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- 1
  
  1. Lakefront Path
  
  Iconic Path
  
  Recreation & Natural Areas
  
  Loop
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- 2
  
  2. Bike Chicago
  
  Ride or skate through Chicago
  
  Outdoor Recreation
  
  Near North Side/River North
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- 3
  
  3. Lincoln Park Zoo
  
  Animal lover must-see
  
  Landmarks
  
  Lincoln Park
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- 4
  
  4. Millennium Park
  
  Downtown Outdoor Urban Oasis
  
  Attractions
  
  Loop
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- 5
  
  5. North Avenue Beach and Chess Pavilion
  
  Match wits at chess or just relax
  
  Outdoor Recreation
  
  Near North Side/River North
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- 6
  
  6. Oak Street Beach
  
  Pefect lakefront beach
  
  Outdoor Recreation
  
  Gold Coast/Streeterville
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- 7
  
  7. Foster Avenue Beach
  
  Unpretentious and Pristine Beach
  
  Beaches
  
  Uptown/Lincoln Square
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- 8
  
  8. Chicago Park District
  
  The Great Outdoors
  
  Picnics, Parks & Gardens
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- 9
  
  9. Chicago Botanic Garden
  
  Lush and Sprawling Botanic Garden
  
  Attractions
  
  Outside the city
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- 10
  
  10. Links Hall Studio
  
  All States Van Lines LLC International Movers
  
  Transfers
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See all 1109 Things to Do in Chicago: 1 2 3

The Best of NileGuide
Chicago may not seem like an outdoor destination, but during the summer when the sun comes out, there is plenty to do in the great outdoors. Lake Michigan brings 26 miles of shoreline to the east side of Chicago, and offers a gorgeous Lakefront Path that is busy with walkers, runners, bikers, etc. on any given day. Rent a bike anywhere in the city, and take your tour of Chicago and the lakefront at your own pace. Or, if you want to get daring, test your skills on the huge outdoor climbing wall at Lincoln Park Athletic Club. If the weather is nice enough, make it a beach day at North Avenue Beach, popular with young twenty-somethings, Oak Street Beach, which seems to never be as crowded, or up north at Foster Beach, an open beach perfect for families. Or, take the kids to the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is completely free and all outdoors, then enjoy a picnic on the lake. Be sure to check the music schedule at Millennium Park, and pack a picnic and wine to sit in the grass while catching the free summer concerts. If you have the time, head north to wander through the acres of flowers and trees at the Chicago Botanic Garden. To see specific events and park information, be sure to visit the Chicago Park Distric online.

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