Chicago isn’t just a fantastic city for work opportunities and dining—it’s also a beautiful city that has fantastic parks, architecture, and other natural aspects that make it easy to both stay active and take in the breathtaking scenery.And in the summer, there’s no reason not to get outside as much as possible and head to a nearby park for a game of ball or Frisbee, a run along the trail, a picnic, or some tanning time with a blanket and book. Plus, there are so many parks to choose from. If you’re unsure where to go, here are a few options.

‍Millennium Park

‍Millennium Park is a great place to walk around, take in the views, and even splash in the Crown Fountain for a quick cool-off, but it also hosts tons of outdoor festivals, musical performances, movies, and more to give you an inside look into Chicago’s rich food, music, and art scene. Be sure to check the calendar to see when different events are taking place all summer long.

‍Grant Park

‍Grant Park also becomes a great spot for summertime fun by way of concerts, festivals, and food fairs. There’s the Grant Park Summer Music Festival, Lollapalooza Taste of Chicago, and more. Check out the calendar to book tickets and to see when your favorite events are taking place. It’s a great way to enjoy Chicago in the summertime while expressing yourself.

‍Oz Park

‍If you are a fan of the Wizard of Oz, visit Oz Park in Lincoln Park. “Dorothy’s Playlot” is great for kids to climb, swing, and run outdoors, but it’s also a great park for adults going for a jog or having a picnic.Head to the "Emerald Garden" to see a lovely spread of flowers, and stop at the statues to take those in, too. There’s the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, and Dorothy and Toto. There are also tennis courts, ball fields, basketball courts, and soccer and football fields.

‍Maggie Daley Park

‍Think of this park as the ultimate playground for little ones, so if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll want to take them here for sure. There’s the Play Garden for kids under 12 years old, where they can go up and down ladders and spin around in the captain’s wheel. The park has fun activities for adults, too! There’s mini golf, a climbing wall, tennis courts, roller blades and scooters, and more.

Ellis Park

‍Grab your athletic gear and enjoy the tennis courts, playing fields, and even a playground for kids at Ellis Park. The new fieldhouse at Ellis Park opened in 2015, and in 2016, the Arts and Recreation Center appeared, which is a $18 million state-of-the-art facility that spans 32,000 square feet. It has a five-lane pool, a gymnasium, a fitness center, arts and community spaces, and a rooftop terrace. The Arts and Recreation Center at Ellis Park also has afterschool and summer youth programming, family activities, cultural events, and wellness events. Definitely check it out!Need a place to stay when visiting Chicago? Book your reservation now.