Chicago in the summer comes second to no major city. Chicago summers are some of the best in the country due to the fact that Chicago is one of the best cities in the world and also because its people know how to enjoy the warm weather. As they say, "You don't know what you have until it's gone." Chicago people can truly relate to this. Chicago winters are some of the worst: 12 feet of snow, roads shutting down, bitterly cold weather, and let's not forget the wind that could literally knock you off your feet. But Chicago offers some of the best attractions for a major city, making its summers the most epic.
Here are the reasons why:
1. The Parks
Chicago is a big city, but it doesn't lack green space! Chicago is home to 552 parks throughout the loop and its various neighborhoods. Festivals, festivals, and even more festivals are held at these parks while 5Ks and neighborhood events are also in the parks.
2. Bike Trails
Chicago is home to 19 miles of lakefront bike paths, along with its newly created 606 trail. Chicago officials decided to repurpose an old rail line to create a bike trail for residents. The trails allow you to see beautiful views of Chicago while burning some calories for summer too!
3. The Rail System
Who needs a car when you live in Chicago? Chicago's rail system allows you to go anywhere in the city without breaking the bank! This allows your summer budget to stretch a little further when you don't have to pay for parking or a taxi! If you can get past the smell of urine and body odor on hot summer days (still worth it, though).
4. Boating
Hot summer days call for relaxing on a boat, on the lake and river, gazing at the skyline. Chicago offers boating tours (for architecture and history), taxis; speed boats, and of course the infamous booze cruise! There is no better way to spend a summer day than on a boat with gorgeous views!
5. Lake Michigan
Chicago is unique with one of the largest lakes in North America bordering its towering skyscrapers. It gives Chicagoans the best of both worlds -- living in a big city and being steps away from a major body of water. This makes summers here extra special with boating, fishing, jet skiing, canoeing, and many other water activities just a walk away!
6. Beaches
With Lake Michigan being so close, one of the major benefits is the beaches! Chicago has several beaches to choose from each summer season, but be prepared to find plenty of people there! After all, Chicago is freezing, literally, about eight months out of the year! These beaches make for some of the best summer memories. You can tan and swim while being able to walk into a fancy restaurant only a five-minute walk away. What other city offers that?
7. Navy Pier
Navy Pier has an incredible history: It started in 1909 as a ship docking facility. In 1917, when World War I began for the U.S., it became home to soldiers. Afterward, it was turned into a recreational facility for visitors, but when World War II began, the military took it over again to use it for pilot training (it is said that as many as 200 planes from this era are still at the bottom of Lake Michigan). Finally, it has become an iconic tourist destination in Chicago. Navy Pier is host to a newly developed Ferris wheel, several restaurants, ample shopping opportunities, and rides. Summers at Navy Pier are iconic because you are able to walk in and out of the open glass doors while having just as many options outdoors as indoors.
8. Museums and Aquarium
Chicago has several museums ranging from art to history and everything in between. The museums hold some of the most important historical artifacts while offering an absolutely entertaining experience! But let's not forget Shedd Aquarium! One of the most iconic tourist sites in Chicago, it offers indoor and outdoor ocean activities while making you feel as if you walked into a tropical paradise. A must-see!
9. Skydeck
Another tourist destination! The Willis (Sears) Tower Skydeck offers some of the best views in Chicago! While it is nice to see in winter, it's even better when you get to see the green Chicago offers!
10. Food
Chicago is known for its diversity and its food! With diversity comes food from all places, and enough to please everyone! We have Greek town, Chinatown, and of course, what we're known for, our hot dogs and deep-dish pizza! The food is always great, but it's even better when you can walk to a hot-dog or shaved-ice stand during summer!
11. Outdoor Eating
We already have the great-tasting food, but it makes it even greater when you sit under the twinkling light of the skyline! Talk about a breathtaking view -- while enjoying your favorite foods! What's better than that?
13. Shopping
The Magnificent Mile! Such a stunner always. High-end shops, eateries, beautiful flowers, and the classic window shopping. The shopping is available year round, but it's actually fun when you don't have to wear eight layers of clothing while taking cover in the stores to be able to feel your face!
14. Baseball
During the summer you can visit Wrigley Field and the Sox stadium. Wrigley Field is one of the most historic baseball fields in the country -- and gorgeous to boot. This season and last season the Cubs are one of the top teams in baseball; the 2016 season could be a historic one. For many Chicagoans, summers consist of watching baseball games, drinking beer, eating hot dogs, and watching the Cubs win.
15. Festivals
Chicago is known for its summer festivals, such as the iconic Lollapalooza! Chicago is continuously having festivals in one of its many parks. Besides Lolla, Chicago has the new Lake Shake Festival and Taste of Chicago. These summer festivals are some of the best activities to do in Chicago during the summer!
16. Skyline
Chicago's skyline is breathtakingly beautiful. Always. Summer just seems to make it a little more beautiful to its people when it's not 5 below and covered in snow.
