We put together a Chicago Summer bucket list for everyone, but like seriously, for everyone. There is so much going on in Chicago during the summer, so we thought this would make it easy for you. A Chicago mom, wife, foodie, a girls night out and a Chicago community member. Things to do all summer long. The links are added below but always double check their website and socials for more info.

Chicago Girlie:

• Sip your way through a Riverwalk Crawl: Taco Rio, City Winery & Tiny Tapp
• Order a $30 girl dinner at LIA Tavern
• Kayak through the city on a glow-in-the-dark river tour
• Listen to live music during Jazzin’ at the Shedd (most Wednesday evenings)
• Toast summer at the Veuve Clicquot Courtyard at the Waldorf Astoria
• Watch the sunset at Aura on the Lake
• Rent an electric boat for a girls’ day on the river
• Cruise downtown on the Chicago Water Taxi
• Enjoy Grazing Hour at Cabra
• Watch Movies in the Park at Millennium Park
  • When Harry Met Sally (July 14)
  • Hamilton (July 28)
  • Devil Wears Prada (Aug 11)

Chicago Wife:

• Pick up North Buena Deli sandwiches and picnic at Montrose Harbor
• Grab happy hour at The Green at 320 + a movie afterward
• Sip cocktails on the patio at Central Park Bar
• Walk the lakefront trail and dine at the Dock with live music
• Plan a Rooftop Cinema Club date night
• Browse the Argyle Night Market on Thursday evenings
• Book a summer date night at Lincoln Park Zoo: Adults Night Out (May 22 + August 21)
• Dance at Ritmo del Mar at Shedd Aquarium (August 15 + September 19)
• Spend a weekend at Chicago Jazz Festival (September 3 – 6)
• Explore the Hyde Park Jazz Festival (September 26 – 27)

Chicago Foodie:

• Explore the Thursday Night Market at Water Tower Place (begins July 9)
• Sip cocktails and snack through happy hour at Shaw’s Crab House
• Arrive early for the Summer Sunday BBQ Series at Sportsman’s Club (through September)
• Spend a Sunday at Asada Sundays at Diego (June – September)
• Eat your way through Windy City Hot Dog Fest (May 29 – 31)
• Celebrate at Lincoln Park Greek Fest (June 5 – 7)
• Taste smoky favorites at Ribfest Chicago (June 5 – 7)
• Sample local eats at Flavors of Albany Park (June 24)
• Try every burger at Roscoe Village Burger Fest (July 17 – 19)
• Experience Taste of Polonia (September 4 – 7)

Chicago Community Member:

• Support local vendors at neighborhood farmers markets
• Join a neighborhood cleanup
• Volunteer at a local food pantry like the Greater Chicago Food Depository
• Participate in a community book, clothing, or toy swap
• Shop at a zero-waste refill store
• Browse indie bookstores in Logan Square and Avondale
• Ride a Divvy bike instead of driving for the day
• Attend arts and culture events at The Green at 320
• Visit the Obama Presidential Center (opens June 19)
• Celebrate at the Chicago Pride Parade (June 28)

Chicago Mom:

• Cool off with Mario’s Italian Lemonade on a hot summer day
• Spend the morning at Lincoln Park Zoo and grab patio pizza at Ranalli’s
• Plan a Navy Pier day with Flyover Chicago, the Children’s Museum, and the splash pad
• Cruise the river on a Chicago Fireboat tour
• Visit the Portage Park Farmers Market, swim at the public pool, and end with dinner at Easy Street Pizza
• Pack a blanket for outdoor Movies in the Parks
• Explore the new Children’s Garden at the Garfield Park Conservatory
• Play through the Minecraft Experience (use code CHICAGOGOODLIFE10 for 10% off tickets)
• Catch ‘em all at the Pokémon Fossil Museum at the Field
• Stargaze with the Astronomer in the Parks (select dates May 21 – September 25)
• Celebrate at Festival del Niño at the National Museum of Mexican Art (June 14)
• Catch a Broadway in your Backyard performance (select dates July 6 – September 19)
• Spend the weekend at the Chinatown Summer Fair (July 25 – 26)
• Watch Chicago Air & Water Show practice from the beach (August 14)