Life, and a visit, in Chicago can get pretty hectic and busy if you let it. Taking the time off to get ouside, get active and have some fun usually take a lot of planning. Never fear, Chicago outdoor adventures can be spontaneous and you can find some adventure right in the heart of the city when you know where to look. Chicago has all the benefits of a beautiful lake, plenty of park space and all types of recreation possibilities ready for anyone willing to take part.
Check out these outdoor adventures which can all be enjoyed without having to leave the city of Chicago.
Bike the Drive
Biking in Chicago has always been a citywide passion, but last year it got even easier with the DIVY public bike ride system being installed all over Chicago. You can swipe a card and pull a bike off the line in a couple minutes, heading out in whatever direction you choose. The Lake Shore Paths run north and south of downtown for just over 18 miles. There are plenty of stops possible along the way, but riding the entire trail is a great day time activity and you can even stop in a nearby neighborhood restaurant to grab lunch before pedaling back.
Sail Lake Michigan
You cannot visit Chicago without having a little adventure out on the water. Kayaking and canoeing on the Lake are a lot of fun and there are rentals available to you, but a day sail out onto the Lake is so much more exhilarating. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a first timer, sailboat rentals are possible and when you hire a captain to go along with, you can do as much or as little as you want.
Chicago Scavenger Hunt
If you want to stay within the downtown area of the city itself and have a little adventure and fun while getting to see more of Chicago, try an urban scavenger hunt. Urban Adventure Quest takes you through much of the city with random clues delivered to your smartphone. If you are in the city with friends, split up into teams and race your way to the finish line.Find Island Life
Okay, so there really isn’t much of a chance to experience island life in Chicago, but if you have heard about the paddleboarding trend that uses surfboards to paddle on instead of riding waves, you are in for a treat. Head to the northernmost part of the city, and just beyond is the town of Skokie. Paddleboarding rentals and classes at the Skokie Lagoons are the best way to learn a new hobby, get outside and get active for several hours. Trying to balance on a paddleboard in the water, while paddling yourself around is a huge workout, but its a lot easier to do in the calm waters of the lagoon.
