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.

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