>> REPORTED by Ruth Tomuta, Lincoln Park
ROAD TRIPS
Six Flags Great America
Location: 542 N. Route 21, Gurnee
Distance: 42 miles (one hour) from downtown Chicago
Admission: $34.99 online, $54.99
general admission, $69.99 season pass
Web: sixflags.com/greatamerica
There’s no better way to beat the summer heat than by feeling the wind in your hair as you ride the Raging Bull, then heading over to Hurricane Harbor to hit up a few water rides. Six Flags always makes for a good time, especially when you’re with a group of friends. Buy a Flash Pass ($26.99 and up) to maximize your riding time, and take plenty of money for food and drinks if you plan to stay all day. Going on Great America’s water rides, such as Logger’s Run, River Rocker and Roaring Rapids can do wonders when it comes to keeping you cool between coaster rides.
Milwaukee, Wis.
Distance: 90 miles (1.75 hours) from downtown Chicago
Web: visitmilwaukee.org
Head past Six Flags, cross the state border and discover Chicago’s neighboring metropolis. Milwaukee is teeming with museums, shops, parks, festivals and restaurants that can satisfy anyone’s interests. Take a tour of the city or use the Web to find plenty of sites and events that suit you. Summer also is a great time to head to Miller Park to catch a Brewers game. Though the Cubs won’t be playing there again until September, the White Sox head there for an interleague matchup June 12-14.
Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
Distance: 195 miles (3.5 hours) from downtown Chicago
Admission: Noah’s Ark, $34.99; Kalahari, $34
Web: wisdells.com
Though it’s a bit of a drive, Wisconsin Dells is the ultimate destination for water parks. According to its Web site, Noah’s Ark is the country’s largest water park. And don’t miss Kalahari Waterpark, home of a roller coaster water slide and a huge wave pool. America’s largest indoor water park has several outdoor features as well. Wisconsin Dells has plenty of hotels and resorts—a great resource if you’re traveling with an adult and planning to stay for several days.
Indiana Dunes State Park
Location: 1600 N 25 E, Chesterton, Ind.
Distance: 47 miles (one hour) from downtown Chicago
Web: duneland.com
The beaches of Indiana Dunes are a great place to relax away from home. The park is an amazing place to take in beachside nature. Swim in the water, take a walk along the shore, head down a hiking or biking trail, or just become absorbed in the beautiful scenery. Outside the park, the surrounding Chesterton-Valparaiso area has lots of museums and theaters, including a drive-in movie theater. If you’re looking to see a different side of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes may make you forget you’re so close to home.
Cedar Point Amusement Park
Location: One Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio
Distance: 295 miles (5 hours) from downtown Chicago
Admission: $43.99
Web: cedarpoint.com
If you don’t mind spending a bit more time on the road, drive straight through Indiana and make your way to the self-proclaimed “roller coaster capital of the world,” about 60 miles west of Cleveland. Located in Sandusky, Ohio, Cedar Point features an amazing collection of thrill rides, including the Iron Dragon, an outer-track ride where passengers swing from side to side as they ride. There’s the Top Thrill Dragster and Magnum XL-200—both formerly the tallest and fastest coasters in the world—and Millennium Force, a coaster as popular as it is tall. Right next to the park is Soak City, a water park of similarly epic proportions.
>> Compiled by Michael Kenny, Whitney Young
SPORTS
Speed Training for Endurance Runners
Date: June 9
Training location: Lake Shore Park Track (Chicago Avenue and Lake Shore Drive).
Admission: Contact Chicago Endurance Sports for rates (866-237-7861 or info@chicagoendurancesports.com)
Web: chicagoendurancesports.com
Like to run? Learn everything from the mechanics of quickness and speed to striding correctly, then apply those skills for effective fast-pace running at long distances. Registration is limited to the first 75 people. This program lasts for about 18 weeks.
Learn to Ride Cycling Clinics
Dates: May 31, June 7 and June 14, 10 a.m.-noon
Location: Foster Avenue Beach House at Lake Shore Drive and
Foster Avenue
Admission: $75 for all three sessions; $29 per session
Contact: info@chicagoendurancesports.com or 866-237-7861
Web: chicagoendurancesports.com
This series of Sunday sessions is designed to teach the fundamentals of cycling, from fitness shaping to learning how fix a flat tire. Explore Chicago and discover cycling routes. All you need is your own bicycle.
Ben Gordon Camp
Dates: June 15-19, 1-4 p.m.
Location: Bulls/White Sox Training Academy,
6200 River Bend Drive, Lisle
Admission: $400 per player (ages 12-17)
Web: bullssoxacademy.com
During this new five-day camp, you will train with the professionals who helped make Bulls guard Ben Gordon the player he is today. Learn the essentials and get the same training that Gordon went through, ranging from ball-handling to 3-point shooting.
Rock ’n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon
Date: Aug. 2
Time: 6:30-10 a.m.
Admission: $85 per person
Location: The race starts on Columbus Drive south of Congress Parkway and finishes in Grant Park. The course is still being finalized.
Web: rnrchicago.com
Do you have what it takes to complete a half-marathon? It’s 13.1 miles of nonstop competition against others of all ages. This race, which is new to Chicago this year, will take you on flat land throughout downtown Chicago and the lakefront before finishing in Grant Park. There’s live music from local bands along the way and a concert at the finish line. Registration is $85 and spots are expected to sell out. Register now, compete later and brag the next day about taking part in this unique half-marathon.
