14 Ways to Savor Summer on Chicago’s North Shore
Search
Sky Map Sky Map Getting Here Getting Here Events Events Subscribe Subscribe Winter Warmups Winter Warmups
Chicago's North Shore Facebook Chicago's North Shore Pinterest Chicago's North Shore Blog Chicago's North Shore Instagram


RECENT STORIES

Attractions   Dining   Events   Museums   Music   Neighborhoods   Outdoors   Shopping   Sports   Theater  

14 Ways to Savor Summer on Chicago’s North Shore

Blissful long weekends, cheery family gatherings and full-on vacation mode. The excitement on Chicago’s North Shore will keep you engaged and energized. For a full array of activities, click here.      
 

Evanston Beaches
Evanston Beaches

1. Beautiful Beaches
The pinnacle of summery fun! Splashing, sunning, boating — the sparkling beauty of Lake Michigan beckons you with gentle freshwater waves on sandy beaches.

2. Music Under the Stars
Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park
Groove to world-class performers making glorious sounds all over this relaxed, ever-elegant wooded park. Pack a picnic or forage from fabulous onsite eateries. Click here for all the insider tips and tricks for visiting Ravinia. 

3. Live Music Keeps Coming
Out of Space, Canal Shores Golf Course, 1030 Central St., Evanston; July 27–30
Kick back and enjoy a whole weekend packed with heavenly performances under twinkling stars. Spot the wine shop, craft cabin, food trucks, picnic grove and more on the festival map!
 

“Skokie
Skokie Lagoons, Winnetka

4. Adventures on the Lake & Lagoons
Gentle breezes and wildlife drift by as you glide through the water. Head to Winnetka's Skokie Lagoons and get yourself a kayak or a canoe to commune with this stunning and restorative natural environment. Or, head to Evanston to get out on Lake Michigan on sailboat, kayak, paddleboard, or even a hydrofoil bike! All available to rent.   

5. Deluxe Farmstand Fun
Life is just a bowl a cherries when our communities flaunt the very best in farmers markets. Bursting with colors, flavors and entertainment, these family-friendly outings deliver way more than food and flowers!

6. Fresh Air Feasting
Maximize every moment of summery days al fresco at eateries of all stripes. Fancy, schmancy rooftop hotspots to shady patio meccas are fresh heaven.

7. Splish Splash
Looking to cool off during those dog days of summer? With drop slides, splash pads, kiddie pools and lap pools galore, the pools around Chicago's North Shore will keep you refreshed and splashin' all day long. 
 

“Chicago
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

8. A Garden of Endless Delights
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe
Celebrate “the flirty side of summer” with Love in Bloom, the garden’s lush lovefest for people and plants. Music on the Esplanade, Poems While You Wait, and the After Hours Buzz events will soothe and inspire. Stop by to watch the garden come alive in these warmer months. 

9. Parkways Packed with Art
Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park, McCormick Blvd., between Touhy & Dempster Sts., Skokie
Feast your eyes and stretch your legs with this long ribbon of art in the park. Some thought-provoking, some whimsical, 60+ sculptures decorate your stroll, bike ride or picnic.

10. Take a Hike (or a bike)
Get lost in the woods, on purpose, with a wander through this wondrous mix of habitats — forest, backwater wetlands, oak-hickory woodland, lakefront and more. Bike or hike down the Green Bay Trail or the Evanston and Northwestern Lakefront path, or, bathe in nature at River Trail Nature Center or Harms Woods Trail
 

“Baha'i
Baha'i Temple, Wilmette

11. Architectural Magnificence
Reflect and recharge in this stunning architectural marvel that is the Baha'i Temple and its gorgeous grounds near Wilmette Harbor. While in the area, head over to Charles Gates Dawes House, home to the Evanston History Center, for a tour to learn more about the 30th Vice President of the United States and Evanston's past. The center also offers walking tours like Burnham in Evanston, which explores the homes of architect Daniel Burnham.

12. Hops to It!
Learn some tricks behind the local brewery trade where you obviously must indulge in some tastings. Brewmasters will help you navigate varieties of ales, lagers, stouts and more.
 

Graeter's Ice Cream, Winnetka
Graeter's Ice Cream, Winnetka and Northbrook

13. We all Scream for Ice Cream
Nothing quite says summer like a semi-melty ice cream cone on a hot humid day. Beat the heat with a scoop (or three) of your favorite flavors or a tasty shake. Prefer a frosty beverage? Choose anything from frosé to frozen margaritas and everything in between. 

14. Taking a Swing on our Golf Courses
Set your sights on getting out to that green and making memories. Choose from gorgeous grounds with challenges for seasoned golf players and lessons galore.
 

This entry was posted in Attractions, Dining, Events, Museums, Music, Outdoors, Shopping, Theater, and tagged Al Fresco Dining, Beaches, Chevy Chase Country Club, Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago Farmers Markets, Chicago Lakefront, Chicago North Shore Theater, Chicago North Shore, Chicago's North Shore Summer Events, Chicago's North Shore, Evanston Beaches, Evanston, Farmers Markets In Chicago, Farmers Markets, Glencoe, Glenview, Illinois, Lake Michigan, Lakefront, Live Music, Music Festivals, North Shore Center For The Performing Arts, North Shore Chicago, North Shore Theater, North Shore, Northbrook, Performing Arts, Ravinia Festival, Ravinia, Skokie Lagoons, Skokie, Summer On Chicago's North Shore, Summer, Wheeling, Wilmette, Winnetka, Writer's Theater, Writers Theatre, .

Ravinia Festival > < Make It a Date Night (or Day!)

Print Page