{"id":33533,"date":"2024-08-06T11:48:07","date_gmt":"2024-08-06T11:48:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/?p=33533"},"modified":"2025-12-28T17:10:18","modified_gmt":"2025-12-28T17:10:18","slug":"10-things-to-do-in-chicago-during-the-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/10-things-to-do-in-chicago-during-the-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Things To Do in Chicago During the Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Chicago is known for its architecture and lakefront, making it an ideal place to explore in the summer months. And summer also lets you avoid our snow-heavy winters and enjoy some of the warmer weather \u2014 in July, for example, temperatures are around 80 degrees most days. Bring your sunscreen!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 10 of the best things to do in Chicago during the summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Lincoln Park Zoo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Lincoln<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Lincoln Park Zoo<\/a> is not only one of the best Midwest zoos, but it\u2019s one of the most scenic. As you stroll around to check out the animals, you also get sweeping views of the Chicago skyline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another reason to spend time at this zoo is that there is no admission fee. Surrounding the 200 species of animals, you\u2019ll also find 850 plant species decorating the grounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local tip: <\/strong>I recommend stopping for a meal at the Patio at Caf\u00e9 Brauer<\/a>. They have a kids\u2019 menu as well as cocktails for the grownups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Millenium Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Credit: Marcia Frost<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One of the most popular sites in Chicago is known as \u201cThe Bean,\u201d though its official name is \u201cCloud Gate.\u201d It\u2019s located in Millenium Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bean is actually just one of seven of the public art installations in Millennium Park. There is a self-guided tour<\/a>, complete with audio that can help you discover all of them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the summertime, the Crown Fountain is a popular spot to stay cool during the day. On Tuesday nights, you can head to the Jacob Pritzker Pavilion in the park for free movies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Chicago Riverwalk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Chicago
Credit: Marcia Frost<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you want to see the city\u2019s architecture and scenery, the best place to start is along the Chicago Riverwalk<\/a>. The 1.25-mile stretch of accessible walkways is filled with cafes, bars, and even a winery, and there\u2019s plenty of activities, from kayaking and boat rides to museums and art installations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Chicago walking tour<\/a> covers the best of the sights along the river. We\u2019ll take you through each of the riverwalk\u2019s six unique districts while sharing the stories and secrets about this special part of the city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Book This Tour<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Extra: <\/strong>Every night in the summer on the Chicago Riverwalk, you\u2019ll also be able to see ART on THE MART, a 25-story light projection that goes across the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Navy Pier<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You won\u2019t find a better season to stroll Navy Pier<\/a> than summertime, especially with a 12,500-square-foot Polk Brothers Fountain to cool off in.

While at the pier, take a ride on the Centennial Wheel, or hop on a boat for a sunset cruise. You\u2019ll find plenty of places to eat in between all the activities. There are also picturesque fireworks that go off at Navy Pier on Wednesday and Saturday nights in the summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beaches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Chicago<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve never been to Chicago, you might be surprised at the number of beaches this Illinois city has. They\u2019re lake beaches rather than ocean, of course, but hey \u2014 Lake Michigan has no sharks or hurricanes to worry about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 26 miles of lakefront in Chicago includes spots to bike, kayak, paddleboard, jet ski, or swim. You\u2019ll also find spots for food and cocktails along the water. All told, there are more than two dozen beaches in the city. Oak Street and North Avenue beaches are two of the most popular.

Plan ahead: <\/strong>Check the Chicago Parks website<\/a> for up-to-date information on beach conditions and closures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Festivals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Chicago
Credit: Marcia Frost<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chicago is filled with festivals in the summer with something for (literally) all tastes. This city is a foodie town, and it shows in one of its biggest events: Taste of Chicago. It\u2019s one of many local food events<\/a>. A few of my favorites include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n