lincoln park chicago

Things to do in Lincoln Park Chicago

By Dom Bewley

Dear reader! Do you like presidents? Do you like parks? Do you like doing fun things in a specific location? Well, you're in luck! Because Lincoln Park might just be the perfect place for you! There's so much to do in the area, you may never want to leave. So, whether you're a Chi-Town resident, or visiting from further afield, you might be wondering why you should visit Lincoln Park? We hear you, we see you, and we've got you covered. Read on, and discover our guide for all the things you can do in Lincoln Park, Chicago!

Featuring:

  • A trip to the zoo
  • Tasty bites
  • Get horticultural
  • Go for a ride
  • Feel historical
  • and more!
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Lincoln Park Zoo

Let's kick off this Lincoln Park funfest with a bit of animal action. Head to Lincoln Park Zoo if you want to hang out with sea lions, primates, and big cats too. They have a bunch of specific areas for you to explore, each with their own theme and group of animals to see. And, if that wasn't enough, there's also a host of rides and activities you can enjoy after you're all animal'd out. Join the Lionel Train Adventure to see more of the surrounding woodland, and join a cruise of the South Lake Lagoon and enjoy the ride! Perfect for big and little kids alike.

Get some delicious food

No matter what you're in the mood for, Lincoln Park's got your hunger under control. Grab some authentic Greek at AVLI Taverna, get classy with Alinea's tasting menu, or get some good old-fashioned deep dish pizza at Pequod's. In the market for some tasty beer to wash it all down? Head to Goose Island's Brew House. This world-renowned craft beer is Chicago born and bred, beginning back in 1988 at this very place.

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Lincoln Park Conservatory

Want a little nature in your life? Take a walk to the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Not only will you find exotic species of flora from across the globe, but every plant and tree grown in the park starts here. Be sure to visit the four display houses, each showcasing different breeds of beautiful flowers and greenery. So, if you're visiting Chicago, it's definitely one of the best things to do in Lincoln Park!

Bike ride

Need to get the blood pumping? Why not ride your bike around Lincoln Park? If you don't have yours with you, rent one! It's a great way to get about and explore every nook and cranny of this massive green space. Better yet, bring some picnic supplies with you, find the perfect spot and set up your own snack bar. Nothing quite beats lounging on the grass and enjoying a delicious snack!

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Second City Hilarity

Need a bit of a pick-me-up? Well, they say laughter is the best medicine. Put that theory to the test at Second City. The home of sketch and improv comedy, every night, you'll discover a hilarious act or two performing on stage. But don't take our word for it. Comedy greats like Bill Murray, Tina Fey, and Steve Carrell cut their teeth on Second City's stage. Why not discover comedy's next big thing today?

Chicago History Museum

Want to learn a little more about Chicago's history? You'll want to stop by the Chicago History Museum! Learn how the city grew from a humble town to the metropolis it is today. Discover the events that shaped it, like the Great Fire of 1871. And find out more about our favorite president, and the namesake of the very park, Abraham Lincoln. Nourish that withered pea you call a brain with some succulent knowledge and information.

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Hit the beach

If the weather is fine and the clouds are away, why not go to the beach, even just for a day? Just a stone's throw from Lincoln Park is North Avenue Beach, one of the city's most popular spots come summertime. Find a stretch of sand, lay down a towel, and get your tan on. Or, go take a dip in the ocean. Just remember to pack some sunblock. Chicago already has enough lobster.

Go see Lincoln

And why you're there, why not go and see the man himself? Head to the Lincoln Monument and go tip your hat to one of the greats. There, you'll find the Standing Lincoln sculpture, a beautiful crafting of Abraham Lincoln, standing before his presidential chair. Standing at a whopping 12ft tall, and designed by Irish sculptor Saint-Gaudens, it's a must-visit in Lincoln Park. Connected to the statue are delightful gardens, so feel free to walk around and take it all in.

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Stroll through Oz Park

No, you're not in Kansas anymore. Or, maybe you never were. Anyway, if you're a fan of the weird and wonderful Wizard of Oz, you owe it to yourself to take a stroll through Oz Park. As you may have guessed, it's themed around the book and film of the same name. You'll see statues of all the main cast, including Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion. There's plenty for kids to do too, including day camps, tennis and basketball courts, and a big garden called Dorothy's Playground.

Green City Market

And finally, let's end this list of things to do in Lincoln Park, Chicago with some food. Glorious food. Do you like your food fresh and your produce local? Then go check out Green City Market! It's a market dedicated to sustainable farming, and ensures all food is sourced from environmentally-conscious farmers. Visitors will be welcomed by a host of stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables, to premade meals you can tuck into in the park. There's also a big focus on education, so you can learn about sustainable farming and where to buy groceries.

And that's our list of the best things to do in Lincoln Park, Chicago! Are you visiting Chicago from out of state, or across the pond? You might want to read our guide to getting around the city. Coming by yourself? We've got you covered. And if you're thinking about heading to Chinatown, you absolutely should! Here's everything you need to know for your visit.

