Want to get exercise while soaking in beautiful views? There’s no better way to build some upper body strength and enjoy the Chicago River than by renting a kayak and paddling on the various branches of the waterway. You can get a kayak in Avondale or along the Chicago Riverwalk—and there's even a dock at Montrose Harbor if you want to get out on the lake. Don't worry if you're a first-timer, because a quick lesson is all the stands between you and an afternoon of paddling.
Winter is brutal around here, but hey—that makes summer in Chicago all the more sweet, right? And while we love sipping drinks at rooftop bars or dining alfresco at outdoor restaurants, finding ways to enjoy nature and our city's beautiful green spaces is just as important. You'll find plenty of things to do outside within city limits, whether you want to hop on a bike and explore a neighborhood, have a picnic in a park or paddle down the Chicago River. If you're willing to (briefly) leave Chicago, you can also find beautiful trails to hike and epic ziplines to ride. You'll have time for things to do indoors all year, but when the sun is out and the days are longer, it's time to get outside, and here's how we recommend you do it.
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