Back in Action

The Forge in Lemont has an eight-tower high ropes course, as well as ziplining and other activities.

Outdoors

The Forge offers high ropes courses, trails, special events this summer

The 300-acre Forge includes climbing towers, kayaking and trails for biking, hiking and running.

By Nichole Shaw

Part of the appeal of fishing around Chicago is the ambiance of the skyline as a backdrop, such as this scene from July 2020 on the first trip back on the lake during the pandemic.

Outdoors

Top 10 fishing spots in the Chicago area

From Montrose Harbor to Shabbona Lake, there’s no shortage of top fishing spots in and around the city.

By Dale Bowman

People enjoy their time at the beach with their dogs at the Montrose Dog Beach located next to Montrose Beach.

Outdoors

The dog days aren’t over

Chicago residents are taking their dogs adopted during the pandemic out on the town as restrictions ease.

By Nina Molina

People rent swan paddle boats in the Humboldt Park Lagoon on the West Side, Tuesday afternoon, July 27, 2021.

Entertainment and Culture

Pedal your way across the water

Whether you call them pedal boats or paddle boats, they can be a relaxing outing on the water.

By Sam Heller

People jog, cycle and rollerblade along The 606 trail near North Damen Avenue in the Bucktown neighborhood.

Outdoors

Chicago area offers plenty of places to get back out into nature

A byproduct of the pandemic was residents’ renewed connection to nature. Check out these Chicago-area spots for your outdoor fix.

By Nina Molina

A Simply Social Sports adult kickball playoff game at Jonquil Park on Tuesday, July 27, 2021.

Outdoors

Adult sports leagues offer safe outdoor options to socialize

Groups including Chicago Sports and Social Club, Players Sport & Social Group and Simply Social Sports are seeing more participants, as young adults look to mingle while playing volleyball, kickball and softball this summer.

By Nichole Shaw

Yannis Tsarouchis, “Alexandras Square in Piraeus,” 1962, pigments mixed with animal glue on canvas, is featured in the first U.S. retrospective of the artist’s work, at Wrightwood 659.

Entertainment and Culture

Chicago-area museums welcoming back patrons with an array of exhibits

Here’s a look at some of the exhibits waiting to be discovered (or rediscovered) by you, your friends, your family.

By Mary Houlihan - For the Sun-Times

Music

Darius Rucker traverses pop, country music with dynamic hits

Rucker headlines the Windy City Smokeout on July 9.

By Selena Fragassi - For the Sun-Times

Kevin Theis stars as Prospero in Oak Park Festival Theatre’s production of “The Tempest.”

Theater

Pandemic is prologue for Oak Park Festival Theatre’s timely ‘Tempest’

‘I think we got the right show’ for the time, director says of the outdoor production.

By Tricia Despres | For the Sun-Times

The limestone-faced Chicago Cultural Center building at 78 E. Washington was designed by the Boston architectural firm of Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge, and completed in 1897.

Entertainment and Culture

Chicago Cultural Center reopens amid restoration of G.A.R. hall, rotunda

A visit to the cultural gem is a must for Chicagoans and tourists alike.

By Kyle MacMillan - For the Sun-Times

Get out there!

The Chicago-area festival season is back with a vengeance

By John Silver

Family fun

Plenty to see and do at Chicago-area zoos, Chicago Botanic Garden, Morton Arboretum

By Evan F. Moore

BET Hip Hop Awards 2018 - Arrivals Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET

Honoring dads with songs, laughter

Twista, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony headline ‘Father’s Day’ festival

By Evan F. Moore

Your Table Awaits

With summer on our doorsteps, it’s time to enjoy the area’s many al fresco dining options

By Evan F. Moore and Mary Houlihan Staff Reporter

Time for a splash

Water parks reopen just as Memorial Day weekend ushers in unofficial start to summer

By Zinya Salfiti