2009 Chicago Beach Soccer Tournament
Dates: July 25-26, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location: Montrose Harbor
Admission: Free for spectators. Teams must register early for a fee.
Web: chicagobeachsoccer.com
Sit under the sun watching or playing beach soccer. But for this game, you only need your bare feet. Visit one of the few remaining sand dunes in Chicago and participate in a beach soccer clinic. If that doesn’t convince you, then you should know that you also can buy food and drinks from Mexican restaurant Los Comales.
Nike 6.0 BMX Open
Dates: June 26-27. Gates open at 1 p.m. on June 26 and at 11 a.m. on June 27
Location: Grant Park, next to Taste of Chicago
Admission: $15 for reserved tickets; $50 for Action Zone tickets (providing premium seating, athlete meet-and-greet and behind the scenes tour)
Web: allisports.com
This summer’s Dew Tour, which travels the country showcasing action sports, is making its debut in the Windy City. The event features some of the globe’s top BMX athletes. There will be open qualifier competitions and BMX competitions taking place all weekend. There’s also a free concert on June 26.
>> Compiled by Erik Zuniga, Curie
CONCERTS/FESTIVALS
B96 Pepsi Summer Bash
Date: June 13
Location: Toyota Park
Admission: $27-$122
Web: b96hits.com
The B96 Summer Bash is one of Chicago’s most popular music festivals featuring hip-hop, rap and more. This year’s lineup includes the Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Clarkson, Akon, Flo Rida, Cascada, LMFAO, Asher Roth and Kid Cudi.
SummerDance
Dates: June 11-Aug. 23
Location: Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park
Admission: Free
Contact: 312-742-4007
Web: chicagosummerdance.org,
chicagofestivals.net
In its 13th year, SummerDance teaches Chicagoans to dance. Dance on a 4,600-square-foot, open-air dance floor as 42 live bands play latin, big band, funk—all types of music. Before every dance session, you can brush up on your skills during lessons led by pro instructors. The full schedule is available on chicagofestivals.net.
Lollapalooza
Dates: Aug. 7-9
Location: Grant Park
Admission: $190 for an advance three-day pass with prices subject to change
Web: lollapalooza.com
Lollapalooza has become a big event in Chicago. This year’s acts includes Snoop Dog, The Killers, Los Campesinos, Ra Ra Riot and many more. Victor Valencia, a Lincoln Park junior who went last year, said, “It was a night/day full of fun and enjoyment. I think only Superman could have participated in all the activities there. I would definitely want to go again.”
Chicago’s Outdoor Film Festival
Date: Tuesdays from July 14-Aug. 24
Location: Grant Park’s Butler Field (Lake Shore Drive and Monroe Drive)
Admission: Free
Web: explorechicago.org
Classic outdoor movies and picnics are almost here for the summer. With Chicago’s luminous skyline as the backdrop and noted films (“Sunset Boulevard,” “Born Yesterday,” “Psycho” and others) being shown, it’s a fun and romantic place to be on a hot summer night.
Taste of Chicago
Date: June 26-July 5
Location: Grant Park (Jackson Boulevard and Columbus Drive)
Admission: It’s free, but you must pay for food tickets. Twelve tickets cost $8.
Web: tasteofchicago.us
Come hungry to this celebration in Grant Park. There will be plenty of entertainment (Counting Crows, Mitchel Musso and local bands,) and food from over 70 restaurants will be available for purchase. Find your true-food-love at this event.
Jay Z with Ciara
Date: July 7, 8 p.m.
Location: Charter One Pavilion, 1300 South Linn White Drive
Admission: $49-$129
Web: Get tickets at livenation.com
Jay Z’s been rap royalty for years, and now you have the chance to see the Grammy-winner along with Ciara, whose released her new album “Fantasy Ride” this month.
>> Compiled by Ruth Tomuta, Lincoln Park
EVERYTHING ELSE
Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship Exhibition
Dates: Through Oct. 25
Location: The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
Admission: $20 for students with ID
You’ll explore more than 200 artifacts recovered from the wreck of the Whydah—the first fully authenticated pirate ship to be discovered in U.S.
AFSP Out of the Darkness Overnight
Date: June 27-28. The walk will begin roughly around
7 p.m. and end around 5 a.m.
Location: Soldier Field
Admission: Students are eligible for a special $35 rate. Call 888-843-6837 to register and receive the discount.
The Overnight is a national walk that starts at dusk and ends at dawn. Participants will be walking up to 18 miles for suicide prevention. Proceeds go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Chicago Riverwalk
Location: South bank of the Chicago River from Lake Shore Drive to Franklin Street
Admission: Free
The Riverwalk is a relaxing place where you can enjoy views of some of Chicago’s skyscrapers and watch the boats. It also features cafes, water taxis, cruises and more.
Jersey Boys
Dates: Open ended (call 312-977-1700)
Location: Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St.
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Jersey Boys is the stage play about Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, blue-collar boys who became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time.
Oak Street Beach
Location: 1000 N. Lake Shore Drive
Admission: Free
Just north of the Magnificent Mile, Oak Street Beach is one of Chicago’s most popular spots. Visit Oak Street Beachstro for a cool drink or a quick burger.
>> Compiled by Renata Mietus, John Hancock
