Guys, it’s almost summer. Each summer, we make promises that we won’t let this summer get away from us. And much like those New Year’s resolutions, they fall by the wayside. Well, let’s make this summer different and actually embrace it. Add these 15 activities to your Illinois summer bucket list.
- Take yourself (and someone else) out to the ball game.
Michael Lehet/Flickr Whether you go to the big leagues or the minor leagues, it’s great to enjoy a beer, popcorn, and great times with friends.
- Go to the Illinois State Fair.
Sean McGill/Flickr See the animals, eat food on a stick, and try to stomach the craziest rides.
- Decide for yourself who makes the best Chicago style hot dog.
Arnold Gatilao/Flickr There are plenty of hot dog shops to explore. Go!
- See something that blows your mind.
Greg Schechter/Flickr You might start with this cypress bog (Heron Pond), which is home to bald cypress trees that are 20 feet in circumference at the trunk and over 1,000 years old.
- Find a natural spot to swim.
curtis abert/Flickr Sure, pools are fun. But people love to hang out at the spillway at Lake Kinkaid. Depending on rainwater, the pools are very deep and a lot of fun to frolic in.
- Check out a premier Illinois sunset.
Michael/Flickr Great sunsets can be found across Illinois, but we think that the best might be at Garden of the Gods, Shawnee National Forest.
- See animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Lincoln Park Zoo/Facebook Illinois has a number of exceptional zoos to explore. The Lincoln Park Zoo is free and offers awesome animal exhibits.
- Take Fido on a cruise.
Mercury/Facebook Yes, there are cruise services that actually let you bring your dog, like this one that goes down the Chicago River.
- Explore Illinois architecture.
jalbertgagnier/Flickr Many world-famous architects have created masterpieces across Chicago. Pictured here: the Farnsworth House (Plano).
- Head out to Ravinia.
Michael Lehet/Flickr Ravinia is all about wine, fancy picnic baskets, and great music. Get into it.
- Run through the fountains at Millenium Park.
Juan Carlos Martin/Flickr Whether you have kids or not, let your inner kid out and enjoy the water on a hot summer day.
- Dine on a rooftop.
The J. Parker/Facebook Plenty of people will be dining on the patio, but take it up a notch and dine on the roof. Especially if you dine in Chicago, you can get some fantastic (free) views of the city.
- Go to a farmers market.
Gemma Billings/Flickr Enjoy all of the fruits, veggies, and herbs that no one produces like the state of Illinois.
- Stroll around Anderson Japanese Gardens.
Anderson Japanese Gardens/Facebook In Rockford, you can find one of the best authentic Japanese-style gardens in North America.
- Enjoy Illinois’ natural beauty.
Logan Ward/Flickr Whether you’re exploring Illinois’ waterfalls, canyons, or forests, there is plenty to enjoy.
Are you up for the challenge? What’s on your summer bucket list?
Michael Lehet/Flickr
Whether you go to the big leagues or the minor leagues, it’s great to enjoy a beer, popcorn, and great times with friends.
Sean McGill/Flickr
See the animals, eat food on a stick, and try to stomach the craziest rides.
Arnold Gatilao/Flickr
There are plenty of hot dog shops to explore. Go!
Greg Schechter/Flickr
You might start with this cypress bog (Heron Pond), which is home to bald cypress trees that are 20 feet in circumference at the trunk and over 1,000 years old.
curtis abert/Flickr
Sure, pools are fun. But people love to hang out at the spillway at Lake Kinkaid. Depending on rainwater, the pools are very deep and a lot of fun to frolic in.
Michael/Flickr
Great sunsets can be found across Illinois, but we think that the best might be at Garden of the Gods, Shawnee National Forest.
Lincoln Park Zoo/Facebook
Illinois has a number of exceptional zoos to explore. The Lincoln Park Zoo is free and offers awesome animal exhibits.
Mercury/Facebook
Yes, there are cruise services that actually let you bring your dog, like this one that goes down the Chicago River.
jalbertgagnier/Flickr
Many world-famous architects have created masterpieces across Chicago. Pictured here: the Farnsworth House (Plano).
Ravinia is all about wine, fancy picnic baskets, and great music. Get into it.
Juan Carlos Martin/Flickr
Whether you have kids or not, let your inner kid out and enjoy the water on a hot summer day.
The J. Parker/Facebook
Plenty of people will be dining on the patio, but take it up a notch and dine on the roof. Especially if you dine in Chicago, you can get some fantastic (free) views of the city.
Gemma Billings/Flickr
Enjoy all of the fruits, veggies, and herbs that no one produces like the state of Illinois.
Anderson Japanese Gardens/Facebook
In Rockford, you can find one of the best authentic Japanese-style gardens in North America.
Logan Ward/Flickr
Whether you’re exploring Illinois’ waterfalls, canyons, or forests, there is plenty to enjoy.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
