Summer Things To Do In Chicago

10 Jul Summer Things To Do In Chicago

Wow what a fun-packed summer here in Chicago! I am fortunate enough to have a friend coming to visit from Beijing, and so I was searching (as I eternally am) for things to do in downtown Chicago in the next few weeks. I am stunned at the offerings! Once again, it dawns on me what a great city I am lucky to live in.

Without further ado, here are just some of the cornucopia of activities in downtown Chicago and beyond this month.

Family friendly things to do in Chicago

Movies outdoors in Millennium Park. This is a very child friendly activity. It is rare that they have a doubleheader, although I would imagine some people would not be up for such a long movie marathon! Two Spielberg classics, ET and Jurassic Park are on tap on July 16th. The movies start at 6 PM, but I can promise you that if you aren’t there before 5:15 or so… you will not be getting a seat. Oh, and don’t bother with the seats, take a blanket – a big one – and some snacks and park yourself on the lawn. 

Navy Pier Fireworks On Wednesdays and Saturdays during the summer, the enveloping darkness plays host to a dang fine fireworks display. Navy Pier is not the easiest place to get to, but once you walk out there (and it is a fairly comfortable walk from the Loop or Gold Coast) you’ll find plenty of activities for the whole gang. There is the Ferris Wheel, the fireworks, the Chicago Children’s Museum, and a host of restaurants.

Chicago Water Taxi With several boarding points throughout the Loop, and a final destination walking distance to Chinatown, the Water Taxi is a fun and cool way to see the city from below the surface! Let it be known: Chicago’s Chinatown is the best in the country and one of the best in the world. As someone who spent several years in China, I can confidently attest that the food here is good to great, and with a variety that is hard to match.

CWE Tours Heyyy, we couldn’t pass this opportunity to blow our own horn, now could we? Let Chicago Weekend Explorers show you the best of Chicago! Well beyond the standard tourism offerings, we get into the absolute heart of Chicago with a fantastic series of walking and biking tours! Check out our tour offerings today and we hope that whatever you choose, Chicago treats you lovingly!