Then, explore the city on two wheels during Chicago’s Ultimate City Bike Tour with Bobby’s Bike Hike . On this three-hour excursion, your group will pedal through sprawling urban parks, past notable museums and attractions, and along the Lakefront Trail, an 18-mile (29 km) paved path that hugs Lake Michigan. Another two-wheel option is the Chicago Lakefront Museum Campus Tour by Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours , offering views of the lakefront and Chicago’s Museum Campus — home to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium. Cool off afterwards at a downtown beach. Oak Street Beach , which is great for people watching, is located close to The Magnificent Mile. Or head a little further north and go swimming at popular North Avenue Beach . All of Chicago’s beaches are admission-free. AFTERNOON At Navy Pier , the city’s top lakefront destination, take your pick from numerous attractions and activities. Get a thrill on carnival rides at Pier Park and marvel at panoramic views of the city as you soar nearly 200 feet in the air on the Centennial Wheel . Catch a free live show at the Lake Stage or City Stage at Polk Bros Park . Then, zoom along the waters of Lake Michigan in a jet-propelled speedboat with Sea Dog Cruises , departing from Navy Pier. For great dining ideas, go to choosechicago. com/tools . Get up-close to nearly 200 species of animals, from polar bears to gorillas, at the free Lincoln Park Zoo , which is one of the oldest zoos in the country. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks aboard Odyssey Chicago River with a two-hour Cocktail Cruise featuring passed hors d’oeuvres, light bites, and dramatic city views from the all-glass vessel. EVENING Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk , a pedestrian walkway on the Chicago River with plenty of attractions, public artwork, and waterfront cafes, bars, and restaurants. From here, take the Sunset Tour with Urban Kayaks and paddle along the Chicago River to learn about the city’s history. Once the sun goes down, make your way to the jetty section of the Chicago Riverwalk, where you can watch Art on theMART , a free display of colorful light projections shown nightly from April through December. From June through August, watch free outdoor concerts and movies during the Millennium Park Summer Music & Film Series . The shows at Jay Pritzker Pavilion typically begin at 6:30 p.m., so arrive early for a seat or spot on the lawn. Millennium Park is also home of the Grant Park Music Festival , the country’s only free outdoor classical music series, held from June through August. Every Wednesday and Saturday night from Memorial Day through Labor Day, don’t miss the Summer Fireworks show at Navy Pier, where the night sky is filled with dazzling bursts of fireworks synchronized to music. Chicago Riverwalk DAY 2: OUTDOORS MORNING Kick-start your day with some fun and fresh air. Maggie Daley Park features a 40-foot Climbing Wall , winding Skating Ribbon (rent roller-blades and scooters during the summer and ice skates in the winter), the 18-hole City Mini Golf course, and the Play Garden for visitors ages 12 and under. The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago Find information on fun neighborhood festivals at choosechicago.com/events . 7
Chicago Travel Professionals Guide 2021: Page 7