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Things to do in Lakeview, Chicago

Heading to Chicago for your vacation, or are you a Chi-Town dweller who wants to know what's good? Check our Lakeview. There's so much going on, you're bound to find something fun! These are our recommendations for the best things to do in Lakeview, Chicago! Including: Live music Lake life Bowling See a film Get golfing and more! Rock out If you're the kind of person who loves the twang of live guitars, the thunderous bass of a drum kit, and raising your swaying lighter in the air, you'll be looking for some live music. Thankfully, Lakeview, Chicago has a whole host of performance venues where you can go get your groove on. The Vic has been a mainstay in the live music scene for over a century. Some of the biggest music acts on the planet have played there over the years. The Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Beastie boys did a joint gig in '87, Soundgarden took the stage in 2010, and Ariana Grande performed there back in 2018. They even host comedy gigs, such as Bill Hicks' famous One Night Stand special. On top of all that, The Vic has their own cinema events called 'Brew and View', where you can grab a drink and relax while watching some great movies. Or, if you want to see up-and-coming bands, try Metro or Underground Lounge. Who knows, you might be the first to see the next big thing. You can tell your grandkids all about it, and they won't care one bit. Wherever you go, seeing some live music is easily one of the best things to do in Lakeview, Chicago! Go view a lake It would be a travesty to visit a place called lake view and not see any water. Thankfully, visit the beautiful Belmont Harbor to do just that. Over 800 boats of all shapes and sizes call it home, and there aren't many better places in the city to go and ponder the meaning of life, just like one of those terrible made for TV movies. Stare off into the distance as ship captains sound their foghorns. Wonder what it's really all about. The most daring of you may even ask if you can come aboard and escape all your problems. Out on the open ocean, running from your inner demons. Months at sea, wondering if you can trust the crew. Why do your socks keep going missing, and who's eating all the apples? No. It's not worth it. Just stand at Belmont Harbor and admire the beautiful views of the Chicago skyline. Keep bowling, bowling, bowling Like the feel of a heavy ball in your hand, the plonk of pins, and the cries of 'strike!'? Well, I suspect you'll be one of them bowling people. Lakeview's got you covered with Southport Lanes. In a digital world of automation, microchips, and evil robots, why not go analog? Southport Lanes is one of the last alleys where the pins are manually reset - by people. Yep, they do old-school here. So go check it out, throw a few terrible misses, maybe a strike or two if you're lucky, and then wash down all the sadness with some beers at the on-site brewery. See a flick Want to laugh, cry, cheer, and cower in terror in front of some celluloid? Lakeview has some great cinemas you have to check out! Landmark Century Centre Cinema is more of your typical theater affair, with big screens, big sounds, and the biggest films playing all year round. If you're looking for lesser-known, unusual movies, then hit up the Music Box Theatre. Luck out, and you might visit Lakeview when one of the theater's many festivals is taking place. Get theatrical Or, if you prefer treading the boards to treating yourself to popcorn, head to Lakeview's Theater District. There are tons of venues like the Anthenaeum and Mercury Theatres, which have a number of shows on throughout the year. So, if you want to unleash the inner thespian inside of you, head down there and check out what's on! Grab a bite You were waiting for this one, weren't you? You'll be delighted to discover that, yes, Lakeview has a whole host of eateries of all shapes and sizes. For your midday snacks, look no further than Uncommon Ground or The Chicago Diner. Both offer a host of American diner treats, and since they open at 11am, you can get it while the getting's good. The early bird catches the syrup-covered bird! Or, if you're looking for some fine evening dining, check out Lowcountry for all your seafood needs, and Ella Elli for your Mediterranean cravings. With plenty of wine, cocktails, or beer to wash down all this delicious food, you'll have a grand old time! Grab a drink Speaking of wine, cocktails, and beer, what if you're only in the market for a beer? Tuck those fears away, in the safe space no one can reach, because Lakeview's full of bright bars, cozy pubs, and everything in between. If you're looking to supplement your session with some free popcorn and a boogie around the jukebox, try Jake's Pub, a no-frills, classic pub experience that's been open since the '30s. Want a sports bar with some delicious cajun chicken, cocktails, and craft beer? Hit up nola. Want to get fancy? Try the craft cocktails and upmarket vibes at Elixir Lounge. With so many options, grabbing a drink or two is one of the best things to do in Lakeview, Chicago! Birdy or bogey? And finally, we're putting distance from the end of our list. Why don't we end on the green with a round of golf or three? Whether you're looking for proper, seasoned swings or a bit of fun, Lakeview's got you covered and then some. Hop onto the Sydney R Marovitz Golf Course to knock some balls about on a professional course by the shore of Lake Michigan. They even offer classes if you want to improve your swing, or have no idea how to play golf at all. Or, if you just want a little fun with your putting, check out Diversey Range. They offer a cozy mini golf course for you and your friends or family to enjoy. And that's our list of the best things to do in Lakeview, Chicago!
Dom Bewley
west loop
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Things to do in West Loop, Chicago

