Visit the Parks for Summer Fun
Release Date: 03/27/07
From activities such as swimming, golfing, biking, fishing, sailing, and skateboarding to dining and grilling, the Chicago Park District’s beaches, harbors, lagoons, parks and gardens offer an array of ways to enjoy summertime activities. Patrons are encouraged to “come out and play” this summer. General information can be found at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or at 312-742-PLAY. Following is a list of the many options available throughout the city.
Beaches
Beach season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend, Friday, May 25 – Monday, Sept. 3. Hours are 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Chicago Park District manages more than 30 beaches along Chicago’s lakefront. This summer, beach goers will find a variety of amenities, from bike rentals to great concessions. Admission to Chicago’s beaches is free.
Pools
The Chicago Park District has more than 100 public pools, 51 of which are outdoor pools. The following pools open Friday, May 25:
•Portage, 4100 N. Long Ave., 773-685-7189
•Holstein, 2200 N. Oakley Ave., 312-742-7554
•Piotrowski, 4247 W. 31st St., 312-747-6608
•Washington, 5531 S. Martin Luther King Dr., 773-256-1248
•Palmer, 201 E. 111th St., 312-747-6576
The remainder of pools open on Friday, June 15 and all are open through Monday, Sept. 3. Pool hours are generally from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., but vary by location. Admission is free to Park District pools.
For a list of locations or for more information, visit the Park District website at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call the Beaches and Pools Unit at 312-742-5121.
Doggie Beach
The Doggie Beach at Wilson Avenue (4600 N.) and the lake is the only place to be with your best friend on a hot summer day. The beach is open year round from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Well-behaved pups are invited to play ball, Frisbee or with other pups at the only lakefront site to offer swimming and sand for canines. Cook County requires that the Chicago Park District issue permits for all off-leash dogs using dog friendly areas. Permit applications are available through participating veterinarian offices. For a complete list of participating veterinarians, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.
Boating and Sailing
Chicago has the largest recreational harbor system in the country. The harbors are managed by Westrec Marinas in partnership with the Chicago Park District. Sailing season is May 1 to Oct. 31.
Sailing lessons have been offered through the Chicago Park District’s Rainbow Fleet for the past 60 years. Programs offer a wide variety of classes and boat types to suit the interest of new and experienced sailors. Participants in these camps learn sailing basics, terminology, sailing theory and basic racing. The emphasis is on learning to sail in a safe and enjoyable environment. The schedule is available at www.chicagoharbors.info.
Lessons for Youth
The Chicago Park District in conjunction with the Chicago Yacht Club offers a Rainbow Fleet Sailing Camp that teaches sailing out of Burnham Harbor for children ages 8 - 18. Camp sessions are available from a one-week camp a 2 –week Sailing Smart Camp and a 4 week camp. These sessions take place Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - noon or from 1 - 4 p.m.
Lessons for Adults
Adult lessons are based out of the Burnham Harbor sailing Center and consist of three 3-hour sessions. Lessons are provided for beginner and intermediate sailors. Please visit www.chicagoharbors.info for the schedule.
Sailors with disabilities
The Rainbow Fleet welcomes all sailors with disabilities to the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program based out of Burnham Harbor. Lessons are offered on vessels that have been made adaptable to the individual sailor’s needs. Please call 312-747-7684 for additional information.
Sailing camps are available at the following locations:
•Burnham Harbor Sailing Center (east side of the harbor, across from North side of Northerly Island), 1200 South, 312-745-1700
•Belmont Sailing Camp (south end of Belmont Harbor), 3200 North, 312-745-1700
•Montrose Beach House (east side of Montrose Harbor), 4400 North, 312-742-0600
•63rd Street Beach House (south side of the building), 6300 South, 312-745-1905
Boat Rental
Boat rentals are available at Montrose Beach and 63rd Street. Individuals renting boats will be required to provide boating and safety knowledge prior to rental. Reservations may be made in advance, and no shows will be charged the full amount.
