Looking for the best outdoor activities in Chicago? You’re in the right place!
Whether you're a local or just visiting, the Windy City offers a wealth of exciting outdoor experiences that cater to all ages and interests.
From exploring scenic parks and trails to enjoying cultural landmarks and waterfront adventures, there's no shortage of things to do outdoors in Chicago. This guide highlights some of the top outdoor activities in the city, offering you a chance to enjoy Chicago's vibrant atmosphere, stunning architecture, and natural beauty.
So, grab your walking shoes, pack a picnic, or hop on a bike—adventure awaits!
And just so you know - nobody pays us to include these date ideas on our list. They’re just places we’ve been to or experiences we’ve loved that we want to recommend, so you can find the best things to do in Chicago.
Best Outdoor Activities in Chicago
Do a Scavenger Hunt Through The Loop
Location: The Loop, Chicago
Dive into Chicago’s history, art, and hidden gems with a scavenger hunt through The Loop.
Solve puzzles, discover iconic landmarks, and uncover urban secrets using nothing but a phone and your own powers of deduction! Perfect for groups, couples, or solo explorers looking to uncover the city’s secrets in a fun and engaging way, scavenger hunts like these turn the city into your playground and you and your team into the main characters of your own adventure game.
Practical information: The scavenger hunt can be done at your own pace, typically lasting 2-3 hours. Stop and start the game whenever you want. $20 per player.
Stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk
Location: Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago
If you’re looking for outdoor activities in Chicago that don’t stray too far from the nucleus of the city, this is for you.
About a decade ago, Chicago’s riverwalk was barely recognizable to what it is today. Personally, I just love everything about this: it’s accessible, super pretty and only gets better as the day goes on (my favorite time to hang out here is early evening. Seeing the lights reflected in the water never gets old).
The walk itself isn’t crazy long (it’s around 1.25 miles in total) but it does take you past some great cafes and dining spots.
Practical information: The Riverwalk is open from 6 AM to 11 PM daily. Restaurants and activities may have varying hours, so check ahead.
Have a Beach Day
Location: Various
Catch some rays or dive into a game of beach volleyball at one of Chicago’s best-loved beaches!
Depending on who you ask, you’ll get a huge variety of opinions on what beach is the best in Chicago. As with all waterside cities, it sorta depends on what vibe you’re going for and what you want out of your beach day. Personally, I’m into places with plenty of space, something cool to do nearby and some great views. If that’s you as well, check out:
📍Montrose Beach
📍Kathy Osterman Beach
📍Oak Street Beach
Practical information: Open daily from 6 AM to 11 PM during the summer months. Lifeguards are on duty from 11 AM to 7 PM, and you can only swim during these hours. No alcohol, smoking, or kiteboarding (except at Montrose Beach). Free entry, but rentals and concessions are available.
Explore Lincoln Park Zoo
Location: Lincoln Park Zoo
Did you know that one of the best outdoor activities in Chicago is 100% free to visit? I’m talking about Lincoln Park Zoo of course!
I don’t know about you, but I don’t need any excuse to go and see some animal friends. Apart from being old (it opened in 1868), Lincoln Park Zoo is a landmark and yet totally underappreciated place to visit.
You’ll see all the animals you expect to see –lions, hippos, even zebras–and also a bunch of other species that are less typical (I’m looking at you, red pandas). It’s historic, not overly massive and can easily be done in a few hours by yourself, as a family, with friends or your partner.
Practical information: Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
Take a Boat Tour on the Chicago River
Location: Chicago River, Chicago
It’s never a bad time to experience the beauty and history of Chicago’s skyline with a guided boat tour on the Chicago River.
If you want to do something outdoorsy but you’d rather sit back and observe in comfort, these are for you. Perfect for visitors and locals alike, it’s become the must-do outdoor activity in Chicago over the past decade or so. Why? Because it’s fascinating (you’ll learn a bunch of stuff), beautiful (you’ll get a whole new perspective on the city’s iconic architecture) and it’s comfortable (you can even wind down with a cocktail on an evening river cruise).
Practical information: Tours are available from April to November, with multiple daily departures. Pricing varies by operator; visit their websites for specific details and to book your tour.
Fun Outdoor Activities in Chicago
Visit the Chicago Botanic Garden
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
At just over 385 acres in size, The Chicago Botanic Garden is a peaceful yet massive retreat of beautifully landscaped gardens.
It’s got a bunch of diverse plant collections, seasonal displays, and tranquil walking paths, and if that’s not enough for you, the garden also hosts educational programs and special events throughout the year, making it a top choice for outdoor activities near Chicago.
Practical information: Open daily from 8 AM to sunset. Admission is free, but parking fees apply. Check the garden’s website for special events and seasonal hours.
Attend a Chicago Cubs Game at Wrigley Field
Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago
You asked for fun outdoor activities in Chicago, well that’s what we’re giving you!
Now, I’m sure this particular idea has already crossed your mind, especially if you’re a baseball fan. But if you aren’t, don’t scroll away just yet–-there’s more to this place than just the game.
As one of baseball’s most historic stadiums, Wrigley Field is near the top of many sports enthusiasts’ bucket lists. You don’t even have to catch a game if you don’t want to (although, you should, it’s awesome). Instead, tour the field and find out how this place put Chicago (and baseball) on the map!
Practical information: Game schedules and ticket prices vary by season. Check the Cubs’ official website for up-to-date information, ticket options, and seating details.
