Mentioned by Culture Trip
The Best Beaches in and Around Chicago
"This is one of the best public beaches in Chicago and is huge in area lying east of the Rogers Park neighborhood. It is adjacent to the famous Loyola Park known for its stunning basketball and tennis courts, a community garden and a natural dune habitat near the lighthouse. There is long distance swimming available here running parallely to the shoreline making it one of the best beaches for swimming in Chicago."
"With a sprawling 21 acres of land, Loyola Beach is an expansive beach that provides ample space for witnessing exceptional vistas of the city skyline. The beach is nestled in the outpost of the East Rogers Park community. The beach features various amenities for visitors to enjoy, such as the woodshop, clubrooms, fitness centers, and a boxing centre."
"Just across from Rogers Park, you’ll cross through Loyola Park before getting to the sandy shoreline. There’s a parking lot, basketball and tennis courts, and playground in the park. On the southern end of the beach near the breakwater there’s a natural dune habitat and a lighthouse."
"Rainbow Beach is a 61-acre public beach and park within Chicago's South Chicago neighborhood, originally developed as two separate beaches in the early 20th century before being consolidated into a single beach when the area was acquired by the Chicago Park District in 1959. The beach is named in honor of the United States Army's World War I 42nd Rainbow Division and is located at the terminus of 75th Street at the Lake Michigan shoreline, one of 18 street-end municipal beaches located throughout the city. A field house at the beach, developed in 1999, offers a fitness center, gymnasium, handball courts, and multipurpose community rooms, while a nine-acre natural area preserves significant dune habitats."
"South ShoreLike many South Side beaches, Rainbow has a lovely view of the Downtown city skyline, as well as Wi-Fi, free parking, a playground, handball courts, and a nine-acre natural dune habitat. What more can you ask for?. What to know: With a gymnasium and fitness center, it’s Chicago’s version of Muscle Beach."
"Located in the South Chicago neighborhood, Rainbow Beach is also connected to the Rainbow Beach Park. Pack a picnic and escape the hot sun for a midday lunch in the shaded park!"
"The lakefront Navy Pier offers tons of dining options, many with outdoor patios featuring water views. Enjoy a classic “cheezborger” at Billy Goat Tavern, casual Mexican fare at Chango Lango, frozen cocktails at the tiki bar at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, or smoked meats at Harry Caray’s Tavern. Explore all outdoor food and drink options at Navy Pier."
"Originally designed by visionary architect Daniel H. Burnham as horse stables, the DuSable Museum’s 19th-century limestone and timber structure is now one of the South Side's most prominent cultural institutions. Older children will appreciate the museum’s well-curated exhibitions of art, poetry, and notable topics like the experience of black people in the armed services. A post shared by Eric Robinson (@erceo) on Aug 23, 2017 at 11:58am PDT"
"A powerful museum dedicated to African-American history, culture, and art, the DuSable Museum is a perfect place to take older kids and teens, although children ages 5 and up are welcome. Past exhibits have covered everything from the impact of Jewish scholars in African-American colleges to poetry and African-American soldiers in the Vietnam War."
"Ongoing weekend programs at the museum include workshops for kids to learn about identifying rocks and minerals or learning how to make jewelry. Collections include gemstones, fossils and an ornate castle. Online activities include virtual jewelry classes and rock identification classes."