Ultimate Chicago Summer Bucket List: Outdoor Movies, Festivals, and Free Activities for Families
Summer in Chicago is in full swing, and if you’re feeling the pressure of back-to-school season looming, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with the ultimate Chicago summer bucket list. From outdoor movies to festivals and free family activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy before the school year starts.
1. Green City Market in Lincoln Park
Explore the amazing farmers’ markets in Chicago, where you can snack, shop, and enjoy cooking demonstrations and live entertainment. With markets almost every day of the week, there’s plenty to see and do.
2. Chicago Children’s Theater
Catch a family-friendly show at the Chicago Children’s Theater before the summer season ends. Check out their lineup for some great performances.
3. Chicago Architecture Tour
Experience the beauty of Chicago from the water with a boat tour of the city’s stunning skyline. Head to Navy Pier for a family-friendly cruise or take the water taxi to the museum campus.
4. Navy Pier Fireworks
Don’t miss the spectacular fireworks display at Navy Pier every Wednesday and Saturday evening through August. Watch from the pier or nearby parks and beaches, or take a fireworks cruise for a unique experience.
5. Centennial Wheel
Ride the Centennial Wheel and explore the other thrilling rides at Navy Pier. Check out the events calendar and visit the Chicago Children’s Museum for more family fun.
6. 31st Street Beach
Visit 31st Street Beach for snacks, a new playground, splash pad, and a beautiful harbor. Enjoy a day by the water with the family.
7. Holstein Pool in Bucktown
Cool off at one of Chicago’s fifty free outdoor pools, like Holstein Pool in Bucktown. After your swim, check out the nearby attractions like the 606 Trail.
8. Visit a Splash Pad
If swimming isn’t your thing, check out Chicago’s best splash pads and water playgrounds for a fun way to cool off.
9. Grant Park Music Festival
Enjoy world-class concerts at the Grant Park Music Festival or catch a free concert at a neighborhood porch with Chicago’s Front Porch Concert series.
10. The Field Museum
Explore the wonders of the Field Museum of Natural History, including hanging out with Sue the dinosaur. A must-visit for any dinosaur lover.
11. The Shedd Aquarium
Visit the Shedd Aquarium to see a baby Beluga whale, outdoor stingray petting station, and live shows. Learn about sea lions, dolphins, and more at this family-friendly attraction.
12. Broadway in Chicago
Catch a kid-friendly Broadway show like Back to the Future or Harry Potter before the summer ends.
13. Adler Planetarium
Gaze at the moon through the Adler Planetarium’s telescope at Doane at Dusk for a free and unforgettable experience.
14. Morton Arboretum
Take a stroll through the beautiful trees and gardens at the Morton Arboretum. Kids will love the Children’s Garden and the Wonder Woods mini golf exhibit.
15. Art on the Mart
Experience art and architecture at night with Art on the Mart, a public art installation featuring images from Chicago artists projected onto the Merchandise Mart.
16. Millennium Park
Play at iconic Chicago parks like Millennium and Maggie Daley parks. Splash in Crown Fountain, take a selfie with Cloud Gate, and climb a wall or a whale at Maggie Daley Park.
17. Cubs or White Sox Game
Catch a Cubs or White Sox game with family-friendly themes, activities, and ticket packages on Family Sundays.
18. Fish ‘N’ Kids Program
Join Family Fishing at Northerly Island for a two-and-a-half-hour class with on-the-water fishing instruction.
19. Movie in the Park
Watch a movie under the stars at one of the Chicago Park District’s free movie screenings throughout the city.
20. South Shore Summer Festival
Celebrate the south side at the South Shore Summer Festival with live music, local vendors, and family-friendly activities.
21. Lincoln Park Zoo
Visit the free zoo and farm at Lincoln Park for exciting and family-friendly fun.
22. Brookfield Zoo
Explore the largest zoo in Chicagoland, the Brookfield Zoo, and discover their upcoming renovations and plans for family entertainment.
23. Griffen Museum of Science and Industry
Delve into science and exploration at the Museum of Science and Industry with exhibits like the James Bond exhibit and the German submarine from World War II.
Don’t let the end of summer stress you out – make the most of the season with these exciting activities and events in Chicago. Summer on and enjoy all that the city has to offer before school starts up again!