Good
news! After months of feeling like it would never it end, it appears that
winter, in fact, is over. As the weather warms for good and we enter the summer
season, everyone is excited to get outside and do something fun. At AmpliVox,
we call Chicago home, and know our way around the city’s marquee attractions
and activities, so we thought we would put together a list of 10 of the city’s
must-do attractions to complete over the summer, whether you are a resident or
tourist. Click the read more button below to see the list.
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| Navy Pier. (Photo by Willowbrook Hotels) |
1. Navy Pier—The
number one tourist destination in the state, Navy Pier, like Chicago itself, offers
something for everyone. An array of dining options like Harry Caray’s Tavern and
Capi’s Italian Kitchen, an IMAX theater, the Chicago Children’s Museum, and
dozens of unique shops throughout the concourse ensures a full day of fun. A ride on the famous Chicago Ferris wheel is also required for unparalleled views
of the Chicago skyline. Navy Pier also puts on arguably the finest fireworks
show in the city every Wednesday and Saturday night from Memorial Day to Labor
Day.
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| Wrigley Field. (Photo by Jay Malone) |
2. Wrigley Field/US Cellular Field—No matter which side of town you root for, there is a good
time to be had cheering on both of Chicago’s baseball teams this summer. If
you’re in the mood for summer nostalgia, you can take in a Chicago Cubs baseball game at the historic Wrigley Field; for a family-friendly
park with many of today’s modern amenities, head down to U.S Cellular Field, which
is home of the Chicago White Sox.
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| (Photo by Bill Ward) |
3. Architectural Boat Cruise—Chicago
is known for its breathtaking architecture, whether from their historic
landmarks like the famous Water Tower, or their modern marvels, like Trump
Tower. One of the best ways to experience the city’s designs is from the
Chicago River. A guided, architectural boat cruise will
offer all the scenic city views from a truly unique vantage point.
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| The Bean. (Photo by Carl Wycoff) |
4. Millennium Park—If
you find yourself tired of the concrete of buildings and sidewalks downtown,
you are only a short walk away from enjoying a little bit of nature. Opening in
2004, Millennium Park is one of Chicago’s most unique attractions, blending
eclectic sculptures and art with the comfortable surroundings of gardens and
fountains. The Bean is an ideal spot for a picture and free concerts at the
nearby Pritzker Pavilion makes Millennium Park a haven for those looking for a
break from the busy city.
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| (Photo by Sharon Mohanadoss) |
5. Taste of Chicago—Foodies,
if you’re looking for one place to sample the array of dishes that can be found
in the Windy City, look no further than the Taste of Chicago. The free-admission event takes place every July in Grant
Park, where dozens of the city’s biggest (and smallest) restaurants set up
booths and offer samples of their menu to visitors. Once you have found your
food, walk over to the nearby Petrillo Music Shell for evening concerts taking
place throughout the Taste.
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The Field Museum.
(Photo by Madeline Holland) |
6. Museum Campus—The Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium comprise the city’s
Museum Campus. Each site is completely unique, offering must-see highlights
like Sue, a nearly complete tyrannosaurus rex skeleton (Field Museum), a dolphin show (Shedd Aquarium), a massive WWIII German submarine (Museum of
Science and Industry) and one of the
most powerful telescopes in the country (Adler Planetarium). It might be too
much to ask to visit all four sites in a day, but each institute offers enough
interesting exhibits and hands-on activities for visitors and families of all
ages that you can’t go wrong with your chosen destination.
7. Willis Tower Sky Deck—The
best views in the city can be had atop one of the tallest buildings in the
world. Visiting the 103rd floor Willis Tower SkyDeck on a clear summer
day will give you an unmatched visual experience. Feeling like a daredevil?
Stop out onto The Ledge, a glass box that extends beyond the building to offer
completely unobstructed views of the city, including below.
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| (Photo by Payton Chung) |
8. Street Fairs/Street Fests—Chicago
is filled with dozens of unique neighborhoods, and each is home to a variety
of festivals and fairs throughout
the summer season. Depending on where in the city you venture, you’ll find
cultural, music, food, and a variety of other festivals showing the city’s rich
culture.
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| (Photo by Lori Stalteri) |
9. Chicago Botanic Garden—You
will have to travel a little outside city limits to get there, but the Chicago Botanic Garden is the best
spot to enjoy the calming environment of gardens in bloom. A summer walk
through the Rose, Waterfall, or English garden is breathtaking, and for only a
couple dollars admission, the model railroad exhibit will draw the attention of
kids and adults alike.
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| (Photo by Juan Carlos Martin-Loeches) |
10. Beaches—Illinois may be known as the Prairie State, but Chicago has
access to miles of beachfront along Lake Michigan. While it is hard to
appreciate such a feature during the winter, you’ll find thousands of Chicagoans
and tourists spending days at the beach in the summer months. Ranging from the
northern suburbs down to the southern tip of the city, Chicago
beaches are a prime summer location to play volleyball, have a
picnic, or just take in the Lake Michigan sights. If you are feeling active,
the paved trails provide picturesque bike rides or runs.
