Slap on some sunblock and grab your umbrellas—it’s beach season, Chicago! Well, okay, it’s technically beach season, though the weather might not agree with Chicago Park District's scheduling. Chicago’s beautiful lakefront beaches officially open for the season today.
Lifeguards are on duty at all Chicago beaches from 11am to 7pm Monday through Friday, from today until Labor Day. But just because it’s legal to swim in Lake Michigan this weekend doesn’t mean you should. CBS Chicago reported the lake is still “dangerously cold” to swim in, at only about 55 degrees.
So yeah, this is more “grab a book and sit in the sand fully clothed” kind of beach weather, rather than actual beach weather. But hey, Summertime Chi is a state of mind, and Memorial Day weekend kicks off the best time of year. Beaches, street fests, fireworks and jorts are in our immediate future.
If you're sticking around the city for Memorial Day weekend and don't want to brave the beaches quite yet, check out our suggestions for the best things to do over Memorial Day weekend in Chicago.
Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.