Labor Day signals the official end of summer. The pools and beaches may be closed for the season and summer camps are only a distant memory, but summer isn’t quite over yet! There is still plenty of time to enjoy many outdoor activities in the Chicago area. With August’s hot and humid days behind us, now is the perfect time to soak up summer’s last few glorious moments. Here are a few late summer activities the whole family will enjoy.
Visit the Zoo. Late summer or early fall is the perfect time to visit one of our fabulous local zoos. The summer heat and crowds are gone, meaning no waits at the carousel. Brookfield, Lincoln Park and Cosley zoos all have terrific kid-friendly programming through the early fall. Make one last visit to your furry and feathered friends before the cold weather arrives.
Play in the Park. Whether you plan an excursion to your local park or venture to the wide open spaces at Lincoln Park or Millennium Park, catch some rays in one of the city’s beautiful green spaces. Pack a picnic. Fly a kite. Bring the Frisbee. Have a race. Lie on a blanket and look up at the stars. Spend a leisurely family day together.
The Great Outdoors. Have you been to the Chicago Botanic Gardens in Glencoe this season? What about the Morton Arboretum in Lisle? Both of these popular destinations have exhibits and programs you don’t want to miss.
Stock up at the Farmer’s Market. Because harvest time goes well through October for many fruits and vegetables, farmer’s markets are still full of the season’s best offerings. Visit your local farmer’s market with the kids and note how July’s blueberries and tomatoes have given way to September’s apples and squash.
The warm weather is still here—but not for long. Make your last-minute outdoor plans and move fast because that first snowfall will be here before you know it.
