When the skies are blue and the sun is shining, it’s time to get out of Chicago apartments and start exploring some of this city’s natural wonders. Thanks to the Chicago Park District, there are thousands of acres of recreational lands to explore. In fact, it’s hard to run out of things to do at the city’s many parks. With hundreds of facilities to check out, you’re not likely to run out of things to do.
The Chicago Park District oversees more than 7,300 acres of land. This equates to 552 Chicago parks, some 33 beaches, nine museums, 16 lagoons and even 10 bird and wildlife gardens. This doesn’t include the sports and entertainment programs, special events and other things on tap during the summer and in other seasons.
If you’re itching to get out and see what parks in Chicago have to offer, you might want to check out these locations:
Buckingham Fountain – Located on Columbus Drive in Grant Park, this fountain is one of Chicago’s most popular landmarks. The fountain has been a part of the Windy City’s landscape since the 1920s and is especially popular in the summer when it operates from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily with water shows on the hour.
The dog parks – If you are looking for Chicago parks to explore with a furry, four-legged friend, you’re in luck. The city is home to several locations that are 100 percent pet friendly. Parks to consider checking out include Hamlin Park, Lake Shore East and Grant Park.
- Challenger Park: 1101 W. Irving Park Road Chicago, IL 60613
- Churchill Field Park: 1825 N. Damen Avenue Chicago, IL 60647
- Coliseum Park: 1466 S. Wabash Chicago, IL 60605
- Grant Park: S. Columbus Drive near 9th Street Chicago, IL 60605
- Hamlin Park: 3035 N. Hoyne Avenue Chicago, IL 60618
Ashe Beach Park – Located on 74th Street in the South Shore area, this park is named after professional tennis player and former Chicago resident Arthur Ashe. It, appropriately enough, offers tennis facilities for public use.
Jackson Park – This Chicago park is found on Stony Island Avenue. It served as the site of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and now delights visitors with a host of activities. Situated on 600 acres, the park offers a fitness center, gardens, tennis courts, a golf course and plenty of trails and jogging paths to explore.
McKinley Park – Located on Pershing Avenue, McKinley Park is ideal for visitors of all ages. This Chicago park provides visitors with walking paths, a spray pool and water park, tennis courts and playground equipment, among other things.
Parks in Chicago offer a little bit of something for everyone. If it’s time to get away from your Chicago apartment and enjoy some fun in the sun, the Windy City won’t disappoint.
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