Compiled by Ashmar Mandou
Relaxing days along the beach. Active family vacations in exciting new towns. Or enjoying an afternoon in the Windy City, it’s not too late to squeeze in one last hurrah with a Labor Day weekend getaway or fun activities. If you are yearning for a bit of fun this weekend, we’ve rounded up a list of ideas and places to help you plan an unforgettable time.
Catch an Outdoor Movie
Take a blanket and some snacks, then head to one of these neighborhood parks for an outdoor movie screening. All movie-goers must wear masks and there’s a 100-person capacity, so get there early! Visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com for more information.
Relax at the Forest Preserve
Grab your tennis shoes or hop on a bike and head over to one of the many forest preserves in the city for an afternoon respite to clear your mind and enjoy all that nature has to offer. To check out a forest preserve near you, visit www.fpdcc.com.
Walk the Lakefront Trail
Enjoy the wonderful Lakefront Trail, which stretches over 20 miles along Lake Michigan, offering ample space for walking, biking, running and rollerblading.
Explore Navy Pier
It’s one of the city’s most popular attractions for a reason. Navy Pier has plenty of events and activities for locals and visitors alike, from free outdoor concerts to the world’s largest rooftop bar. Set sail on one of Chicago’s famous boat cruises
Bloomington-Normal, Illinois
For theater-lovers, summertime means outdoor Shakespeare. But in downstate Illinois, that takes on a fresh new form. Want improv Shakespeare? Sing-along Shakespeare? Or just a performance of his classics? Starting in June, and running through mid-August, the Illinois Shakespeare Festival in Bloomington-Normal reveals its ode to the Bard. Other draws to the area: Bloomington’s restored 1800s buildings house farm-to-table restaurants, shops and live-music venues. Inside the three-story courthouse, a museum highlights the area’s historical treasures.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Visit Milwaukee, on the western shore of Lake Michigan for a weekend of beer and culture. The city is known for its many breweries, as well as its museums and breathtaking architecture. Labor Day weekend is also fun because it’s the annual Milwaukee Rally, when hundreds of Harley-Davidson owners ride in for a weekend of music, rides, and food.
Traverse City, Michigan
When you pack your bags for this Lake Michigan harbor town, include your sense of adventure. Lively experiences –wine-country tours by bike, pub crawls by water, and summer camp for grown-ups –color escapes. Spend a day in the sun at one of the city’s six public sandy spots. Popular Clinch Park sits downtown. Also downtown: amazing eats. Stone arches shelter diners enjoying traditional Italian cuisine at Trattoria Stella inside The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.
