1. Visit
The Medici on 57th street in the Hyde Park neighborhood for Garbage Pizza and a chance to write your name on the booth.
2. Are you free on a Tuesday night? Go to the free
Chicago Outdoor Film Festival (between July 15 and August 26).
3. Ride your bikes along Lake Shore Drive.
Bike Chicago has great routes.
4. Do you need a reason to yell "Opa!" at any given moment? Attend the 3-day festival called
"Taste of Greece" with children's games, live Greek music, and plenty of delicious Greek food.
5. Visit the great Chicago Public Library that also has some artwork to peruse. Check out some books at one of the
Chicago Public Library locations. A favorite of mine is the Harold Washington Public Library.
6. Speaking of books, browse some of the best books at some great literary events. Most especially, the
Printer's Row Book Fair.
7. Take the kids to
Chinatown and be sure to visit local groceries for fun. Visit the
Chinatown Summer Fair.
8.
Planet Esme is the best in children's book exploration, but wait! It's not really a store. It's an experience.
9. Try the mixed cheese and caramel popcorn from
Garrett's Popcorn. But be ready to stand in line. The smells will keep the kiddies quiet while you wait.
10. The
Air & Water Show is always thrilling. If you can watch from a high-rise building it's even BETTER. Grab a hot dog from
Portillos and do it up Chicago-style.