Things to Do in Chicago in June & July

Enjoy the windy city during the summerchicago sky image by SKYDIVECOP from Fotolia.com

Chicago, located on Lake Michigan, is cold for much of the year, forcing people indoors for activities. However, in the summer, the city comes alive with many outdoor attractions and things to do. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy the parks, festivals, neighborhood parties and sporting events of the windy city during the warm months of June and July.

Chicago Baseball

Chicago residents are serious about their baseball. With two teams, the White Sox and the Cubs, visitors and locals can get their baseball fix throughout the summer. The historical ballpark, Wrigley Field, is located in northeastern Chicago. Wrigley has been home to the Cubs since 1915 and, according to Major League Baseball, is the second-oldest ballpark in the country. The Chicago White Sox play on Chicago's south side, at U.S. Cellular field. Both teams' seasons are in full swing in June and July, with games almost every day. Also, each June the two teams play each other in the Crosstown Classic, the rivalry between the northside and southside of Chicago.

Chicago has many festivals, most of them free, that are sponsored by the city. The city's biggest festival, The Taste of Chicago, takes place at the end of June and the beginning of July, culminating on Independence Day (or the day before, July 3), with fireworks. A variety of area restaurants are invited to offer samples of their food and drinks for festival-goers. There are also free concerts during the week. The Taste of Chicago is free, but food may be purchased through ticket sales. Other summer festivals include the Gospel Music Festival, Pitchfork Music Festival, Chicago Blues Fest and Chicago Rib Fest.

Although this famous pier has a number of indoor activities, Navy Pier is visited by tourists each summer for its outdoor fun. Perhaps its most-visible attraction is the 150-foot ferris wheel, which was modeled after the first ferris wheel and features large gondolas for riders. The park at Navy Pier also offers miniature golf and a carousel. Visitors get a chance to see Chicago's skyline by riding in the AeroBalloon at Navy Pier, a helium-filled 17-passenger balloon that floats 35 stories in the air. Or, if you'd like to see the city from the ground, Segway tours are available in warm months. These tours, which begin at Navy Pier, are offered seven days a week.