It’s summertime in Chicago, which means that the weather is warm and there are plenty of outdoor activities to do around the city. This summer, many things have reopened to tourists that have previously been closed, which means there is lots to do! It’s a fun time of year to visit, whether you’re traveling to Chicago just for the weekend or for a longer trip. To help you plan your ideal vacation, here are the best activities to do in Chicago this summer.

Sail on Lake Michigan

Experience the thrill of sailing, feel the wind in your face, and see the sights on Lake Michigan. You can charter a sailboat—or a custom yacht—for a recreational, romantic, or educational adventure. Bring your family, a small group of your friends, or a significant other to sail alongside you. You can charter sailboats with companies like Windy City Sailing or Salty Dog Sailing Co.

Shop at the Wicker Park Farmers Market

Starting on June 5th, you can shop at the wildly popular Wicker Park Farmers Market every Sunday. Get your weekly fresh produce, while also browsing booths from local artists and craftsmen. There is something for everyone at the Wicker Park Farmers Market, including handcrafted candles, homemade salsas, beaded jewelry, and more.

Cruise on the Lakefront Trail

Rent a Divvy bike from Chicago’s bike share program, and cruise along the Lakefront Trail. You’ll be able to see stunning views of Chicago’s skyline. Discover some of the best views on the trail near Museum Campus, outside of Adler Planetarium. The trail juts out into this lake at this point, making it a perfect spot to see the city’s entire skyline. Further along the trail, you’ll be able to ride to Navy Pier, past Ohio Street Beach, and onto Lincoln Park.

Watch a movie at a drive-in theater

This summer, drive-in movie theaters are offering a variety of blockbuster and classic movies to watch. So grab some popcorn and drive to one of Chicago’s drive-in theaters with your friends or family. There are several different drive-in theaters located in Chicago, including ChiTown Movies and Whiskey Business.

Relax on the beach

Since Chicago is located along the shores of Lake Michigan, there are many beaches to visit. Relax on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, and maybe even go for a dip in the water if you need to cool off. Some of Chicago’s popular beaches include Foster Beach, North Avenue Beach, and Oak Street Beach.                                                              

Explore one of Chicago’s beautiful parks

There are more than 600 parks throughout Chicago, so chances are you’ll be able to see at least one of them while you’re visiting the city. Millennium Park, located in the heart of the Loop, is home to Lurie Garden, which contains a variety of blooming flowers in the summertime. Also nearby, is Maggie Daley Park, where you can mini golf. Or, you could go on a bike ride or walk along The 606, a former elevated train line that connects six neighborhood parks with many art installations along the way.

Visit Navy Pier

Navy Pier is always an exciting place to visit, especially since it recently reopened this past spring. It has many attractions to choose from for people of all ages. You can ride the iconic Ferris wheel, hop into a beer garden, or even see public installations of artwork to get in touch with Chicago’s rich cultural side. It also has numerous restaurants and souvenir booths, so you’ll be able to eat and shop to your heart’s content.

Planning your visit

Whether you choose to visit Chicago this summer or another time in the future, you’ll have a unique and thrilling experience. After you’ve selected your travel dates, you’ll need to decide where you’ll stay on your trip. Consider booking a hotel located in the heart of the city, close to many of these activities and places. Next up, pack your bags with essentials like comfortable walking shoes and a face covering to keep you safe and healthy. Now you’re ready for your upcoming trip to Chicago filled with breathtaking adventures and spectacular sights. Need a place to stay when visiting Chicago? Book your reservation here.