Must See Chicago Summer Attractions for When You’re Short On Time

Taking a road trip to Chicago or just trying decide how to spend your lazy days of summer? Chicago is a popular place to visit when the weather gets warm, but whether you’re familiar with the area or are a first time visitor, be careful when driving into and around the city. The lawyers at Salvi, Schostok, & Pritchard, remind all drivers in the Chicago area, experienced or not, to eliminate all distractions and put your focus on the road to avoid a car accident that could ruin your summer getaway. Now that you’ve been reminded to be safe and responsible driver in and around the “Windy City”, here are some Chicago summer attractions that are perfect for when you only have a few hours to spare:

Chicago Beach Time

If you’re like millions of other Americans who deal with winter for a good 5 months out of the year, summer is a crucial time to warm up, enjoy the sun, and get some much needed Vitamin D before winter arrives again. What better way to enjoy summer than visit a beach and have some much needed R & R? Being one of the most populous cities in the U.S., it’s easy to forget that a busy city like Chicago could have one beach, let alone a handful to choose from. However, remember your geography, folks, Chicago is right along Lake Michigan. Put some of these beaches on your “must go to” list:

31st Street Beach: This South Side beach is clean, rarely crowded, and is a great gathering place for families to enjoy a picnic or do some fishing at the public dock. With all the amenities that you need from concessions and a playground to public restrooms and a lifeguard, you can relax in the sun and enjoy the view of the Chicago skyline.
Montrose Beach: This North Side beach is a popular place for dog lovers. With a fenced-off dog area for your dog and free wifi, kayak rentals, and a restaurant nearby, there’s no need to go anywhere else for the day.
Some Other Favorites: While there’s many of beaches to choose from, some other favorites to check out are the 57th Street Beach, Illinois Beach State Park, and Foster Avenue Beach.

Chicago Festivals & Events

You can’t spend a day in Chicago without enjoying some art or music and a festival is a great way to take it all in. Regardless of what part of summer you decide to visit Chicago, you’re likely to find at least one art or musical festival that is too good to pass up. Want to become an honorary Chicagoan for the day? Don’t pass up the opportunity to check out the annual Blues Festival, join an outdoor exercise class in Millennium Park, or browse the aisles upon aisles of home grown goodness at the one of the many Farmers Markets in Chicago.

Chicago Museums

Even if the weather is to die for, it’s always nice to take a break from the great outdoors and browse a museum (the air conditioning is a plus on hot days), especially in Chicago. With over 30 museums to choose from, you could easily spend a week visiting them, but here are a couple you should definitely check out if your time is short:

Shedd Aquarium: When you dip your toes in Lake Michigan, you’re not likely to see a whole lot of marine life, but if you visit the Shedd Aquarium, you have the opportunity to see 32,000 marine animals from diverse habitats, such as sharks, beluga whales, turtles, and piranhas.
Art Institute: Whether you’re a big fan of art or appreciate a few of the classics, the Art Institute is a must-see stop while visiting Chicago. Visit some iconic favorites like American Gothic or learn about African art, textiles, or arms and armor.

Another favorite is the Children’s Museum at the Navy Pier (popular for Chicagoans and tourists, alike).