Active Things To Do in Chicago

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.

Lakefront Path

McCormick Place to Belmont

Iconic Path...
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Bike Chicago

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600 East Grand Avenue
(at Navy Pier)

Ride or skate through Chicago...
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Lincoln Park Zoo

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2001 North Clark Street

Animal lover must-see...
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Millennium Park

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222 North Columbus Drive

Downtown Outdoor Urban Oasis...
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North Avenue Beach and Chess Pavilion

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1600 North Lake Shore Drive

Match wits at chess or just relax...
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Oak Street Beach

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1000 North Lake Shore Drive
Oak Street (1000 North) and Lake Michigan

Pefect lakefront beach...
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Foster Avenue Beach

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5200 N. Lake Shore Drive

Unpretentious and Pristine Beach...
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Chicago Park District

541 North Fairbanks No. 4

The Great Outdoors...
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Chicago Botanic Garden

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1000 Lake-Cook Rd
Just east of Edens Expwy./I-94

Lush and Sprawling Botanic Garden...
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