Kendra | Travel, Food, & Livin

350 followers

Follow

Follow

Follow

1/3

4 saved

15

10

7 Things I'm Doing in Chicago This Summer

Summertime Chi is a whole vibe! From festivals and rooftop views to art, food, and enjoying movies in the park, here are 7 things I'm making time for. Whether you're a local or visiting, here are some of my fav ways to enjoy Chicago.

Which one would you try first? #chicagofun #thingstodo #chicagoactivities #chicagotravelguide #chicagoexplore /Chicago

2025/6/11 Edited to

As summer rolls in, Chicago transforms into a vibrant hub of activities and experiences waiting to be explored. This season, make sure to catch the iconic Black Yacht Weekend, a gathering renowned for its lively atmosphere and amazing music. If sports are your passion, don't miss out on attending Chicago Sky games or cheering on the White Sox at their home games, which offer that classic summer sports feel. Another great way to enjoy Chicago's summer heat is by catching a movie in the park. Many neighborhoods host free screenings that bring communities together under the stars. For those looking for a laid-back vibe, head to Nafsi South Shore Beach to catch stunning sunsets, perfect for relaxation after a busy day. The city’s festivals are another highlight of the summer. From food fairs showcasing Chicago's diverse culinary scene to cultural festivals celebrating heritage, there’s something for everyone. Lastly, consider booking the unique Frontier Dinner Event, where delicious cuisine meets an entertaining experience, creating a perfect night out. With these seven activities, your summer in Chicago is set to be filled with unforgettable memories!

Related posts

Chicago Hidden Gem Photo Spot 👇

One of the best photo spots in Chicago with an amazing view of is the Milton L. Olive Park near the Navy Pier zone. Don’t forget to visit it in the spring and summer season and get beautiful photos. 📲SAVE this post 📍Place: Milton L. Olive Park/Streeterville @ Milton Lee Olive Park ✨Addre

541 likes

📍 Things To Do In Chicago This June (Save This List)

If you’re looking for things to do in Chicago this summer, this is your sign to stop scrolling. From food festivals and live music to art fairs, Pride celebrations, yacht parties, and neighborhood festivals, Chicago is packed with events all month long. Here’s what’s happening: 🎵 Chicago B

14 likes

A wide shot of The Bean (Cloud Gate) in Millennium Park, Chicago, with people around it and city skyscrapers in the background. The image has a title overlay: 'Things to Do in Chicago MUST VISIT PLACES AND FUN FACTS!'.

A wide shot of The Bean (Cloud Gate) in Millennium Park, Chicago, with people around it and city skyscrapers in the background. The text identifies it as 'The Bean' in Millennium Park, a popular Chicago attraction.

A hand lifts a slice of deep-dish pizza from a pan, showing long strands of melted cheese stretching. The text identifies this as Giordano's, a deep-dish pizza restaurant.

Save this for your Chicago trip!

Thank you for visiting my post! 🥹 Feel feel free to drop your favorite places in Chicago in the comments! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I love Chicago so much! I hope I can visit in the wintertime when everything's so magical. What places would you

1243 likes

#Chicago 🇺🇸 4 Day Itinerary

Save this post for a future trip to Chicago, the Windy City. Day 1️⃣ Chicago Theatre, Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago, Buckingham Fountain (Grant Park) Day 2️⃣ Lincoln Park, Lincoln Park Conservatory, Lincoln Park Zoo. Day 3️⃣ Navy Pier, Skyline Boat Tour, Milton L. Olive Park,

325 likes

Chicago Summer/Fall Activities 🌷🫧

Planning a trip to Chicago ? These are my 3 go to things to do in the city that never disappoint 🚤 Chicago River Architecture Tour Get a whole new perspective on the city’s iconic buildings as you cruise down the river. The guides share fun facts and history, and it’s incredibly photogenic, es

49 likes

A woman in a striped dress walks under the wooden honeycomb structure of Peoples Gas Pavilion, with the Chicago skyline visible through the archway and green landscape.

A woman in a striped dress sits within the wooden, curved framework of the honeycomb pavilion, looking upwards, with lush greenery and a building in the background.

A field of yellow wildflowers and green plants in the foreground, with the wooden honeycomb pavilion and the Chicago skyline in the distance under a cloudy sky.

📲SAVE this Amazing Photo Spot in Chicago!!

