Chicago is just the best in the summer. In fact, us Chicago-goans wait all year for it. The festivals, beaches, farmers markets, and activities are endless. For tourists, it’s the best time of the year to visit as well. The city and it’s people really come alive during the spring and summer months.

I put a list together of things I like to do in the summer, some I plan on doing, and even ones you can bring the whole family to. If you know anyone looking for adventures or have friends coming in town, send this their way! 

Bars and Restaurants with Patios:

Park and Field
Noyane (Burger & cocktails)
Parson’s Chicken and Fish (I took Noah a lot when he was younger)
Genes Sausage Shop
Al Patron (My favorite tacos in the city, BYOB, always lots of kids, cash only)
Sportsman’s Club
The Dawson
Somerset
Blue Door Kitchen (Went for my birthday this year and loved it!)
Kaiser Tiger
Cindy’s at the Chicago Athletic Association
Summer House Santa Monica
RM Champagne (Great date night spot)
Bernie’s (Great happy hour)
Barcocina (Noah’s been for brunch a few times)

Things to Do:

Gallagher Park (So many activities for the family like green city market, yoga, kids sing alongside, etc)
Montrose Beach (There’s a bird conservatory “Montrose Point” as well. Noah loved it)
Garfield Park Conservatory (They don’t serve food, but pack a picnic.Perfect for families and lots of free activities for kids.)
Chicago Water Taxi (Really want to take Noah on one soon!)
Concerts in Millenium Park (Grab food and drinks at the Gage or Remingtons before. Manny and I did this for our anniversary last year and it was really fun!)
Movies in the park (One of my favorite things to do in the summer)
Kayaking on the Chicago River
Maggie Daley Park (Gets crowded, but kids love it.)
Ravinia
Lincoln Park Zoo (Wednesday’s are sing alongs for kids.)
Architectural Boat Tour
Windy City Smokeout 
Sheffield Garden Walk (huge area for kids, even with a petting zoo and bouncy houses)
Roscoe Village Burger Fest (My personal favorite fest and have brought Noah for the past two years. Lots of families!)
Taste of Chicago (Best time to go is for lunch during the week and hit the food trucks!)
Chicago Blues Fest (Pack a picnic and spend the day at Millenium Park. Family friendly)

If I am missing anything, let me know and I can add it! And as always, thanks for reading.

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Until next time,

Christine