Location
With the Fourth of July now a distant memory and the first day of school just weeks away, summer may feel like it is nearly over, but we have good news: there's still SO much to do! We created a list of some of our favorite summer things to see and do to get the most out of the remaining weeks. From eating an outdoor breakfast to catching a movie at the park, will help you squeeze every last bit out of summer.
Spend a day among the animals
Lincoln Park Zoo is a world of wildlife in the shadow of skyscrapers. Located within a verdant park just minutes north of Chicago, the zoo has been a natural, free oasis for generations of animal lovers, who visit the zoo to hear a lion’s roar echo off nearby apartment buildings, see gorillas climb trees as the Willis Tower looms in the distance, or forget where they are as they immerse themselves in tropical rainforests, dry-thorn forests or spacious savannas.
*Did you know...you can camp out at the zoo? Learn more here.
Gain a new perspective of Chicago’s famous architecture
Chicago’s skyline is continually changing, making no two cruises quite the same. Gain a new and unique perspective of Chicago’s famous architecture while bringing in the new week with some morning yoga. Chicago’s First Lady Cruises is hosting a Sunrise Stretch Yoga Cruise Series select Sundays throughout summer. Purchase your tickets here.
*Did you know... Chicago’s First Lady Cruises is a 4th generation family-owned business? Learn more about its history here.
Experience an oasis in the middle downtown
Hidden in the middle of downtown is a little nature oasis for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of city living. Located in Millennium Park, Lurie Garden is designed to combine naturalistic plantings and ecologically sensitive maintenance practices to create an urban oasis for city dwellers and wildlife alike.
*Did you know... the garden provides lectures and workshops throughout the summer? Learn more here.
Explore Chicago’s Chinese culture
Chicago’s Chinatown, located just 20 minutes from downtown, is one of the densest and culturally significant neighborhoods in the city. With its Chinese style buildings and exotic food and shopping, this neighborhood is a must-see for locals and tourists alike.
*Did you know...Chicago’s Chinatown is 105 years old?
See a movie under the stars
If you haven’t yet experienced the Millennium Park Film Series, now is the time before the season ends. There are still plenty of great movies to come from Wall-E to School of Rock and Coco, check out their schedule to see the full listing.
*Did you know...movies in the park are always free?
Dine al fresco
During the summer Chicagoans take advantage of the summer weather by dining al fresco as often as possible. And one of the best meals to dine outside is breakfast! Nothing is better than sipping on some freshly brewed coffee, eating some delicious warm and gooey pancakes and listening to the birds chirp as the city slowly wakes up. If this sounds like a bit of heaven to you, then head to Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe within walking distance from our dock. This spot serves up some of the best pancakes in the city.
*Did you know you view live wait times and join the waitlist on Yelp? Next time skip the line and be seated right when you walk up.