SAVE this Amazing Photo Spot at Peoples Gas Pavilion (The Honeycomb) in Chicago!! I explored the honeycomb in the Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk area and it was amazing! The architecture, inspired by a tortoiseshell, creates such a unique and beautiful backdrop for photos, it’s a picture-pe

17 likes

Things to do in Chicago ✨

🌼Things to do in Chicago over the summer! ☀️The city of Chicago has plenty to offer! From architecture boats tours, kayak tours on the Chicago River to views of the city on top of Willis Tower (previously Sears Tower)! Millennium Park : Stop at Millennium Park to check out “the Cloud”. The

341 likes

#Chicago🇺🇸 Free Things to Do👇

🌺If you are a nature and botanical beauty enthusiast, this FREE place will captivate you. The Lincoln Park Conservatory is like an oasis in the middle of the city, a refuge filled with lush plants and flowers. 🌸✨ Here are five reasons to visit Lincoln Park Conservatory in Chicago: 🆓Free

1272 likes

SUMMER IN THE CITY: CHICAGO EDITION ☀️🌊🚕

I love the city for many reasons, and these are some of my favorite places to go in Chicago! They are definitely worth seeing! - - - ⭐️Overall rating: /10/10 Chicago #chicagotrip #chicagoexplore #chicagolifestyle #navypier #beach #concert #funthingstodo #city #summer

269 likes

Chicago Things 2 do Part 2

#londonhousechicago #chicagotheatre #michiganlakes #360chicagoobservationdeck #chicagotrip

151 likes

An aerial view of the Chicago skyline, featuring skyscrapers, green parks, and Buckingham Fountain, with text overlays 'CHICAGO' and '10 things to do'.

An aerial view of Millennium Park showing Cloud Gate (The Bean) surrounded by people, with modern Chicago skyscrapers under a clear blue sky. Text overlay: 'The Bean, Millenium Park'.

The iconic Chicago Theatre marquee illuminated at night, displaying show titles, with people walking on the street below. Text overlay: 'Chicago Theatre'.

#Chicago 🇺🇸 10 Things to Do in Chicago

1️⃣ Millenium Park /Cloud Gate /The Bean @therealchicagobean 2️⃣ Chicago Theatre @chicagotheatre 3️⃣ 360 Chicago Observation Deck @360chicago / 4️⃣ Skyline Lake Boat Tour @shorelinesightseeing 5️⃣ Navy Pier @navypierchicago 6️⃣ Chicago Riverwalk @chicago_riverwalk & Chicago Riverwalk Crui

293 likes

5 Free Things to Do in Chicago ✨

5 Free Things to Do in Chicago 1. Walk the Chicago Riverwalk Beautiful views, public art, and a lively vibe along the water. 2. Explore Lincoln Park Stroll through gardens, ponds, and even visit the free Lincoln Park Zoo. 3. Catch a Lake Michigan Sunrise or Sunset H

386 likes

A street-level view of the Chicago skyline featuring numerous tall buildings under a cloudy sky. The image has a text overlay that reads 'Things to do IN CHICAGO', suggesting a travel guide.

A white background displaying a bulleted list of various Chicago establishments, including restaurants, coffee shops, and rooftop bars like 'velvet taco' and 'momotaro', highlighting dining and social venues.

A white background with a bulleted list detailing various activities available in Chicago, such as 'deep house rooftop yoga', 'puppy yoga', 'beach pilates', and 'navy pier rooftop workout', some with associated costs.

CHICAGO THINGS TO DO

#thingstodochicago #chicagofood #chicagotrip

54 likes

A yellow Chicago Water Taxi boat, named BRAVO, filled with passengers, cruises along the Chicago River with tall city buildings lining the banks under a bright sky.

A hand holds a Chicago Water Taxi route map showing stops at Michigan Avenue, Ogilvie/Union Stations, and Chinatown, along with ticket prices for one-way and all-day passes, against a backdrop of the Chicago River and skyline.

A yellow Chicago Water Taxi boat, named WENDELLA LTD, is docked at a riverwalk stop on the Chicago River, with people on board and on the adjacent stairs leading to the city.

CHEAPEST way to take a boat ride in Chicago

the Cheapest way to take a boat ride on the Chicago River! Local secret: the CHEAPEST way to take a boat ride on the Chicago River is to take the Chicago water taxi!! It's only $10 and you get the same views you'd get on an architecture tour! At the end of the ride I recommend you

11 likes

A family stands under the wooden honeycomb structure at Lincoln Park, Chicago, with greenery and the city skyline in the background. Text overlay reads "CHICAGO Hidden Gem Photo Spot."

Two women are under the wooden honeycomb structure, one posing while the other takes a photo. The Chicago skyline is visible through the archway, surrounded by green foliage.

A couple in traditional clothing stands hand-in-hand under the wooden honeycomb structure. The Chicago skyline is visible in the background, framed by lush greenery.

