Our favourite ways to spend summer in Chicago, IL

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A city that truly needs no introduction, if you’ve chosen Chicago as your destination for this summer, you’ve chosen well. Every year, over fifty million tourists come from far for the myriad of experiences offered among its skyscrapers. Foodies, theatre kids, musicians or sports fans ( or if you / your group are all of the above ), there’s so much to see for everyone in Chicago. Read on for some of our highlights of The Windy City.

Navy Pier

Located in the Streeterville neighbourhood on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s leading attractions. Families and the young at heart can enjoy the chair swing, drop tower, Amazing Chicago exhibits, or the Chicago Children’s museum. Those looking for a photo-op or a moment away from the commotion can retreat to the Crystal Gardens, or go up to the Offshore Rooftop & Bar. Hop on the famous Centennial Wheel for a better view of Chicago, or take any of the numerous boat tours for those who want a sightseeing experience for the whole group. There are at least thirty different eateries for foodies- sit down in Giordanos for a hearty deep dish pizza, or lounge for a while with a Chicago Hot Dog in the Beer Garden with live music. If you come during a weekend, you can also catch one of the Summer Firework Shows, from Memorial Day to Labour Day.

Museum Campus 

South of Navy Pier on Lake Chicago is Museum Campus, a trio of the Field Museum of Natural History, Adler Planetarium and the Shedd Aquarium. All three sit quite close to each other and can be seen one after the other- the Shedd Aquarium is a five-minute walk from the Field Museum, while Adler Planetarium and Northerly Island is a ten-minute walk from Shedd Aquarium. At Shedd Aquarium you can meet a Beluga Whale, play with a Penguin, or if you prefer hands-off- watch Piranhas, Anacondas or the Giant Pacific Octopus from a distance. At the Field Museum of Natural History, walk-through exhibits about Evolution, Ancient Egypt, The Ancient Americas, and confront Sue, the largest T.Rex skeleton ever discovered. Finish your tour of the Museum Campus at Adler Planetarium, where you can take a tour through the stars with some of the most powerful telescopes available to the public. 

The Taste of Chicago 

This is quite literally the world’s largest food festival, so foodie or not- you cannot miss The Taste of Chicago. Every July, the diversity of Chicago’s gastronomy and contenders from far compete for the hearts ( and stomachs ) of over a million people. Options range from Local staples such as the Italian Beef or the Maxwell Street Polish to a diverse selection of Australian Meat Pies, Korean Tacos, Jerk Chicken and Chengdu Beef Noodles. 

Grant Park Music Festival

For fans of Classical Music, enjoy performances outdoors at famous Millennium Park all summer long, courtesy of the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra. Notable musicians who have participated in the Grant Park Music Festival include Richard Stoltzman, Dave Brubeck, Helen Morgan and Albert Spalding. 

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