Shakespeare in the parks and other outdoor theater in Chicago

Summer in Chicago can leave one resistant to holing up in a dark theater—after a long, icy winter, we want to be at hitting the beaches or rocking the numerous summer music festivals—to enjoy being outside while we can. Luckily, outdoor theater ranks among the best things to do in the summer in Chicago and its suburbs. The season brings with it plenty of opportunities to take in a play under the sun or the stars. There's plenty of family-friendly outdoor theater to choose from this summer, including plenty of Shakespeare and some more contemporary performance too.

(Some shows that roam to multiple Chicago Park District facilities may alternate indoor and outdoor presentations, and many outdoor shows might have alternate indoor locations as weather permits; check the websites or call ahead before you lug camp chairs and blankets.)