Canoeing/kayaking
Lake Michigan
The expansiveness of Lake Michigan makes it a great paddling resource for canoeists and kayakers. Paddlers can rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboats at Montrose and 12th Street Beaches. There are 13 launch and landing sites along Lake Michigan including:
•Calumet Park Launch Ramp, 9801 S. Ave. G, 312-747-6039
•Rainbow Beach, 3111 E. 77th St., 312-745-1479
•63rd Street Beach, 6300 S. Lake Shore Dr., 312-742-4847
•Jackson Park Inner Harbor, 6401 S. Stony Island Ave., 773-256-0903
•Burnham Harbor West, 425 E. McFetridge Dr., 773-256-0949
•Diversey Harbor, 2601 N. Cannon Dr., 312-742-7762
•Montrose Harbor, 601 W. Montrose Dr., 312-742-7527
Chicago River
The Chicago River also offers great paddling. Canoe and kayak launch sites are located at:
•River Park, 5100 N. Francisco Ave., 312-742-7516
•Clark Park, 3400 N. Rockwell, 312-742-7594
•Park 526, Lincoln Avenue and the Chicago River
Fishing
Fishing is available year round in Chicago from the waters of Lake Michigan, the Chicago and Calumet Rivers, Park District lagoons and harbors, or from Wolf Lake. Many also enjoy shore fishing, which is open all year, from the many seawalls, piers and revetments along the lakefront. Popular locations include the area along Solidarity Drive between the Shedd Aquarium and the Planetarium; 31st Street Pier; and Casino Pier located at 63rd Street Beach and Calumet Park on East 95th Street.
Perch fishing is open all year except from July 1 - 31. Smelt fishing is available from April 1 – 30. Snagging season runs from Oct. 1 – Dec. 31. For up to date fishing information and conditions, please call Henry’s Sports and Bait (312) 225-8538 or visit www.henryssports.com.
Bicycling/Walking/Jogging/Rollerblading
Chicago’s lakefront offers over 18 miles of paved paths for bicycling, walking, jogging or rollerblading, and is the perfect way to tour the city’s beautiful coastline. Established city street bike lanes also offer bicyclists over 120 miles of marked paths providing access to all points of Chicago.
Bike Chicago Rentals & Tours offers a variety of bikes for rent including mountain bikes, comfort bikes, hybrid bikes, road bikes, quadricycles and tandems. Rentals are available from:
•Wilson Avenue Comfort Station, 5200 N. Lakeshore Drive, 773-275-2600
•North Avenue Beach, 1603 N. Lakeshore Drive, 773-327-2706
Golfing
The Chicago Park District operates five nine-hole courses plus Jackson Park, which is a full 18-hole course.
For those new to the game, the Chicago Park District has created the beautiful South Shore Learning Center. This consists of a large bent grass putting green, a short game area with a practice bunker, and 10 hitting stations to work on the full swing. The golf course now has family tees designed to make the move onto a course easy and enjoyable.
•Columbus Park, 5701 W. Jackson, 312-746-5573
•Marquette Park, 6734 S. Kedzie, 312-747-2761
•Robert A. Black, 2045 W. Pratt, 312-742-7931
•Sydney R. Marovitz, 3600 N. Recreation Drive, 312-742-7930
•Jackson Park, 6401 S. Stony Island, 312-747-2763
•South Shore, 71st & South Shore Drive, 312-747-6250
Driving Ranges
•Diversey, 141 W. Diversey, 312-742-7929
•Jackson Park, 63rd St. & Lake Shore Drive, 312-747-2762
Birding
Bring your binoculars and take a tour with an expert or navigate your own trip through the meadows and groves of one of six lakefront sanctuaries to witness the behavior of various bird species and thousands of butterflies and dragonflies. Keep your eye on the beach for shore birds, on the lake for waterfowl, and on the sky for hawks.
Chicago Park District lakefront birding sites include:
•Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Montrose Avenue at Lake Michigan
•North Pond Nature Sanctuary, north of Fullerton Ave. between Cannon Drive and Stockton Drive
•Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Addison Street and Lake Shore Drive
•McCormick Bird Sanctuary, along lakefront just south of McCormick Place
•Paul H. Douglas Nature Sanctuary (Wooded Island) in Jackson Park, 6401 S. Stony Island Avenue
Skateboarding
The Chicago Park District has two 20,000 sq. ft. skate parks that pack in novice and competitive skateboarders. Both skate parks are open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free. Contingent on weather, the skate park will close for the season from November to early spring.
These permanent skate parks offer “spines,” “pyramids” and “bowls” for the most daring stunts. Skateboarders also test their limits on urban elements such as curbs and rails. The parks feature varying skill areas for beginner, intermediate and advance skaters.
•31st Street and the lake
•Wilson (4600 N.) and the lake
Dining
Alfresco lakefront dining is also available at over 70 concessionaires from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- Contact Phone: 312 742 7529