Take Advantage of Summer’s Last Days With These Socially Distant Activities

Summer looks a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean it’s void of fun. As we enter the home stretch of the season, there are still plenty of things to do while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Here’s what we’re planning for the remainder of summer in Chicagoland:

Catch Some Live Entertainment

Movie theaters and concert venues may be closed, but you can still get out of the house to catch your favorite films or musical acts. In the northwest suburbs, the McHenry Outdoor Theater has been showing films since the ‘50s and has perfected the drive-in movie experience. The theater shows a mix of cult classics, longtime staples, and the occasional concert special.

ChiTown Movies is the new kid on the block hosting weekly movie nights at its drive-in, located in Pilsen. While you watch, the team will bring popcorn, tacos, frozen mangos, and more to your car. Likewise, the Davis Theater pop-up at Lincoln Yards is a great spot to catch a movie or Blackhawks game, and has popcorn, candy, and other concessions available for purchase to make your viewing experience even more authentic.

Meanwhile, CHI-Together at Soldier Field hosts a multi-screen entertainment experience at Soldier Field that features live music, singalongs, movie nights, and themed evenings. Over by the Adler Planetarium, drive-in concerts and comedy shows are brought to the lakefront by Lakeshore Drive-in.

For more outdoor viewing options, visit check out Choose Chicago’s rundown.

DIY Movie Night

If drive-in movies don’t fit into your schedule, you can always set up your own movie night at home by facing a projector toward a blank wall in or outside your home. Grab some cozy blankets and pillows, pop some popcorn, and add in some movie theater candy, and you’ve got your very own cinema in the comfort of your living room or backyard.

Cast a Line

Calling all anglers! From the harbors of Lake Michigan to the lagoons, Chicago has a wealth of fishing opportunities. Drop a line in the Chicago River or Lake Michigan if you’re on the hunt for Carp, Catfish, Largemouth or Smallmouth Bass, White Perch, and more.

For a full list of where to fish and what you’ll find swimming beneath the surface, check out the Chicago Park District’s guide.

Hit the Shore

You may not be able to go to your local pool this summer, but there are plenty of beaches around Chicagoland where you can catch some rays, jump in the water, and enjoy the warm weather.

Montrose Beach in Uptown has reopened since its initial COVID-19 closure. Visitors have access to the beach and Lake Michigan Water Trail, where they can go kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.

North Shore beach-goers can head to Rosewood Beach, a beautiful retreat in Highland Park. It’s one of the only public beaches in the area that has stayed open throughout the pandemic, and it’s accessible to residents and non-residents with a seasonal pass. Just a few miles south in Evanston, Lighthouse Beach and Lee Street Beach are open for use with day passes.

Work Out Without a Workout

Earlier this summer, we shared 10 local studios that are helping people stay active while they practice social distancing. And while we love to break a sweat with our favorite instructors, finding the motivation to work out isn’t always, well, easy.

Rather than forcing a 30-plus-minute training session, try walking, running, or biking on The 606, which recently reopened for use. Running through Wicker Park, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Logan Square, The 606 is undoubtedly one of the best places to exercise outside in the city. The trail spans 2.7 miles and has public art installations and landscaping to view on your adventure. Just be sure to wear a mask, practice social distancing guidelines, and “keep it moving” (per the Chicago Park District).

If tennis is more your speed, you will be happy to know that most public tennis courts have reopened in Chicago. Play a set or two of singles or doubles at Jonquil Park in Lincoln Park, Union Park in West Loop, or one of the many outdoor courts maintained by the park district.