Chicago, Illinois, known for its blustery winters, might be the last place a person would associate with fun- and sun-loving waterfront antics; but come summertime, the areas around Lake Michigan and the Chicago River are buzzing with activity. Chicago's abundant shorelines offer a variety of activities, from family educational outings to daredevil festivals. An attraction in itself, the Chicago waterfront has plenty of interests to keep all sorts busy and entertained.
Opened in 1995, the Navy Pier is a 50-acre area along Lake Michigan that contains amusement rides, shopping, restaurants, parks and multiple attractions. Some of the attractions include the Chicago Children's Museum, the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows, an Imax theater, and the Beer Garden, which showcases live music. Navy Pier is also a real working pier, with sightseeing, dinner and private chartered cruises. Navy Pier is open year-round.
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312-595-7437
navypier.com
Located on Chicago's South Pond and less than a mile from Lake Michigan, Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoological gardens in the United States. In addition to the animal exhibits, which include the African Journey and the Nature Boardwalk, the zoo offers on-site classes in such subjects as nature photography and beginning anthropology. Other attractions include an endangered species carousel ride, a virtual safari simulator, and a children's train ride. General admission to the zoo is free.
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
312-742-2000
lpzoo.org
The Chicago Riverwalk highlights Chicago's second shore, the Chicago River. With the first section of the Riverwalk completed in 2009, the pathway reaches from State St. to the lakefront of Michigan Lake. Attractions and activities along the Riverwalk include Bike & Roll bike rental and bike-taxis, water taxis, McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, and Chicago’s First Lady and the Chicago Architecture Foundation tours. The Riverwalk also offers a variety of outdoor cafés, restaurants and specialty stores.
The Chicago Air & Water Show is the largest free air and water exhibition in the United States. The show occurs the second weekend in August over and on Lake Michigan, with optimal viewing directed towards North Avenue Beach. In past years, participants in the water exhibition have included the Munson Ski Team, and participants in the air exhibition have included the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the Golden Knights Parachute Team. As of September 2010, the admission is free.
