Edition: Hot Town: Summer in the City

Culture & Attractions: Free Time Favorites

Author: Elizabeth Seymour

Art: There are as many opportunities to see art as there are genres. For a wide variety of varying galleries, head to the River North art district which is concentrated between Clark and Wells Streets, Chicago Avenue and Ontario Street. Then of course there's The Art Institute of Chicago offering everything from Impressionism to works from 3,000 B.C. For a stellar collection of more current works, try the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Tours: With more tours than famed Chicago architect Daniel Burnham could shake a stick at, the Chicago Architecture Foundation blankets the city with its educational offerings. Try one of their most popular offerings, the "Architecture River Cruise" with Chicago's First Lady Cruises. Since you're visiting one of the country's most bicycle-friendly cities, take a ride with Bobby's Bike Hike. Riders of all ages and fitness levels are welcome: we recommend the "Quintessential Chicago Tour," a journey through Chicago's lakefront attractions, including everything from Buckingham Fountain to Navy Pier to Millennium Park.

Theaters: Who needs Broadway? Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company has a storied history, star-studded ensemble and award-winning line-up. Speaking of great history, the stunning Chicago Theatre boasts shows, concerts and more, plus great behind-the-scenes tours.

Gardens: This is the time of year to marvel at the city's bountiful outdoor beauty. The Chicago Botanic Garden runs the gamut in its 385 acres. Millennium Park is a wonder in and of itself, and is also home to the lovely Lurie Garden (tours available). Rain or shine, the multiple greenhouses of the Garfield Park Conservatory never disappoint.

Historic: For total immersion into Chicago's rich history, look no further than the Chicago History Museum. If you prefer to walk along historic paths, try the Pullman Historic District, a planned community built in the 1880s that centered around the railroad industry. No true study of the city's history is complete without a visit to the Old Water Tower & Pumping Station, as these are the only public buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire.

Museums: Aside from the awesome art variety, Chicago lays claim to many more must-see museums. Housed in a structure originally created for the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, the Museum of Science and Industry features even more intrigue on its insides. Over in the lakefront Museum Campus, the Field Museum is one of the nation's great natural history museums.

Amusement Parks: Sometimes you need to cast culture aside and hop on a good, old-fashioned ride. Six Flags Great America is the spot for roller coasters galore, while Hurricane Harbor is a water park designed to help you keep your cool. Meanwhile, in the heart of the city is Navy Pier, which not only boasts a bevy of rides for the whole family but features plenty of other amusements, too (think beer garden, live music, etc.).

Lakeside: It should be a crime to skip the lakefront while you're in the Windy City. A great way to cover lots of ground along the lake is to try a City Segway Tour. Either on tour or on your own, be sure to visit Buckingham Fountain, one of the largest fountains in the world. Don't miss one of the light and music shows, hourly after dusk.

Family-Friendly: A number of the previously mentioned spots are great places to take the family, but the following are sure bets. The dolphins and Beluga whales at Shedd Aquarium are just a few of the enchanting creatures to delight people of all ages. Speaking of creatures, the Lincoln Park Zoo is chock full of them, and perhaps the most family-friendly feature is its admission fee: free! For those wandering outside the city limits, try the Kohl Children's Museum, a hands-on spot geared for kids from birth through age eight.

Lincoln Park Zoo
2200 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago, IL 60614

Chicago Architecture Foundation
224 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60602

Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave. , Chicago, IL 60605