Although summers are often valued as a long awaited time for relaxation, sleep, and Netflix, it should also be a time of adventure, fun, and memories. Chicago provides many opportunities for this; whether it’s a crazy week of Lollapalooza or a quiet day at North Avenue Beach, it’s easy to find something to love.

Because there is so much to do, below is a top ten musts of a Chicago summer include:

10.) Air and Water Show: (August 19-20th)

This is an exciting excuse to take a day trip downtown with your friends. It is a day full of watching the planes fly overhead and getting a good tan on the beach. The only downside is that since this is one of Chicago’s best, and largest free event this summer, it may be hard to find a spot on the beach or in the water, but isn’t that part of the excitement?

9.) Divvy Bike around: (all summer)

The Chicago Divvy bikes are everywhere throughout the Chicagoland area. This simple suggestion for the summer can bring you to some unique and exciting places. It is $10 for a month membership of unlimited rides plus an additional $1.5o for every ride over a half hour, so instead of hopping on the el, jumping in a taxi, or calling an Uber, just grab a Divvy bike and explore Chicago.

8.) Go to the beach: (all summer)

The simple action of going swimming at North Avenue or playing beach volleyball at Oak Street can often make a summer memorable. Hanging out with friends, getting a tan, and making memories are all anyone can wish for the summer, and that’s what you’ll get out of going to the beach.

7.) Windy City Smokeout: (July 14-16)

For all you Country Music fans, this is the festival for you. It is 3 days of barbecuing and singing along to country music, what could be better than that? The price. A three-day pass to hear artists like Jake Owen, Lee Brice, Eli Young Band, Kip Moore, and dozens of others is only $110.

6.) Lollapalooza: (August 3-6)

Personally, I think that Lollapalooza is a little overrated; however, I understand the appeal as it is an amazing music festival. It’s a great time filled with music, dancing, and a lot of fun. The lineup this year is amazing with Chance, the Killers, Lorde, Vance Joy, DJ Snake and over a hundred more. It is sure to be an unforgettable four days of excitement for those lucky enough to get tickets.

5.) Taste of Chicago: (July 5th- 9th)

Another famous attraction of a Chicago summer, and definitely the most delicious, is the Taste of Chicago. It is a week of delectable food from all over the country. So get your stretchy pants on, eat those extra desserts and go for it girls. #ReginaGirlsEat

4.) Ravinia: (June 10th- September 17th)

Although Ravinia is a little outside of Chicago, it offers concerts nearly every day of the summer, all for relatively cheap prices. As high school students, it is often hard to see singers and bands like John Legend, One Republic, Darius Rucker, and many more without spending a fortune. Ravinia and its open lawn seating provide the perfect way to see concerts live without stressing over ticket prices.

3.) Millennium Park Summer Film Series: (June 15th- September 5th)

Every Tuesday in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, the city will be hosting a free movie, open to the public. So grab your friends, family, some popcorn, and a picnic blanket and head down to Millennium Park for yet another unforgettable night in Chicago.

2.) Cubs Game:  (all summer)

The World Series Champions also known as our Chicago Cubs will be playing at Wrigley all summer long. So go, sit in the bleachers with your friends, and watch Bryant, Rizzo, and Zobrist do their thing, and hey, maybe you’ll even catch a home run ball in the process.

1.) Kayak the Chicago River: (all summer)

This is something that is truly unique to Chicago. Many different companies offer kayak rentals near the Riverwalk. So, if it’s arm day but you feel like having a little fun with it, head to the Chicago River, paddle down it, soak in the sun, and enjoy the views.

These are all simple suggestions that could make your summer one of the best ones yet. I know I plan on trying all of these out and I hope you will as well!