Getting your exercise in for the day can sometimes be a hassle- but it doesn’t have to be. Chicago is home to some of the greatest outdoor activities perfect for getting you moving, while also having fun! Spend the rest of your summer checking out these exciting ways to get outside and get active while enjoying the beautiful weather and the sights of the city!
One of the best ways to get active on a beautiful day is by hopping on a bike and taking a ride around the city. Lucky for you, Navy Pier is home to Bike and Roll Chicago– the perfect place to rent bikes of all kinds. Rent a cruiser bike for a leisurely ride or kick it up a notch with a fitness bike. Bring the kids along and check out a tandem bike, wagon attachment, or a quadcycle. Available to rent by the hour, biking on Navy Pier is the perfect way to fit getting active into your schedule!
After you’re done taking in the views of the city on a set of wheels, hit the water for another one of our favorite outdoor activities- kayaking! Kayak Chicago gives city-goers the opportunity to take classes, go on guided tours, or just set off by yourself for an adventurous way to get active. Choose between the Chicago River, Montrose Beach, or North Avenue Beach for a unique experience every time you come back! And If Kayaking isn’t your thing, Kayak Chicago offers rentals for paddle boards and electric boats as well!
Sometimes getting outside and moving is as easy as getting up and going for a walk. Make your next walk more interesting by checking out Chicago’s iconic Millenium Park and all it has to offer! Start your walk at the entrance to the park and head straight for The Bean. Formally named “Cloud Gate,” The Bean is one of Chicago’s most visited landmarks. Get your steps in and take some great pictures while you’re doing it. Once you’ve had enough of The Bean, head to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and check out one of the city’s greatest performance venues. Take a break and relax on the lawn and if you’re lucky you might catch a show! The rest of your walk through Millennium Park should include visiting The Lurie Garden and of course The Crown Fountain. You’ll have so much fun during your excursion you won’t even realize how much exercise you’re getting!
You’ll enjoy your walk around Millennium Park so much that you won’t be able to stay away! Lucky for you, the park is home to another fantastic way to get active during the summer. Every Saturday in July and August you can check out the Millennium Park Summer Workout series to experience a unique outdoor workout! Taking place on the Great Lawn, this series offers a variety of classes including Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates, and Zumba. Not to mention- admission is completely free!
Millennium Park isn’t the only park in Chicago perfect for getting active. Maggie Daley Park is another great location to check out if you want to have some fun while you exercise! There you can find Chicago’s first and only climbing park. Divided into beginner and advanced levels, the 40 foot wall is perfect for climbers of all ages and skill levels. Choose between bouldering, harnessed, and top rope climbing to get a new experience each time you climb! After hitting up the climbing wall, head over to the Maggie Daley tennis and pickleball courts for a fun match. Take part in a group lesson or get in touch with your competitive side and go up against a friend one-on-one.
There are so many ways to get up and moving all across the city- some even completely free! Get your exercise in and have fun while doing it.
Written by: Lindsey LeBeda