Posted 3 months ago in Trending, Things to Do
6 MIN READ – Summers are fleeting in Chicago, only to give way to our brutal winters, so get out and enjoy the weather while it lasts. Do everything on your summer bucket list, like having a picnic, going on a bike ride, swimming, hanging out on a boat, and visiting the Chicago Loop’s best attractions while it's still warm.
MUSIC FESTIVALS
Festival szn is thriving like never before! With some of the best music festivals of the season left -- think Chicago Jazz Festival, World Music Festival and more, you've got a little bit of time for some more movin' and groovin'. If you’ve missed the sound of music reverberating off of downtown buildings as you sit on a blanket with a glass of wine, come out before summer ends.
SKYDECK CHICAGO
Skydeck Chicago is the perfect summer activity, as it provides a can’t miss, one-stop attraction to discover and see all that the city of Chicago offers from an incomparable vantage point. The recently renovated Skydeck encompasses the attraction’s lower level, delivering an interactive experience that celebrates the unique personality, history, neighborhoods and sites of Chicago. The lower-level museum is further complemented by a visit to the internationally recognized observation deck to take in the city from 103 floors up and step out on The Ledge; the four thrilling glass floor balconies extending from the Tower. There is no better view of the city than the view from The Ledge on a sunny summer’s day.
dEvelop a new hobby
Start a new hobby while the sun is still out to feed you good energy! Every Saturday at the Fine Arts Building (located at 410 S. Michigan Ave.), join Lane Alexander of Chicago Human Rhythm Project for tap dance classes. Teens through senior adults can head up to the 3rd floor Annex Studios and find him teaching Tap 2 at 10 a.m., Tap 3 at 11:30 a.m., and Tap 1 at 1 p.m. Classes are $17 (or $15 for students). Over on the southside, the arts incubator the Mayfair Arts Center holds tap classes and much more all throughout the week!
MUSEUMS
The Loop is home to some of the best museums in the country, as well as smaller, niche museums you’ll only find here. Go to the Museum of Illusions where you can truly experience the impossible. Illusions allow us to see things differently, and they expose a lot about how the brain interprets reality. Visit the Museum of Illusions Chicago where nothing is quite as it seems! Or wander through the Art Institute and see historical pieces as well as contemporary works in the modern wing. Experience the magnificence of Van Gogh through Labor Day, or wander through the many new immersive experiences in downtown. Find out about more Loop museums to check out here.
Be sure to check out other museums and experiences in and around the Loop—everything from specialized spots like the American Writers Museum, Museum of Contemporary Photography, and Museum of Contemporary Art, or fun newbies like Color Factory, The Unreal Garden, and Medieval Torture Museum.
SHOP
While it's nice outside, walk throughout the Loop and shop. Explore State Street and beyond with great retail options. Go to Macy’s if you’re considering a new look or want to refresh. Macy’s personal stylists provide free consultations for all your style, beauty, and home selections both online or in-store. Book your free appointment today. And while you’re at Macy’s, be sure to stop by the Walnut Room. Enjoy brunch at the first restaurant opened in a department store. The space is exquisite with beautiful Circassian walnut paneling and Austrian crystal chandeliers. This elegant and comfortable dining experience offers delicious meals, cocktails, and a variety of wines. Definitely try Mrs. Hering’s chicken pot pie, which has been a favorite on the menu since the 1880s. Make reservations for the Walnut Room here.
DINE OUTDOORS
Soak up the sun and appreciate outdoor patios and rooftops before the summer ends. Take your dining experience to a whole new level at one of the Chicago Loop’s finest rooftop bars, offering some of the best views in the city.
Or stay down-to-earth with sunny patios and new experiences. Try out The Sterling Food Hall (formerly known as Revival Food Hall) with a plethora of options -- makes for a great happy hour spot. If you want a break from the brick corridor of the office, head to Millennium Hall, the new dining experience at Millennium Park.
RElax ON THE CHICAGO RIVERWALK
Take a stroll or a bike ride (if it’s not too crowded!), read a book, or simple sit and enjoy the views along the Chicago Riverwalk. Feel as if you're floating as you take in the cityscape along the water. This pathway rests along the bank of the Chicago River for an exclusive view of the Loop’s world-class architecture, with a variety of restaurants, bars, and attractions along the way.
Take advantage of the weather and spend some time at Maggie Daley Park. Keep yourself and the kids busy all day with activities like mini golf, wall climbing, and scooter and rollerblade rentals. Also treat yourself to hot dogs and ice cream for the ultimate day out.
VISIT LAKE MICHIGAN
Cool off with a swim, play volleyball or frisbee, listen to music, have a barbeque with friends, or lay out in the sun and relax with your toes in the sand. Check out Ohio Street Beach just north of the Loop, or 12th Street Beach a little to the south. After some fun in the sun and sand, mosey along the Lakefront Trail to the Loop proper for some gorgeous views of the skyline and Millennium Park.
GO FOR A RIDE
Enjoy the weather and get a workout while you’re at it. Enjoy the Loop’s protected bike lanes and the Lakefront Trail for a safe, easy breezy ride. If you don’t own a bike or e-scooter, rent a Divvy for easy access to the city.
There’s way too much to do and see in the Chicago Loop for just one day, so stay the weekend or plan a staycation at one of the Loop’s hotels. Find a room with exclusive access to Chicago culture, food, attractions, and shopping. Hotels offer a luxurious stay or an affordable one. In the heart of Chicago’s theater, arts, and shopping district, theWit Hotel boldly stands as a tribute to creativity and expression with stunning views. A recently renovated rooftop bar, ROOF on theWit and ballroom event spaces serve to entertain you and host events. Book theWit here.
