The city's list of activities and things to do grows longer as the temperature rises in Chicago. There is no better season than summertime to visit Chicago, with outdoor food and music festivals, seasonal sports, and days filled with sunshine.
What to Do in Chicago in the Summer - Outdoors
In the summer in Chicago, there are seemingly no limits to how much time you can spend in the sun. Many outdoor festivals are hosted in or around some of Chicago's most popular public parks, making them among the city's most popular summer activities. If you enjoy music festivals, the Chicago Blues Festival takes place in June and is the world's largest free blues event. The City of the Big Shoulders is also home to Lollapalooza, a four-day music event that takes place in Grant Park during late July or early August. The Museum Campus, which houses the Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, and Field Museum, is just a short walk away.
The Taste of Chicago is the place to be in Chicago during the summer if you're a foodie at heart. Taste of Chicago, which takes place in Grant Park in July, provides you the opportunity to sample some of the city's best cuisine. In addition to delectable bites, there is also live music on several stages. It's a great choice for families because there's something for everyone aged 1 year and up.
Spend Time in Public Parks and Green Spaces
The city's more than 8,800 acres of green space are located in more than 600 public parks, which is one of the best things about Chicago. Other than a slew of festivals and events taking place in the city's parks, these greenspaces offer a soothing retreat from the city's busy streets.
Chicago Park District
The Chicago Park District, which also manages the city's public parks, develops and schedules activities for families of all ages: children, adults, and senior citizens. Sports are among them.
If you're looking for things to do in Chicago this summer, the Chicago Park District's calendar of events is a good place to start. A popular event is Night Out in the Parks, which features free concerts and performances that are enjoyable for families.
The Millennium Park Summer Music Series also offers free performances on the Pritzker Pavilion's lawn in Millennium Park. Bring a blanket and snacks, and you'll be ready to go!
Lake Michigan
When you stand on the edge of Lake Michigan's sparkling shores, you could easily be fooled into thinking that Chicago is on the sea. The lake is one of summer's most popular destinations in Chicago, with transparent, glittering water that seems to go on for miles. There are 23 public beaches run by the Chicago Park District where you can swim when the city streets begin to scorch. Oak Street Beach, which is close to the 360 Chicago Observation Deck in the John Hancock Building and North Avenue Beach in Lincoln Park are two well-known beaches.
Make a visit to Lincoln Park Zoo while you're in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The zoo is free to the public and open 365 days a year, including events such as the Run for the Zoo 5K and 10K in June and the Zoo Ball in July. In addition, from late April through mid-November, you may visit The Lincoln Park Farmers Market in Chicago, which is held outdoors on Saturdays.
A boat tour on Lake Michigan is one of the most exciting Chicago summer activities. Shoreline Sightseeing, for example, offers boat trips along the lake and Chicago River that highlight some of Chicago's most notable architecture and sights while also providing a cool waterfront breeze.
Visit Chicago Summer Landmarks
Summers in Chicago are ideal for sightseeing. Because it's a very walkable city, the nice weather is fantastic for stretching your legs and getting out on the street. Aside from walking, Chicago has a convenient public transportation system to take you to the city's most notable attractions.
Buckingham Fountain
The magnificent Buckingham Fountain is open to the public every day of the week, including weekends, from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. for free. In the summer in Chicago, you may pass by to observe the major water shows, which take place every hour and 20 minutes through mid-October depending on the weather conditions.
Wrigley Field
The Chicago Cubs and the White Sox are two baseball teams that call Chicago home. In the summer, seeing a baseball game is one of the most popular things to do in Chicago, regardless of your team allegiance. Wrigley Field, however, is something special. The ivy-covered brick walls and lively atmosphere make it an interesting location in the city. Experiencing a baseball game at Wrigley Field is a Northsider tradition throughout the summer in Chicago.
The Foodies Guide to Eating Your Way Around the City of Chicago
Chicago has a diverse array of international and indigenous foods, as well as dishes that are unique to the city. If you're a foodie, eating your way around Chicago to sample some local specialties is an obligation, especially since they may all be found at this summer's Taste of Chicago or popular food trucks.
Everyone should try deep dish pizza at least once when visiting Chicago. Pizzerias like Giordano's, Lou Malnati's, and Uno's Pizzeria specialize in this enormous pizza overflowing with tomatoes, melted cheese, and other delicious toppings. When a slice of pizza hunger strikes, locals usually prefer tavern-style pies cut into tiny squares over deep dish.
Chicago hot dogs, for example, are a hit with locals. Al's is one of the most popular restaurants in the city, according to locals. There are several locations throughout the city. A Chicago-style hot dog with all of the fixings is another must-try dish. However, don't ask for ketchup!
Tight Budget and Time: Find Discounted Tickets
There are so many things to do in Chicago this summer that it might seem tough to fit it all in. If you're short on time and want to stick to a budget, purchasing a CityPASS ticket allows you access to some of the city's top attractions at a significant savings over purchasing tickets individually.
A Chicago CityPASS ticket allows you to choose your own Chicago summer activities at a fraction of the cost, whether you want to go up in the sky at Skydeck Chicago or explore the 360 Chicago Observation Deck or plunge beneath the waters of the Shedd Aquarium. You may also discover what others have said about purchasing a CityPASS ticket to get even more ideas for what to see and do in Chicago this summer.
You have two choices for obtaining a Chicago CityPASS:
- The original Chicago CityPASS ticket allows you to visit five of the city's top attractions.
The Chicago C3 ticket allows you to visit any three attractions on your choice. nThe second alternative is ideal for visitors on a tighter budget who nevertheless wish to see the greatest that Chicago has to offer. You're guaranteed an unforgettable summer in Chicago, whatever you pick.
