Some locals celebrate the Fourth of July by picnicking, either at a local park or the forest preserves. This includes playing a game of softball or volleyball. Some outdoor enthusiasts head to the Lakefront for a bike ride, game of golf or a run in the park. Others join the masses and head to the city’s festivals. Chicago offers a variety of options to exercise, have fun and celebrate the Fourth of July and an active, healthy lifestyle.
Enjoy the Forest Preserves
Canoeing, fishing, biking, cycling, horseback riding, baseball and basketball, swimming and more are possible at the Forest Preserves in Chicago. Miles of bike paths connect strips of open space from Harlem and Touhy avenues to Chicago’s far north suburbs. Picnic pavilions and open meadows make great gathering spaces to toss a Frisbee, play softball and enjoy the outdoors.
Enjoy the Lakefront
The Lakefront has 18 miles of paths–paved, with some gravel–used by runners, cyclists, skaters and strollers. Connecting Chicago’s outdoor recreational space, it starts north of Foster Avenue and passes several beaches on the way to the Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course and tennis courts at Waveland Avenue. Continuing past Belmont Harbor, the path meanders through Lincoln Park, passing the Diversey Driving Range and on to North Avenue Beach, with more than 35 volleyball nets for team or pickup games. And that’s all before you reach Oak Street Beach, downtown, Grant Park, the Museum Campus, 31st Beach and Promontory Point. Ride or run early because the crowds get thick.
Get Festive
Walk, dance and snack at the festivals going on in Chicago. At the Taste of Chicago, in downtown Grant Park, stroll the Lakefront, dance to the music of many performers on multiple stages and sample dishes from some of Chicago’s well-known eateries. Hankering for something more international? Head to the African Caribbean International Festival of Life in Washington Park at 55th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue. Sway to reggae, calypso and the music of Africa while enjoy some tasty ethnic food and artistry.
Watch Fireworks From Your Bike
Fireworks displays are scheduled to go off along the Lake Michigan waterfront–Montrose Harbor on the North Side, Navy Pier downtown, from 63rd Street Beach to Promontory Point on the South Side and Clark Street Beach in Evanston. Make sure your nightlight is working, wear reflective clothing, pack a snack and blanket, get a little workout on your bicycle and enjoy the summer air.
Dance the Night Away
Groove to the music of the Spinners, the American soul group whose titles include "I’ll be Around" and "Could It Be I’m Falling Love," at the Country Club Hills Community Park about 25 miles south of downtown Chicago. The concert is followed by a fireworks show. If you’re on the North Side, head to May I Have This Dance dance studio in Jefferson Park and take a half-hour basic or intermediate hustle or West Coast swing dance lesson and stay for the open dance session.
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