Chicago ranks as third largest city in the nation as of 2010, with close to 3 million people. Tourists flock to the city by the millions each year, and this metro area responds in kind by providing a wealth of activities to pursue. There are the typical tourist traps, of course, but Chicago is also a city on the move that encourages folks to get fit and keep moving.
Walk or Run
Much of the city can be explored on foot, and Chicago offers many walking tours so that you can keep on their feet as you see landmarks and explore the history of Chicago. Everything from downtown to Wrigley Field is covered, and there are even food and wine tasting tours. Arming guests with special ghost hunting equipment, Chicago Ghost Investigations offers the chance to discover the unknown in several notable "haunted" locations in Chicago. The Weird Chicago tour is a three-hour adventure through Chicago's past with ghosts and gangsters.
Chicago is also home to the bank of America Chicago Marathon and the Accenture Chicago Triathlon, and with its numerous paths, parks and sidewalks you have many diverse and scenic options to literally hit the ground running.
Bike or Skate
Chicago is bike friendly and beats out other cities in the United States with more than 100 miles of bike lanes and 50 bike paths. The city also has 10,000 bike racks, some of which are even found on the public buses. The 18-mile lakefront is a popular choice for bicyclists, and some parks offer rentals if you can't bring your own. Organizations such as Bike Chicago also provide maps.
Several parks offer in-line and ice skating, and you can in-line skate along paths all over the city, including the lakefront. Some of these paths are also popular with cyclists, so practice caution.
Swim, Boat
With more than 30 beaches and 26 miles of Lakefront, Chicago boasts many water-based activities. City parks have 30 indoor pools, and the lakefront is a popular swimming destination during the summer months. Be advised the temperatures tend to be fairly cold. Use proper precaution.
As a city on the water, Chicago also offers many boating options for those who wish to get out onto Lake Michigan. Folks can sail the lake or even canoe and kayak on the Chicago River.
Softball, Golf
According to the Encyclopedia of Chicago, softball was invented in Chicago in 1887, and every year the parks fill with those who play the 16-inch variety, which is relatively specific to Chicago. This ball is larger than the national average of 12 inches and has a soft, mushy feel that means players can play barehanded. Unlike the 12-inch, the 16-inch ball can be pitched slow only.
Chicago has many options for the avid golfer, including indoor facilities. The parks system runs six courses, including local favorite Waveland. Officially named Sydney Marovitz Course, this nine-hole course is located at North Lake Shore Drive and Waveland.
Parks, Beaches
Chicago recommends you come out and play in any of its 570 parks on more than 7,600 acres of public parkland. Play a game of baseball at one of 534 baseball fields, play some tennis or get fit in one of 66 fitness centers. In the middle of the city there are many patches of nature with conservatories, an organic greenhouse and even a free zoo. The parks system even has 10 museums to explore.
With more than 30 beaches, Chicago offers plenty of fun in the sun on the sand and shore. Admission is generally free, and activities abound along the lakefront. In-line skate, jog or join a game of volleyball. The Navy Pier offers a bike and roll tour of Chicago, and also features a 150-foot-high Ferris wheel.
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