Head to Chicago for your vacation and want to know what's good? Give West Loop a try. There's so much to do and see, you might never leave. Here's our list of the best things to do in West Loop, Chicago. Including: Street Markets Park walks Go bowling Get cultural Try climbing and more! Get Marketeering Let's start this shindig with a smattering of shopping. West Loop has an abundance of markets where you can pick up anything from fresh groceries to hand-crafted jewelry. If you're looking to wheel, deal, and shave a few bucks off your purchases, head over to Randolph Street Market. In the summer months, you'll find over one hundred vendors taking over the Chicago Journeyman Plumbers Union Hall parking lot. Within this bizarre bazaar, you'll discover stalls filled with antiques, old records, hand-crafted wonders, and other assorted knickknacks. Or, if food is your purchase of choice, give Chicago's French Market a go. You'll find myriad stalls with fresh produce from all corners of the world, and a host of pop-up restaurants and bakeries selling delicious bites. Rolling down the lanes Do you like balls? Do you hate pins? If you answered yes to both of these questions, this next entry will be for you. Punch Bowl Social has taken over West Loop. Their demands? Maximum fun. Their plan? 30,000ft of retro arcade, karaoke, fine dining, and more bowling lanes than you could shake a used pair of shoes at. Grab a drink, collect some fellows, and go throw some bowling balls down some bowling lanes to drop some bowling pins. It doesn't get much simpler than that. Then, when you're all bowled out, check all the other entertainment on offer, or grab some classic diner food from the on-site restaurant. Yee-haw. It's bowling time, or something. Park Life If the weather is good and you're so inclined, head to a park for a jolly good time! Thankfully, West Loop has some great green spaces, so if you're visiting Chicago, get that green in you. Perhaps its better-known park is Union Park, where the annual Pitchfork Music Festival brings farmers from all across America to get angry at things. Not really, it's a music festival, and a good one at that. However, if you don't make it in July, there's still loads to do. Pools to jump in, courts to play in, and that sweet grass to relax on. Or, if you want to entertain the little ones, stop by Mary Bartelme Park. It has an amazing children's playground with unique and exciting play equipment you won't find anywhere else. It's also good for dogs, if your little one walks on four legs. The Climb Picture the scene. You're a secret agent, climbing up a rocky cliff face. You receive a call on your sweet futuristic sunglasses. It's your secret spy agency, and they have a job for you. You choose to accept it, and throw the glasses off towards the camera as they self-destruct. Yeah! So if the climbing part of that interests you - and nothing else - head on over to Brooklyn Boulders. There, you'll find lots of surfaces to climb, which is what you want. If you're a seasoned pro, feel free to hit the walls and do some sweet flips, or whatever climbers do. If you're new to the climbing game, never fear. They have expert trainers on hand to teach you the tricks of the trade. And who knows, maybe they're secret agents too. Hiding in plain sight, at Brooklyn Boulders. Would you like to play a game? If you go to sleep listening to the distinctive cling of pinball tables and assorted beeps and boops of old arcade machines, you might like this next place. Take a running jump into Emporium Arcade Bar and fall into a world of old-school arcade action. With a slew of pinball-flicking, foosball-spinning, puck-slapping, and pool-shooting fun, it's a lovely place full of joy and smiles. If you have friends, bring them with you, and pump the fun up to stratospheric levels. After you've spent all your money on machines, take out a loan and go enjoy a refreshing cocktail or IPA at the bar. You will love it. Won't you? Yes. Culture! If all of that wasn't fun enough for you, how about a little learning and culture to take that fun factor to the next level? At the National Hellenic Museum in West Loop, you'll learn about Greek-American culture, and how Greek immigrants helped make Chicago the city it is today! Or, if you want to see some awe-inspiring art, check out the Kavi Gupta Gallery. Inside, you'll find artworks of all shapes and sizes to ponder over. Does it get any more cultural than that? No, it does not. State of the Union Station Want to see one of Chicago's most recognizable landmarks up close? West Loop has you covered with Union Station. Built back in the 1920s, it's the transport hub that brings many out-of-towers into the city. Its Art Deco stylings are so iconic that it's featured in heaps of Hollywood productions. The Untouchables, Catch Me If You Can, Blade Runner, and many, many more have shot iconic scenes in this very building. So go see it for yourself, and snap some sweet pics for your socials because you know you will. Grab a bite Phew, all the doing things and seeing stuff is bound to make you hungry. Thankfully, West Loop has plenty of places to refuel. In the mood for something meaty? Check out El Che Steakhouse for some prime cuts, refreshing drinks, and good times. Prefer your meat between two buns? Give Smyth and The Loyalist a go. Looking for something continental? Hit up avec for some Mediterranean delights. Grab a drink And finally, let's end our list on the drinks menu. West Loop has lots of bars and pubs to drown some suds. Head to Lone Wolf or Haymarket Pub for your craft beer needs, with plenty of local Chicago brews on tap. For some exotic cocktails, give Kumiko a try, which provides a Japanese twist on the usual mixer affair. If you want a variety of spirits, stumble to CH Distillery. And that's our list of things to do in West Loop, Chicago! Enjoy!
Dom Bewley
Chicago family vacation ideas
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Chicago Family Vacation Ideas

Heading to the Windy City for a vacation? We've got everything you need to keep kids and adults entertained. Read on for our top tips for Chicago family vacations.
Katie Sagal

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