Chicago is one of America's most-visited cities. You can take advantage of world-class shopping on Michigan Avenue and lots of restaurants in the city's many ethnic neighborhoods. But the Windy City also has plenty to keep you active during your visit. It is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, with miles of trails. And don't forget it expansive lakefront, which is both beautiful and fun.
Visit Millennium Park
The 24.5-acre Millennium Park is located in the heart of Chicago. This park boasts innovative architecture, extensive landscaping and an abundance of culture. During your visit, you might stumble across a concert, a play or a crowd on the ice rink. During warmer months, adults and children alike can run through the Crown Fountain and make faces into the whimsical steel structure that the artist calls "Cloud Gate" but the locals affectionately call "The Bean." This large park is a great space to get outdoors and simply have some fun.
Explore Navy Pier
The 1.5-mile long boardwalk that sticks out into Lake Michigan has been a go-to attraction in this city for decades and is the Number One tourist attraction in the Midwest, according to the Navy Pier website. When visiting Navy Pier, you can wander around and view the attractions, which include shops, restaurants, museums and amusement park rides, most notably a 150-foot-high Ferris wheel; make sure to stop at the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows and the Navy Pier Aeroballon. You can rent a bike at Navy Pier, and use it to explore the pier or the rest of the lakefront.
North Avenue Beach
A quick drive up Chicago's Lake Shore Drive will land you at the North Avenue Beach--and leave you feeling like you have escaped from the city. You can rent a bike, taking up a game of volleyball or get in a quick workout at the outdoor fitness center. This location is excellent for swimming, people watching or lying on the sand with Lake Michigan in front of you and the skyscrapers in back.
Cycling
Chicago is a great place for bikes, with more than 100 miles of bike lanes, 10,000 bike racks and 50 miles of bike paths that help make exploring Chicago by bike a relaxing adventure. You can plan to bring your bike to the Windy City or rent one from one of the many cycle centers. You can even take your bike on much of the city's public transportation. A great way to see Chicago is to pedal the 18-mile path that runs along the lakefront.
Experience the Zoo
Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo is home to a wide range of animals, including giraffes, elephants, rhinoceros, gorillas and chimpanzees, as well as the Farm in the Zoo. The zoo also frequently sponsors outdoor activities such as 5K and other races, yoga classes and activities for children. Although there usually is a fee for those activities, admission to the zoo itself is free.
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