Looking for a beach destination but can’t afford a jaunt to the Caribbean or one of the best beaches in the US? No problem. . . pack up the kids and head for…. summer in Chicago!
Ohio Street Beach on the shore of Lake Michigan is sure to please everyone in the family. Less crowded than the better-known Oak Street or North Ave beaches, the backdrop of Chicago’s dramatic skyline juxtaposed against the sparkling azure water creates a very appealing setting for swimming, picnicking, castle-building, bike riding, or just breaking away from the daily grind to kick back, soak up the rays and squish your toes in the powdery-soft beach sand.
Chicago is a great destination year-round. If you can’t manage summer in Chicago, Christmas in Chicago is fantastic!
And don’t forget to check out the best neighborhoods in Chicago!
Navy Pier
After a day on the beach, you’ll find many activities just minutes away in one of America’s most walker-friendly cities. Next to the beach is Illinois’ most-visited site, festive Navy Pier, where you can grab a sizzling hot dog and ride the Ferris wheel.
You can also try to navigate through the 4,000-square-foot Funhouse Maze, marvel at Cirque Shanghai’s gravity-defying acts, or hop on one of several themed boat tours based at the pier.
The Bean
Just a leisurely 20-minute walk to Michigan Ave in the heart of the city, and you’ll find yourself at Millennium Park where “oversize” is the order of the day. Stretched out before you is the mirrored-surface Cloud Gate sculpture a.k.a. “The Bean” reflecting the cityscape.
Crown Fountain
The expansive pavilion bandshell designed by world-renown deconstructionist architect Frank Gehry displays 50-foot living faces displayed on Crown Fountain. And don’t miss the infamous 3-story iconic statue of Marilyn Monroe temporarily on exhibit at the Chicago Tribune.
River Walk
For more athletic pursuits, head to the River Walk. The Chicago River is the only river on earth that flows backward – considered one of the 20th century’s top engineering wonders. Whether you walk, jog, run, or bike – this is one of the best ways to absorb Chicago’s architectural grandeur.
And the best part? All of the activities listed thus far are free.
Views From On High
Also within walking distance of the beach is the John Hancock Observatory, where you can zip up 1,000 ft. in a 40-second elevator ride to Chicago’s only open-air skywalk exposing 360° views of the city skyline. For the more daring, a five-minute taxi ride to the Willis Tower – the tallest building in the western hemisphere – will provide an opportunity for you to go out on “the Ledge,” a glass balcony suspended 103 stories above street level!
More Summer in Chicago Activities
For shopping, walk to the northern end of Michigan Ave, called “the Magnificent Mile.” Enough said.
Meander around the Lincoln Park Zoo, take in a major league baseball game at historic Wrigley Field, or visit one of Chicago’s many excellent museums – you’ll run out of time before running out of things to do.
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Don’t forget the pizza! Chicago is where the deep-dish pizza originated and you can find delectable samples at Giordano’s, Gino’s and Lou Malnati’s. But don’t stop there…Chicago is foodie heaven! Here’s a list of the 15 best kid-friendly restaurants in Chicago.
So what are you waiting for? With just a few short weeks until books, soccer, and music lessons once again dominate family life, memories and adventures await for summer in Chicago fun times.
If you have extra time to spend in Chicago and want ideas for some unique things you can only do in Chicago, you can find them here.
Last Hurrah: Chicago’s City Beach and Beyond was first published in Women’s Toolbox on 8/21/11. Click here for a pdf clip.
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About the Author
Patti Morrow is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning international blog Luggage and Lipstick and southern travel blog Gone to Carolinas. TripAdvisor called her one of “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials.” Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. She has traveled six continents looking for fabulous places and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer (and Gen X!) tribe.
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