It’s no secret that Chicago temperatures can heat up the area. However, you don’t have to miss out on Chicago events and Chicago attractions just because the temperatures are rising. There are plenty of ways to have some fun in the sun in the windy city. Check out these hot-weather Chicago activities to fully appreciate what the city has to offer.

Attend a Music Festival

Why not rock out with the sun shining down? You can do just that with one of these Chicago events. The city is home to the Square Roots Festival each July in Lincoln Square. Enjoy the sights and sounds of folk singers, rootsy rock bands and even country artists at this annual Chicago festival. And, you can’t miss out on Lollapalooza that is held in Grant Park the first weekend of August each year. This Chicago festival brings well-known acts such as Twenty-One Pilots, Ariana Grande and more to forefront.

Watch Movies Under the Stars

The great thing about Chicago in the summer is that you get a break from the heat in the evenings. And, another great thing is that when looking for fun things to do in Chicago, you have the option to watch movies under the stars. Every Tuesday beginning in June until August, Millennium Park hosts its Summer Film Series at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Bring lawn chairs, snacks, blankets and drinks to spread out on the lawn and watch the featured movie each week on the 40-foot screen.

Dine on the Rooftop

After attending a Chicago festival or a long walk along Lake Michigan, treat yourself and your taste buds to an exquisite dining experience. Several Chicago restaurants offer rooftop dining so you can see the city’s skylights. If you want to remain downtown, head over to Cindy’s on top of the Chicago Athletic Association for rooftop dining. Cerise inside the Virgin Hotel is also a well-known rooftop dining establishment, offering live music and DJ services so you can dine and dance.

Make a Splash at the Beach

Chicago’s beaches become a hotspot when the weather is warm. Make a splash with your choice of several beaches right along Lake Michigan. Spread out your towel and lather on some sunscreen when lounging at the 12^th Street Beach or head over to the 57^th Street or 63^rd Street Beaches. Calumet Beach is also a popular place to bask in the sun.

Cool Off in a City Pool

If you want to avoid sand, you have plenty of options with these hot-weather activities in Chicago. Several Chicago hotels and establishments offer indoor and outdoor swimming. Head over to The Robey to enjoy the rooftop pool complete with an on-site Tiki bar. You can also scope out any of the 50 outdoor pools sponsored by the Chicago Park District. When the sun is shining, you can find plenty of opportunities to find fun things to do in Chicago without breaking a sweat.

Summers in Chicago bring scorching temperatures, but that doesn’t mean you can enjoy the Chicago attractions that are outdoors. Make a splash, attend a Chicago festival or dine in style on rooftop bars and Chicago restaurants. Check back often for even more summer Chicago activities.

Chicago attractions are plentiful at any time of the year, but if you want to bask in the sun, enjoy the scenery and save some cash, you have plenty of options in August. From street festivals to city parks and more, see what things to do in Chicago interest you the most with this list.

1) Grant Park Music Festival

Through mid-August, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of some of the best musical acts in the Windy City. The Grand Park Music Festival features the sweet sounds of orchestras and symphonies all at an expansive outdoor venue right in the heart of the city at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. And, the best part is that free seating is available for all concerts.

2) Hot Dog Fest

Set your sights and your appetite on a unique Chicago festival offered each year in mid-August when attending the Hot Dog Fest. This Chicago-style picnic is free to the public and features games for the little ones, hot dog samples for everyone and live entertainment. The Hot Dog Fest is held Lincoln Park at Stockton & LaSalle each year, typically the second weekend in August.

3) Chicago Air and Water Show

You won’t want to miss out on this free event! The Chicago Air and Water Show, typically held the second weekend in August each year takes place on the North Avenue Beach with a free show along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street. See the U.S. Navy Blue Angels fly above and water acts right on Lake Michigan. Just bring your towels and watch from the water or the beach.

4) Chicago Jazz Festival

Tap your toes and sing along to the soothing sounds of jazz with a stop in at the Chicago Jazz Festival each year in late August. Held at both the Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park, this free event features spotlight performances from the greatest jazz artists from Chicago. Open daily until 11 p.m., this weekend festival is complemented by jazz performances in local clubs across Chicagoland.

5) Northalsted Market Days

Located on Halsted and Roscoe, the Northalsted Market Days take over the streets. This two-day festival in mid-August each year includes musical acts, street fashion, beverages and junk food you’ll love. Sample chocolate-dipped bananas and corn dogs as you walk through the free festival to see vendors and family-fun activities.

Whether you are new to the Chicago area or planning a vacation in August, there is plenty to do that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Check out these Chicago attractions and Chicago festivals perfect for all ages. Check back often for even more fun things to do in Chicago.

Parks are known for their natural beauty and serenity, but Chicago parks takes this beauty to another level. The downtown area is home to lush greenery and blooming plants throughout the year that showcase just how much Chicago residents love the great outdoors. If you’re not sure where to start on your next park adventure, start with this guide of Chicago’s Best Parks in the Downtown area.

Millennium Park

As one of the best known parks in downtown Chicago, Millennium Park is home to the Crown Fountain and the famous “Bean.” This large metallic bean is perfect for photos as you can see your reflection in the historic structure. In addition, Millennium Park features large water walls for splashing around when the summer sun is beating down and a play garden with a 40-foot climbing wall.

Maggie Daley Park

Also a popular attraction, Maggie Daley Park is adjacent to Millennium Park and includes trails for the active tourists and benches for those who just want to take in the beauty of the city. There is also plenty for the kids with colorful jungle gyms, playgrounds and even an ice skating rink in the winter. Don’t forget to head into the Enchanted Forest portion of the park for a special treat when enjoying the 20 acres this Chicago park has to offer.

