It is officially summer in Chicago and having the party outside would be much better during summer as it is warm. To swim or sail or sunbathe or boat or watch a play or practically anything that one can do on or in water. Also, summer street festivals and eating outdoors are brought back. In addition, summer street festivals and alfresco eating are returned.’
Whatever your hobbies are, you’ll always find something to get thrilled about in this no-nonsense Midwestern metropolis. The top things to do in Chicago range from tremendously fun to awesomely informative. Looking for culture? Spend the day touring Chicago’s museums. Hungry? Good news because, boy, are you in for a treat because Chicago is widely regarded as one of the best places when it comes to food.
Chicago has an amazing number of great restaurants that can impress any client who is interested in a variety of cuisines. We looked around the city to compile this list of the finest things to do in Chicago.
1. Dance your heart out at a summer music festival
What is it? Chicago has an impressive roster of music events.
Why go? Every weekend during the summer, there is no live music to listen to, ranging from little neighborhood festivals to major events such as Pitchfork Music Festival, Lollapalooza, and Riot Fest. Whether you prefer house, country, or blues, Chicago’s music schedule has you covered.
Don’t miss the free events at the Grant Park Music Festival and Millennium Park Summer Music Series.
2. Cool off on the Chicago beaches
What is it? Twenty-eight miles of freshwater shoreline are divided into a succession of publicly accessible beaches.
Why go? Nothing says summer in Chicago like a day spent on Lake Michigan’s sandy beach. Choose from over 20 beaches throughout the city’s north and south stretches, ranging from the dog park at Montrose Beach to the sand dune-studded nature sanctuary at South Shore Beach.
Don’t miss: Do you want to go out on the water? A few beaches provide kayak, jet ski, and other water activity rentals.
3. Find a summer street festival in your area
What is it? Every summer, Chicago’s streets and parks are taken over by a variety of events.
Why go? From May to September, attend famous neighborhood events such as Wicker Park Fest and Taste of Randolph to shop for artisan products manufactured by local merchants, have tasty nibbles, and watch live performances.
Do not miss: Tired of the cover bands and DJs who often perform at Chicago’s street festivals?
4. Enjoy a drink at a beautiful rooftop bar
What is it? Refreshing beverages atop some of Chicago’s highest buildings.
Why go? Summer in the city definitely demands rooftop drinking and there are many places where you can actually get it. Whether it is on a marvelous rooftop terrace facing Michigan Avenue or a lush ‘Jardin de Retiro’ kind of Green haven, great vistas of the skyline coupled with a beverage in hand and a pleasant breeze at your back – are but inevitable.
5. Eat outside
What is it? It’s the season for outside eating.
Why go? Chicago is relatively short on outdoor eating arrangements, so it is advisable to make the most of it. Enjoy the best life in patios, terraces, and roofs of the city offering mouth-watering foods and drinks, a comfy ambiance, and much sun and wind.
6. Rent a boat
What is it? The ideal method to get out on the lake.
Why go? You will be alive in your best way, indeed, if you hire a boat and go for a water ballet. Some of the options for sailing are available around Lake Michigan or the Chicago River, and they include taking a pontoon, speed boat, or hiring a luxury yacht with a personal captain. So, gather your friends, it is always better to have company to spend some time with.
7. Take a plunge in the pool
What is it? The Chicago Park District has fifty public swimming pools.
Why go? Swimming is the best method to beat the hot heat. The city has hundreds of pools across the communities, all free of charge. Just be sure to verify the hours and schedules before visiting.
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8. Walk along the Chicago Riverwalk
What is it? The boardwalk running along this river was extended and renovated in 2015 and is now lined with restaurants, bars, mooring for boats, and many benches to sit and watch the world go by.
Why go? The Riverwalk, like everything else downtown, might be expensive, but the vistas are unrivaled whether you grab a bottle of wine at City Winery or eat some local fare at Chicago Brewhouse. If you want to be on the water, there are several boat tour launch places along the Riverwalk.
Don’t miss Art on theMART, a 25-story light projection performance across the river, which takes place weekly at 8:30 and 9 p.m.
9. Grab a paddle, and float along the Chicago River
What is it? Kayak Chicago takes you paddling along the Chicago River from a wharf just north of Goose Island.
Why go? simply do a few quick twists, and your time is up for an autonomous downhill river discovered by a kayak. You can hire a boat for an hour or for the whole day whereby you take the boat on the lake to see different shades of the leaves.
Don’t miss A few guided tours that showcase Chicago architecture or just allow you to cruise the river at night.
10. Hold a picnic at a park
What is it? A delightful dinner outside in a public park.
Why go? To make the most out of the summer, gather some snacks and drinks and go picnicking at a nearby park with the help of a basket. Chicago itself has the slogan “City in a Garden,” and its parks are truly public ones- District 57 is no exception. Since there are more than 600 facilities scattered all over the city, it should not be a big challenge to find a place where you can have your picnic.
11. Enjoy free outdoor movies in parks
What is it? During the warmer months and evenings in the summer. Specific outdoor film festivals will be shown in local municipal parks.
Why go? There’s something for everyone, including animated pictures (Trolls Band Together), blockbusters (Barbie), and cult classics (School of Rock). And who doesn’t enjoy free movies?
So, do not miss the opportunity to watch two great films E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Jurassic Park in Millennium Park on July 16th.
12. Walk through a lovely garden
What is it? The city’s abundant green areas range from Chicago parks to large botanical gardens.
Why go? you must go to one of those (generally non-cost) gardens to leave the city and enjoy nature. There you may see superb Japanese gardens, water with water lilies and lotuses, rose gardens, green glass houses with several hundreds of plants inside, and much more.
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13. Root for the home team at Wrigley Field
What is it? Arguably the city’s most well-known and attractive ballpark.
Why go? The Friendly Confines, which have been synonymous with the North Side for over a century, have seen minor changes throughout time. It eventually gave in and installed lights in 1988, and a jumbotron was added in the outfield a few years later. But it’s the ivy that borders the outfield walls, the manual scoreboard, and the overall old-timey splendor that will keep the Cubbies fans coming back whether they win or lose.
Don’t miss: For a real Wrigley Field experience, get cheap(ish) seats to the public admission bleachers.