What to Wear
Bring extra layers of clothes if you're touring Chicago in the winter as winter highs only average 32 degrees. Summer months average highs of 85 degrees, so shorts, T-shirts and sandals are appropriate.
Family Friendly Activities
Go to Lincoln Park Zoo on Chicago's North Side for free fun for the family. Next door to the zoo is the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and great bike riding opportunities along Chicago's Lakefront.
Sports Fanatics
Oak Street Beach is great in the summer months for volleyball, jogging and walking along Lake Michigan.
Park Enthusiasts
Rollerblade circles around the trees, play tennis, shoot hoops or swing on the swings in the neighborhood parks. Grant Park is Chicago's biggest park and best for rollerblading, walking and taking in sights of downtown and the lake.
Water Lovers
Free swimming is available at all beaches during beach season, which is from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Lifeguards are on duty unless otherwise noted. If you enjoy jet skiing, rent jet skis from Windy City Watersports at Montrose Beach, located at 200 W. Montrose Harbor on Chicago's North Side.
Winter Activities
Chicago's Millennium Park offers free ice skating, with skating rental for $10 from November 18 until March 14, depending on weather conditions. The ice rink can be found on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison Streets.
