With Chicago’s long, cold winter finally at an end, you’re probably figuring out the best ways to enjoy our few short months of warm weather. Summer in Chicago is all about exploring the city, going to events and taking in the sunshine.
Are you looking for ways to enjoy the summer with your grandparent, parent or other older adult in your life? Here are 10 things to do this summer that you’ll both love.
Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium is a perfect destination for those summer days when it is too hot to spend time outside! With daily programs, exhibitions and special lectures, there is always something to see at the Adler. Be sure to take advantage of their discounted admission for seniors.
Chicago Architectural River Tour
What could feel better after a long winter than sitting on a boat in the sunshine cruising through downtown Chicago? Take your loved one on one of the many architecture boat tours that run during the warm season. You’ll learn a lot about the history of Chicago’s skyscrapers while enjoying some fresh air.
Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise
The Lurie Garden at Millennium Park
The Lurie Garden offers educational programming, including adult workshops and presentations, educational walks and garden tours. Whether you’d like to learn more about the plants in the garden or learn how to better maintain your garden, you’ll be sure to find an event that suits your green thumb.
The Lurie Garden Event Listing
Baseball Game
Whether you are rooting for the Cubs or the White Sox, a day out at one of Chicago’s MLB stadiums is sure to be a great day for you and your loved one. Between our two great teams, you should be able to find a home game to attend nearly every day of summer.
Chicago Cubs Schedule; Chicago White Sox Schedule
Enjoy a Meal Al Fresco at a Great Restaurant…
Patio season is finally here – make the most of it by enjoying a delicious meal in the open air. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll have no trouble finding a restaurant with outdoor seating serving your favorite dish.
Chicago Eater Map of Best New Outdooring Dining Restaurants
…Or Picnic by the Lake
You don’t need a waiter to enjoy al fresco dining! Pack up your favorite sandwiches and sides and head over to Lake Michigan for a relaxing picnic. Lake Michigan has miles upon miles of parks, beaches and green spaces bordering it in Chicago, meaning you’ll never have to fight for your perfect picnic spot.
Catch an Independent Film
Hollywood blockbusters not your cup of tea? No sweat. The Music Box Theater specializes in independent and foreign films. Be sure to check out their website to keep up with their ever-changing list of movies currently being screened.
Visit the #1 Museum in the World
The Art Institute of Chicago was rated the #1 Museum in the World by TripAdvisor users in 2014. It’s easy to see why: the massive collection of art, with intriguing exhibitions, is any art lover’s dream. You could spend a whole day at the Art Institute and still not see everything. Don’t forget to take advantage of their senior discount!
Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago’s free zoo, the Lincoln Park Zoo, offers a world of wildlife in the shadow of skyscrapers. Lions to lemurs and alpacas to apes, you’ll find a diverse collection of wildlife at the zoo. If you love baby animals, be sure to check out their new arrivals prior to visiting so you know where to look for the zoo’s newborns!
Garfield Park Conservatory
Featuring six multi-faceted greenhouses and two grand exhibition halls, the Garfield Park Conservatory will transport you into another world. With free admission 365 days a year, the Garfield Park Conservatory provides the perfect opportunity to see plants that you won’t normally find in Chicago.