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Millennium Park
Don't skip the Crown Fountain – it’s such a unique art installation! I thought it was just a fountain, but it's a whole interactive experience. Plus, kids love it!
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Bring some snacks and drinks. The park is beautiful but food prices nearby can be a bit steep. I packed a little picnic and it made for a perfect afternoon.
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I suggest visiting on a weekday if you can swing it. The crowds on weekends can get pretty insane, especially near the Bean. I went on a Tuesday and it was so much less hectic.
Grant Park
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I think the best time to visit is around 10 AM during weekdays. It’s way less crowded, and you can enjoy the beauty of the gardens without dodging throngs of people
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I recommend wearing comfy shoes, especially if you want to explore the entire park on foot. There’s a lot to see, and you don't want sore feet ruining your day.
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I suggest visiting the Art Institute nearby after Grant Park. It’s just a short walk away, and if you’re a fan of art, the admission price is well worth it—just check for any deals online.
Chicago Riverwalk
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My advice is to take the time to just chill by the water. Grab an ice cream and people-watch – it was one of the most relaxing parts of my trip!
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Avoid the crowded lunch hours (around noon) if you're planning to grab a bite. I went around 1 PM and found some nice places with shorter lines and less chaos!
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Check out the boat tours! I kind of skipped it thinking it was just another boat ride, but it was hands down the highlight of my day... Try to catch one around 2 PM for the best sightseeing
Maggie Daily Park
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If you're planning to rent a bike, try to do it early in the day. The afternoon crowd can get crazy and all the good rides will be gone – I learned it the hard way!
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Take a stroll along the waterfront in the afternoon; the views are stunning! Just be prepared for the wind ;)
Maggie Daley Park
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Bring your own snacks and drinks! The concession stands are a bit pricey, and I ended up spending way more than I expected. A little prep goes a long way.
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I recommend checking out the ice skating ribbon in winter. It can get crowded, but if you go on a weekday, the experience is way better and you'll save yourself the hustle!
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I think you should explore the gardens on the east side of the park. They’re a nice little oasis away from the playground chaos and a perfect spot to just chill.
Lincoln Conservatory Park
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i recommend visiting on a weekday to avoid those big crowds that show up on the weekends. it’s way more peaceful!
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Consider visiting during the spring if you can. The flowers are insane! I went in summer and while it was still pretty, I felt I missed the best part.
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If you're into plants check out the special exhibits before 2 PM on Sundays - they're often less busy and really worth seeing I think.
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You can save some time by downloading the park map beforehand. I didn’t do this and ended up wandering a bit!
Jackson Park
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My advice is to wear comfy shoes. The park is huge with a lot of walking paths. I regretted it when my feet started hurting after exploring all the beautiful areas.
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I recommend visiting early in the morning, around 8 AM, to enjoy the quiet pathways and really soak in the beautiful landscapes. Trust me, it’s way less crowded and perfect for photos!
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If you're into gardens, don’t miss the Japanese Garden. It’s absolutely stunning and free to enter! Just be sure to check for any special events, as they might affect access.
Burnham Park
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Pro tip: don't miss the skyline views near the pavilion at sunset. It’s absolutely magical but gets crowded, so get there by 6 PM to claim your spot.
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I recommend taking a stroll or renting a bike to explore the trails—it's way more fun than sitting around! Just be careful around some busy areas, I almost got run over!
Ping Thom Memorial Park
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My advice is to pack a picnic! There are some lovely spots to chill and the food options around aren’t the cheapest. Plus, you can save some cash!
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I suggest going on a weekday if you can. It was much quieter and I felt I could really enjoy the scenery without crowds. I went on Saturday and it was buzzing!
Oz Park
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I think there's a neat little pond with ducks that’s worth seeing, but the best views are at sunset. I got some stunning photos when I went around 6 PM.
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My advice is to visit on weekdays. The park gets super busy on weekends, and you'll have to deal with crowds. I had a great time when I went on a Tuesday!
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I suggest bringing a picnic! There are some nice spots to chill and enjoy your food. I packed snacks and found a lovely spot under a tree; it was perfect!