The largest city in the Midwest, Chicago offers a number of outdoor activities. Whether you're interested in biking along Lake Michigan, participating in a competitive game of golf or relaxing and swimming on one of the public beaches in the city, there is plenty to do. Many of the sites and activities are within walking distance to one another.
Beaches
Spend the afternoon soaking in the sun and swimming at one of the 29 public beaches that are maintained by the Chicago Park District. If you're traveling with your favorite canine, stroll over to the 1,000-acre dog-friendly beach in the city, Montrose Beach on North Lake Shore Drive. Take the nine-minute-walk north and you will find Foster Beach in the Uptown neighborhood. The beach offers picnic areas, shaded areas and a field house with restroom facilities and first-aid services. Public beaches are open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and lifeguards are on duty during designated times.
Bike Tours
A fun way to see the sites in a slower-pace is on a guided bike tour of the sites. There are a variety of bike tours in Chicago that offer both private and group tours. Travel to some of President Obama's favorite places in Chicago such as the University of Chicago, explore the Lincoln Park Zoo and ride through Millennium Park and Grant Park. Some tours do have minimum age requirements. Most bicycles can be rented for up to one day.
Golfing
There are eight public golf courses in the city. Practice your swing on the nine-hole Sydney R. Marovitz course, which offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan. The course is a par 36 for men and par 39 for women. Club rentals are available and a dining facility, Clock Tower Restaurant, is on-site. Less than 2 miles from Sydney R. Marovitz in the Lakeview neighborhood, the Diversey Driving Range includes views of the Chicago skyline and provides a two-tier driving range and putting greens. Children and adults can enjoy the 18-hole miniature golf course that is also on the property.
Parks
Many parks in Chicago provide paved jogging, biking and skating paths. If you are traveling with small children, visit Oz Park in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Created after "The Wizard of Oz," the park provides an "Emerald Garden" where children can run through and a jungle gym in "Dorothy's Playlot." Older children may enjoy playing on the outdoor basketball courts, baseball fields, tennis courts and swimming pool at Armour Square Park situated in Bridgeport neighborhood.
Ice Skating
With temperatures generally dipping into the freezing area during the winter months, it can be difficult to find outdoor activities where you can also get some exercise. But there are 10 public ice skating rinks in the city. For baseball fans, head over to the Wrigleyville neighborhood where you can skate on the rink just outside of Wrigley Field. If you're interested in staying closer to downtown visit the Ice Rink at Daley Bicentennial Plaza. After an evening of skating, you can warm up with hot chocolate from the on-site vending machines. All public rinks provide free admission and skate rentals are available for a small fee. The ice skating rinks are maintained by the Chicago Park District.
Water Activities
Situated directly next to Lake Michigan, a number of businesses are situated along the public beaches and provide water equipment rentals. From boating to canoeing and kayaking, there are a variety of rentals available. If you are interested, participate in a guided kayaking or jet skiing tour. Tours can take you into the city on the Chicago River where you can admire the architecture or you can choose to stay out on the lake and view the fireworks in the evening by Navy Pier. Tours range on average between two to four hours. Some groups have a minimum age requirement.
Museums
Stroll over to the Museum Campus area where three of the city's most popular museums are---the Adler Planetarium, Field Museum of Natural History and the Shedd Aquarium. Each of the museums is within a 15-minute-walk from the others. Start your day viewing whale feedings and learning about aquatic animals and their habitats in the Shedd Aquarium and next pretend you are an astronaut and study the stars at the Adler Planetarium and end your day hanging out with a life-size T-Rex at the Field Museum of Natural History. Each museum provides family-friendly educational programs and activities throughout the year.
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