Did you know about this place in Chicago❓👇

📲SAVE this Amazing Photo Spot in Chicago!! 📍The Honeycomb in Lincoln Park Exploring the honeycomb at Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk was amazing! The architecture, inspired by a tortoiseshell, creates such a unique and beautiful backdrop for photos, it’s a picture-perfect spot for stunning

240 likes

Affordable Things to Do in Chicago

Chicago’s full of hidden gems—and Groupon is my go-to for finding fun things to do on a budget 💸⁠ ⁠ I booked a mosaic-making class at the Chicago Mosaic School in Edgewater through Groupon and had the best time making this little avocado 🥑 No art skills needed, just good vibes and great dea

912 likes

Things to do in Chicago at Night ✨

Things to do in Chicago at night 🥂 Z Bar : Grab a drink at a rooftop lounge and enjoy the views of the city. This rooftop lounge offers a cozy fire and blankets for those fresh nights. Millennium Park : Check out the park in the evening off of Michigan Avenue. Walk around “the Bean” and r

425 likes

Kayak on Lake Michigan& the Chicago River?!

Exploring the Chicago River and the shores of Lake Michigan on a kayak is one of my favorite summertime Chicago activities! There’s nothing quite like being on water, and the views are amazing!It’s also a super fun way to stay active. I can’t wait to do it again this summer! #chicagothings #thin

18 likes

Things to do in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago #ThingsToDo #travel #chicagorecommendations

111 likes

Things to do in Chicago

📍 Chicago 10/10 definitely recommend!! So much to do and see out there WNDR- interactive museum Ice Cream Museum-unlimited ice cream and they have a bar!! Navy Pier- get tickets for one of the boats and enjoy the scenery!! Water Taxi- The water taxi takes you to Chinatown! If you’re a foodi

189 likes

A Chicago skyline at sunset with people walking, featuring the title 'THINGS I DID IN CHICAG LAST SOMMER' overlaid in pink text.

Two tacos with various toppings, served on a metal tray with red and white checkered paper, with the text 'Ate amazing tacos at the River Walk'.

The Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as 'The Bean,' reflecting the Chicago skyline and surrounding people, with the text 'Saw the bean'.

Things I did in Chicago last summer.

Chicago during the summer is top tier. I can’t wait to go back! #Lemon8Diary #chicagotrip #chicago #chicagoexplore #summervibes

4 likes

A scenic view of a wooden bridge over a pond, surrounded by weeping willow trees and a stone lantern, with text overlay "Things to do Summer Events Botanic Gardens" at Chicago Botanic Garden.

A vibrant pink water lily with a yellow center floats on calm blue water, reflecting its image below, captured during a visit to the botanic gardens.

A picturesque wooden bridge arches over a tranquil pond, framed by lush green trees, including weeping willows, under a partly cloudy sky at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDENS

Some photos of my visit to the botanic gardens today #lemon8diarychallenge #lemon #Lemon8Diary #lemon8travel #lemon8creator #Lemon8PhotoStudio #lemon8challenge #Lemon8 #lemon8beauty #summeraesthetic Chicago Botanic Garden

26 likes

Camera roll crumbs from Chicago 🌳

7 Day 6 Nights Girls Trip 🌞💨 10 pictures is not enough to showcase the amazing time I had this summer in Chicago 🤩 We had so much fun at Lolla as well as doing touristy things 🎫🛥️🎡 weather was so much cooler this year also ☁️ Till next year ✨🌟 #lollapalooza #chicagotrip #summervacation

10 likes

#Chicago🇺🇸Free Things to Do 👇

👉Click video’s location pin and get tickets and tours discounts ‼️ Enjoy a FREE visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the US and home to a wide array of animals in a beautifully landscaped setting. Add these activities to your itinerary: 🦁 Explore the Animal Exhibits – Fr

102 likes

Chicago Riverwalk

A stroll along the Riverwalk at night is magical, watching people kayak down the glowing river, passing murals and art along the mall, and simply strolling under the sparking city lights make the city so alive. It is a great way to experience Chicago after dark in summer! #ThingsToDo #chicag

6 likes

Visiting Chicago on a Budget:

Itinerary idea, part one: Traveling can be expensive, but only if you want to. There are a lot of things that you can do while traveling to save money and still explore a lot. I’ve been recently to Chicago for the third time and trust me, I had the best time and barely spent money on attractions

12 likes

A woman in a red dress stands on a brick path, posing in front of the Buckingham Fountain with its water displays. The Chicago skyline rises majestically in the background under a clear blue sky, showcasing the fountain's prime location.

A scenic view of Grant Park with a curved body of water and green lawn. White tents are set up in the mid-ground, suggesting an event. The Chicago skyline is visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

A close-up of the Buckingham Fountain, showcasing its multi-tiered structure with water spraying dynamically. A seagull perches on the edge of the fountain's basin, with green sculptures visible in the water and a clear blue sky above.

Chicago🇺🇸Places You Must See This Summer 👇

One of the activities I enjoy doing in the summer is to visit the Buckingham Fountain, the Grant Park’s centerpiece. Located right along the lake in the heart of the park, this majestic fountain is the one Grant Park attraction you shouldn’t miss. ⛲️Historical Significance – Built in 1927, it i

6 likes

A vibrant image of Millennium Park in Chicago, featuring a classical fountain with columns and modern skyscrapers in the background. The text overlay highlights "6 FREE THINGS TO DO IN CHICAGO" and "MILLENNIUM PARK".