Website
Explore Grant Park
Location: Grant Park, Chicago
Also known as "Chicago’s front yard," Grant Park is a sprawling green space in the heart of the city that has a bunch of stuff going on.
Home to plenty of Chicago icons (Buckingham Fountain, Museum Campus, and the Adler Planetarium), Grant Park is a real anchor point in the city.
You can take a walk around the beautiful gardens, hit up the baseball diamonds or tennis courts, or if you’re lucky enough to visit during festival season, you might even get to experience The Taste of Chicago Food Festival, see the Chicago Marathon runners cross the finish line, or see performances during The Grant Park Music Festival or Lollapalooza.
Practical information: Open daily from 6 AM to 11 PM. Entry to the park is free, though certain events and attractions may have admission fees.
Check Out Navy Pier
Location: Navy Pier, Chicago
We couldn’t not feature Navy Pier on our list of outdoor activities in Chicago.
Probably one of the most famous tourist attractions in Chicago, Navy Pier is always bursting with life and things to do - and it’s not all about the Ferris wheel or fireworks, either.
Go shopping, sip some drinks in the beer gardens, see a play at Chicago Shakespeare Theater…the opportunities are endless. Just show up and do whatever takes your fancy.
Practical information: Open year-round, with seasonal attractions. Entry to the pier is free, but rides, events, and parking have fees.
Hit The Water at Skokie Lagoons
Location: Skokie Lagoons, Winnetka, IL
If you’re looking for a versatile destination for outdoor activities near Chicago, check out Skokie Lagoons.
Just north of Chicago, Skokie Lagoons is the perfect place for anybody who loves their watersports and outdoor recreational activities.
This 894-acre natural area features interconnected lagoons ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, and if you’re not one for water, there are surrounding trails that provide excellent opportunities for biking, hiking, and wildlife observation.
Practical information: Open daily from sunrise to sunset. Canoe and kayak rentals are available seasonally, and there is no entry fee.
Go Kayaking on the Chicago River
Location: Chicago River, Chicago
Speaking of kayaking, if you’re looking to get some paddling done a little closer to the city, don’t sweat it.
Probably the best place to get a unique view of the Chicago skyline, a float down the Chicago River proves it’s not just ornamental. There are a few places where you can pick up some rentals if you don’t have a kayak to hand (here, for instance) and you don’t have to be an expert kayaker to give it a try.
Practical information: Rentals are available from multiple operators, typically from April to October. Prices vary; check online for details.
Discover the 606 Trail
Location: The 606 Trail, Chicago
What do you do when you have a defunct elevated train line? Turn it into a trail, of course!
If you’ve never heard of the 606 before (or, to give it its proper name, The Bloomingdale), the 606 Trail is an elevated, multi-use path that stretches 2.7 miles through several vibrant Chicago neighborhoods.
Ideal for walking, jogging, or biking, this former rail line offers stunning views of the city. It also takes you past a bunch of street-level parks, art installations, an observatory and scenic lookout points, so there’s plenty of reasons to stop and take a break along the way.
Practical information: The 606 is open daily from 6 AM to 11 PM. Access is free, with several entry points along the trail.
Birdwatch at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
Location: Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Chicago
Looking for outdoor activities in Chicago around April or May? You’ve just gotta see this.
To be honest, Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary is a prime spot for birdwatching on Chicago’s lakefront or just hanging out in nature most times of the year, but during migration seasons? This place is just a dream.
The area attracts a wide variety of bird species, making it a favorite destination for both avid birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. It’s impossible to describe just using words so you’ve gotta see it with your own eyes to know what I mean, but trust me on this: don’t miss it!
Practical information: Open daily from dawn to dusk. Entry is free. If you have a fancy camera, by all means bring it along to take some great shots!
Visit the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum’s Butterfly Haven
Location: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago
Ok so it’s not strictly outdoors, but let’s be real for a sec here: Chicago winters weren’t exactly built for tropical experiences.
Luckily, you can remedy the lack of warmth by stepping into the Butterfly Haven at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, where hundreds of vibrant butterflies flutter around in a lush, tropical environment.
Seeing these little flappy critters is a captivating experience for visitors of all ages, and you can spend hours surrounded by beautiful gardens both inside and outside the museum.
Practical information: Open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission fees apply; check the museum’s website for current pricing.
Picnic in Maggie Daley Park
Location: Maggie Daley Park, Chicago
Last up on our list of ideas of outdoor activities in Chicago, a cozy (but also fun) al fresco dining experience in the heart of the city.
If you’re looking for somewhere with wide-open green spaces, playful playgrounds, and nearby activities like rock-climbing walls or a mini-golf course, this place is for you.
It’s part of the enormous Grant Park, and once you’ve finished your outdoor feast you’re in the best place to find something else to do. It’s also super accessible for families and it has wheelchair access, so there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.
Practical information: Open daily from 6 AM to 11 PM. Entry is free, but some activities, like mini-golf and rock climbing, have fees.
Find More Things to Do in Chicago with CityDays
So there you have it! 16+ outdoor activity ideas in Chicago that are sure to shake up your plans!
Remember that no matter what you decide to do on your morning, afternoon or evening out with your date, friends, family, or coworkers, there’s nothing like teamwork to make the dream work.
That’s why we at CityDays create fun, interesting and challenging trails around the world to help you immerse yourself in a city’s culture, history and curios.
Want to find out more?
Check out all our available activities in Chicago here and embark on an adventure in the city you’ll never forget: CityDays awaits!