Photo from Choose Chicago

With the close of summer fast approaching and kids are gearing up for school again, it is time to plan those last family excursions and leave the summer with fond memories. Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s downtown, The Residences at The St. Regis Chicago is surrounded by a plethora of family fun activities.

Fun Family Outing Activities

For fun family outings in Chicago during the waning days of summer, take advantage of the gorgeous weather with a visit to the Play Garden at Maggie Daley Park. Architecturally inspired by the movie Alice in Wonderland, transport the entire family to a magical place from the backyard of The St. Regis Chicago. 

Take out some bikes for a scenic ride along the Lakefront trail, or even explore the water from the seat of a kayak rental along the Chicago River. You can take a kayak tour with Kayak Chicago and learn about the city’s history and architecture, which looks especially impressive from the river’s vantage point below. For a full outdoor day, head north of the Lakeshore East neighborhood and hang out with some furry families at the Lincoln Park Zoo, right across from the Conservatory to make for a whole day in tune with nature. 

Back to the Lakeshore East neighborhood and adjacent areas, get the learning started up again before school. Explore the Chicago Children’s Museum next door at Navy Pier, where your little ones can play, build, tinker, and paint to their hearts’ content. The Art Institute of Chicago has something for everyone with world-renowned pieces, including the Thorne Miniature Rooms exhibit with art and architecture perfectly sized for a child’s view. 

Don’t forget to stop by the American Girl Place on Michigan Avenue so that the kids can pick out a new friend inspired by an important period in American history to bring along on their museum adventures. A few blocks down from The St. Regis Chicago, one can find an intellectual trifecta at Chicago’s Museum Campus with the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium.

The Millennium Park Summer Film Series is still in full swing through the month of August with feature films on the lawn of Jay Pritzker Pavilion, so close that your popcorn will still be piping hot after the walk over. Movies are shown every Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. until August 29, including hits like Clueless, Top Gun: Maverick, and Everything Everywhere All at Once. Closer to home you can catch some of the smooth, iconic jazz that put Chicago on the map at the Lakeshore East Park’s special Jazz in the Park performance on August 22. While you’re there, make sure to stop by The St. Regis Chicago tent and partake in a family photo-op and postcard writing station.

The Windy City is a global hub for architecture, food, history, culture and more, but many do not realize all the family outing activities and offerings that the city provides. Take advantage of these experiences to make the city your playground and create treasured family memories this summer. 

Want to live in the Lakeshore East neighborhood — an area of the city that provides plenty of opportunities for family fun in Chicago? Visit here for more information about The Residences at The St. Regis Chicago and surrounding Lakeshore East neighborhood.