beach to relax at. You can take in the view of the cityscape while your kids play in the water. Or you can play volleyball with some fellow locals. HERE is a list of the best beaches in Chicago to spend your day at.

Outdoor Dining

There’s nothing like watching a sunset in the city over the water while eating a tasty meal. One of the best ways to spend your day is to dine at a waterfront restaurant. To see the best spots, click HERE.

Attend a music or street fair

Looking for something a little more active and loud? Go to a festival! There are festivals of all kinds, celebrating different foods, music, and art! Don’t miss out on these events! You can find them HERE and HERE.

Explore a Garden

There are so many beautiful gardens in Chicago that are worth a visit. The Morton Arboretum has beautiful scenery, with gigantic sculptures throughout the garden. Plan your visit HERE. Some other must-visits are the Chicago Botanical Garden and Garden of the Phoenix. You can also explore the Garfield Park Conservatory and the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Continue to check on Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens to see when they reopen. See the 12 most beautiful gardens in Chicago HERE.

Have drinks at a rooftop bar

Want the best view in Chicago? Check out the rooftop bars! Get your girls together or plan a date night, and grab a drink on one of Chicago’s best rooftop bars. Stare out at the city lights and take in the view. Find the best rooftop bars HERE.

Visit a Museum

When’s the last time you explored the Museum? This is the best place to go when it is scorching hot outside. Check out famous art, illusions, medieval tourchure, dinosaurs, and so much more! You can find these HERE. Other ways to escape the heat is to visit the Immersive Van Gogh or the gigantic aquarium. The Van Gogh experience is truly like nothing else. Find out more about it HERE.

Get out on the water

From boat tours, to kayaking the river, to watersports, there are so many activities you can cool off doing! Check out water rentals HERE and boat tours HERE.

Get out and see a movie

Go to the famous Chicago theater to catch a movie! Not into theaters? Pull up to a drive-in movie or see if they’re playing one at the Park! See their schedule HERE.

Grab a snack at Chinatown

Chinatown is actually just a neighborhood in Chicago, but it feels like a different country! Spend a day window-shopping and strolling through the small town. Buy a souvenir and grab some authentic chinese food or some refreshing rolled ice cream.

Sign up for a Run

There are so many different runs scheduled this summer in Chicago. If you want to try for a marathon, or just a 5k, we’ve got you covered. For those of you who don’t love running, we have runs for you too! Try participating in a fun run, such as the Muddy Dash or a color, glitter, or glow run!

Explore Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a tourist trap, but you have to visit it at least once! There is a ferris wheel, conservatory, and so much food and activities for your little ones. Plus, every Wednesday and Saturday this summer they will be having a Firework show!

Stop by a local Farmer’s Market

Make it a date to go explore a local Farmer’s Market. Buy some food, flowers, and treats at one of these cute pop-up markets!

Tired of walking?

Explore Chicago on the Divvy Bike and segway tours. Bike on the 2.7 mile 606 Trail, or around the city streets.

Enjoy the Public Art

Hunt down murals & street art in Chicago and appreciate the sculptures around Chicago. Visit the Honeycomb, Cloud Gate, Agora, Crown Fountain, and so much more. Find the best pieces HERE.

Explore the Riverwalk

The Riverwalk has some of the best pictures spots of downtown Chicago. It also has restaurants and a beautiful view of the river. Make sure to explore this spot when you go downtown!

Attend a Game

Sports fan or not, you will love cheering at one of Chicago’s sport events! Click to see the schedule HERE.

Get the adrenaline running at the Adventure Course

Need some high adventure activities? Try visiting the The Forge: Lemont Quarries. There are ropes courses, rock climbing, archer battles, axe throwing, escape rooms, and laser tag. This adventure park is full of outdoor recreation. Visit their site for more information HERE.

Eat the Famous Chicago Pizza

You can’t go to Chicago without partaking of the glorious Chicago pizza. It just isn’t right. A personal favorite is Giordano’s deep dish pizza. You NEED to try a slice at one of these popular restaurants listed HERE.

That’s a wrap of the activities you need to try this summer! Some of these should keep you busy for the fall too;) Comment below some of your favorite activities! And feel free to connect with us!

Park Place Realty Group LLC

Office: 708.722.5106

Email: Team@ParkPlaceRealtyLLC.com