Parks & outdoors
Fun in the sun on Chicago’s beaches
You might know Chicago as the birthplace of the skyscraper, the home of deep dish pizza, or as one of the largest urban cities in…
Chicago parks and outdoors
Enjoy the great outdoors at our parks and waterfronts.
Festivals & special events, Music, Parks & outdoors
Millennium Park Summer Music Series
June 26 – Aug. 7, 2025 Free admission • Millennium Park The Millennium Park Summer Music Series offers free outdoor concerts in downtown Chicago, showcasing…
Entertainment, Festivals & special events, Parks & outdoors
Millennium Park Summer Film Series
July 1 – Aug. 26, 2025 Free admission • Millennium Park Every summer in Chicago, visitors and locals flock to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in…
Articles, Parks & outdoors
Guide to kayaking and paddleboarding in Chicago
Chicago is lucky enough to be home to not one, but two stunning waterfronts — the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Both of these iconic…
Food & drink, Parks & outdoors
Waterfront restaurants on the lake in Chicago
Chicago is known for its famous skyline and urban neighborhoods, but it’s also right next to one of the largest lakes in the country. That…
Articles, Bucket list, Itineraries, Parks & outdoors
Things to do in Chicago in the spring
What’s spring like in Chicago? Tulips bloom along iconic Michigan Avenue, cherry blossoms pop up in Jackson Park, and city parks begin to overflow with…
Parks & outdoors
Explore The 606 elevated park and trail in Chicago
An abandoned railway has been given new life on Chicago’s northwest side. The 606 is a 2.7-mile elevated park and trail built on what was…
Parks & outdoors
Ice skating in Chicago: Millennium Park ice skating and beyond
Come experience a classic Chicago winter tradition. Each November, the city is filled with an array of charming ice rinks that pop up all across…
Blog, Neighborhoods, Parks & outdoors, Sports & recreation
Top spots for urban birdwatching from the Chicago BIPOC Birders
Birdwatching, or birding, became a common hobby for nature-inclined Americans in the 20th century due to the widespread availability of field guides. However, birding has…
Blog, Parks & outdoors
Where to see fall colors in and around Chicago
Chicago’s many parks, gardens, and natural areas are gorgeous year-round — but they’re particularly stunning in the fall. That’s when you can see striking red,…
Museums & art, Parks & outdoors, Tours & attractions
The Bean (Cloud Gate) in Chicago
Cloud Gate, aka “The Bean”, is one of Chicago’s most popular sights. The monumental work of art anchors downtown Millennium Park and reflects the city’s…
Family, Parks & outdoors
Family-friendly outdoor adventures in Chicago
Chicago’s nearly 600 parks and 26 miles of lakefront make it easy to enjoy the great outdoors in the middle of the city. Families can…
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