Grant Park

If you’re looking for lakefront views and 319 acres to explore, right along Lake Michigan, then head over to Grant Park. This Chicago park is home to the Field Museum, the Art Institute, the Adler Planetarium and the Shedd Aquarium. You’ll have plenty to do in any season at Grant Park. Take a walk along the trails, skip some rocks into the lake or catch a show at the planetarium with this park that is fit for all ages.

Lake Shore East Park

Head a little bit east of downtown and you’ll find yourself at Lake Shore East Park. This quaint Chicago attraction features a beautiful rose garden, playgrounds and an interactive water fountain for the kids and trees and fountains along the trails.

When looking for things to do in Chicago, choose nature. Chicago parks are plentiful and beautiful, giving you a chance to appreciate the blooming plants and flowers while getting in some exercise on the trails. Check back often for even more Chicago parks to explore.

It doesn’t matter if you’re turning 20 or 70, a birthday calls for a celebration. Downtown Chicago is the place to be when you’re looking to turn another year older in style. Whether you want a thrilling adventure or a laid-back dinner and drink, consider these Chicago things to do for the most epic birthday celebration.

Get Competitive at WhirlyBall

If you’re looking to stay active on your birthday and enjoy some food and drinks, then WhirlyBall, located on West Webster Avenue is the perfect spot for your celebration. This expansive venue offers American-style grub, brews on tap and the best part – laser tag. Let your competitive side take over on your birthday in Chicago with a game of WhirlyBall on bumper cars or a strike on the bowling alley lanes.

Take a Dip in the Lake

When you’re lucky enough to have a birthday in Chicago during the summer months, opt for some fun in the sun. The plentiful beaches, that include North Avenue Beach, Ohio Street Beach, Fullerton Beach and more, give you a chance to build sandcastles, float on a raft, grab a bite to eat at the food shacks or just lounge around with friends and family.

Opt for a Pin-Up Photo Shoot

Why not document this birthday with a themed photo shoot by Vavoom Pinups? Choose from photo shoots, such as the 80s experience, the birthday kitten, pinup parties and furry friends. Bring along your family, that special someone or even your canine companion to celebrate in style with a new wardrobe, a new look and a new photo collection.

Sing Your Heart Out

Do you find yourself singing in the shower or belting out songs on your commute? Then, celebrate your birthday with karaoke at LowCountry. Offering two locations – one on North Clark Street and one on South Wabash Ave – this venue is perfect for birthday celebrations. Dine on fresh seafood and delectable desserts in the adjoining restaurant and then head to the bar area for a night of belting out your favorite tunes.

Toss an Axe Around

If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate your birthday and test your strength, then try out axe throwing. Bad Axe Throwing features specials for birthday parties and large groups. Try tossing a large or small axe at your target and ring in your birthday with a day or night to remember.

A birthday celebration should be something special, which is why finding things to do in Chicago that are fun and adventurous is crucial. Take advantage of these Chicago activities before or after blowing out those birthday candles. Check back often for even more birthday Chicago activities.

Although Chicago is dubbed the Windy City, those breezes can be quite warm during the summer months. With temperatures, topped with humidity, reaching the triple digits, staying cool is a top priority. However, you don’t have to limit targeting outdoor Chicago attractions. Have some fun in the sun while cooling down with wet and wild Chicago activities.

Paddle Board on the Lake

Feel the warm breeze as the water soaks you while on board a paddle board. One of the most prominent Chicago summer activities is to get wet and wild on Lake Michigan. Contact one of the premier paddle board rental agencies in the city, such as Chicago Water Sport Rentals at 31st Street Harbor and Wateriders — Chicago River Kayak Tours and Rentals

Sign Up for a Food Cruise

Stay cool during the Chicago summer while right on the water. Chicago attractions include food cruises that combine fun in the sun with air-conditioned facilities. Wendella Tours and Cruises offers a variety of themed boat rides that offer food, fun and beverages when the summer heat is too much. Opt for a food cruise, the fireworks cruise or even the famous Chicago Architecture river cruise.

Scuba Dive in the Windy City

Find underwater adventures, sea creatures and the thrill of a lifetime when booking a scuba dive excursion in Chicago. Stay cool while feeling free with a guided scuba dive through Windy City Charter or Underwater Safaris. The guided tours offer instructional workshops and mentors to help you along the way as you’re trying to stay cool in Chicago.

Make a Splash at Turtle Splash Water Park

Slightly west of downtown Chicago, you and the kids can wade in the water, make a splash on the slides and soak up the sun while cooling down at Turtle Splash Water Park. This interactive play place for all ages includes a giant wading pool, space for swimming laps, a kid’s playground and more.

Tour the Many Museums

Chicago is home to some of the most exquisite museums and when the weather is overly warm, you can escape the heat, gain a little culture and absorb the indoor air-conditioning. Stop in at the Chicago History Museum to brush up on the city’s past or stop in at the Art Institute of Chicago to analyze the oil paintings and abstract art. The Museum of Science and Industry is also a great way to stay cool and treat the kids to interactive activities during the summer heat.

You don’t have to remain indoors or stick to just exploring the fine museums of Chicago when the summer temps rise. Instead, get outside, active and stay cool with these Chicago attractions designed for those hot, muggy days. Check back often for even more Summer Chicago activities.