A scenic view of the Lincoln Park Zoo, showing a flock of pink flamingos and other birds gathered by a pond amidst dense green trees and flowering plants. The image is captioned "LINCOLN PARK ZOO".

The distinctive, ornate gate marking the entrance to Chicago's Chinatown, featuring traditional Chinese architecture and characters under a cloudy sky. The image is labeled "CHINATOWN".

6 free things to do in Chicago

Dear Lemon8 🍋, Here are six free things to do in Chicago: 1. Millennium Park: Visit this iconic park to see the Cloud Gate sculpture (often called “The Bean”), the Crown Fountain, and enjoy the beautiful gardens and architecture. 2. Lincoln Park Zoo: One of the oldest zoos in the U.S., the L

118 likes

#Chicago🇺🇸Hidden Gem Photo Spot👇

📷One of the best photo spots in Chicago with an amazing view of is the Milton Lee Olive Park near the Navy Pier zone. Don’t forget to visit it in the spring and summer season and get beautiful photos. 📲SAVE this post 📍Place: Milton L. Olive Park/Streeterville @Milton Lee Olive Park Milto

29 likes

All things Chicago!

Location: Chicago ✨ Pros: walk everywhere ! See all the sights ✨Outfit Details: Dress warm if going in the winter it is chilly 🥶 👍Why I like it: I’m not normally a big city girl , but traveling here for a weekend Trip and walking to see all the things is amazing the architecture is incredible

8 likes

Chicago sunset bus tour!

It’s time for one of my favorite Chicago summer activities!! I LOVE taking the sunset tour with Big Bus Tours: it takes you all over the city’s main sights, all while the sun is setting, so you can take in the BEST views! DuSable Lake Shore Dr : take the bus onto Lake Shore Drive for the best

9 likes

#Chicago🇺🇸 Retro Boat Ride 👇

🚤 Don’t Miss Out on Chicago's Retro Boat Ride Adventure! Looking for a unique way to explore Chicago ❓ I recommend you to take a ride on a vintage boat along the Chicago River and experience the city from a whole new perspective! 🌆 These vintage-inspired electric boats are perfect for

20 likes

Things to do in Chicago, IL 📍

Here’s something super fun to do in Chicago! Visit the Color Factory! They give you treats along the way and it’s a great place Chicago to go for a photo opportunity. #Thingstodo #chicago #lemon8challenge #colorfactory #funactivities

75 likes

Favorite free Chicago hobby!

I’m so ready for summer and to spend time doing my favorite summer hobby: playing tennis!! We have so many free courts here in Chicago so once you get your racket and balls you’re really playing for free.99! I love the Waveland courts, I’ve even taken a lesson there once. Can’t wait to get better t

8 likes

A woman in a white floral dress stands smiling under a large, colorful balloon arch made of pink, orange, blue, and yellow balloons, some shaped like ducks, in a city plaza.

A giant inflatable yellow rubber duck with black sunglasses and a blue bib lies partially deflated on a city sidewalk, with buildings and people in the background.

A wide view of a bustling outdoor festival in a city plaza, with many people, colorful balloons, and iconic Chicago buildings like the Wrigley Building in the background.

Chicago Ducky Derby 2025👇

🐤This year will be the 20th anniversary of the Ducky Derby tradition! 🐤Watch 75,000 rubber ducks splash down in the Chicago River on Thursday August 7th. 🐤 I went last year and the Chicago Ducky Derby is a unique spectacle that you can’t miss in downtown, benefiting Special Olympics Illinois.

9 likes

A sunny view of Ohio Street Beach in Chicago, showing people on the sand, volleyball nets, and the city skyline with tall buildings, including the John Hancock Center.

A scenic view of a Chicago beach with people playing volleyball, the calm waters of Lake Michigan, and the city skyline under a partly cloudy sky.

A wide shot of a bustling Chicago beach, possibly Milton Lee Olive Park Beach, with many people swimming and relaxing, backed by the city's high-rise buildings.

Chicago Beaches on Lake Michigan 👇

One of my favorite activities to do in Chicago in the summer season is to enjoy a beach day at on one of the Lake Michigan beaches. 🔐Save for locations 1️⃣ Ohio Street Beach Ohio Street Beach 📍600 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611 2️⃣ Montrose Beach Montrose Beach 📍4400 N Lake Sh

23 likes

Random things in Chicago

Chicago Chicago has so many hidden gems, but these were all in unlikely places :) #chicago #chicagotrip #photodumpideas #citylife #hiddengems

72 likes

Things I’m doing this summer #summer #fyp #viral

2 likes

See more