Into the Great Wide Open: Discover Openlands Lakeshore Preserve

After months indoors, the pandemic has made many of us profoundly more appreciative of outdoor spaces. As fall rolls in and you continue to look for ways to spend time outside before the icy chill of Chicago winter strikes, check out some of the breathtaking natural spaces protected by Openlands.  Founded in 1963, Openlands is […]

Outward Bound: The Best Places to Hike Near Chicago

As fall’s spectacular colors roll in, now’s the perfect time to lace up those hiking boots and explore the great outdoors. If you’re like most of us, you are well and truly tired of staying at home. But, you also recognize that it’s just not safe to do all of your favorite urban activities. Enter […]

9 Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors in Chicago

After being stuck inside all winter (and, let’s face it, most of spring), are you ready to enjoy the great outdoors? We know we are! Whether you are a self-proclaimed survivalist looking for a backwoods adventure or a city slicker wanting to reconnect with nature, here are nine ways to take advantage of the summer […]

Making Summer Last: Enhancing Outdoor Living

With the polar vortex still fresh in our collective memories, we’re creating beautiful outdoor spaces that will help us hang on to the fleeting days of summer as the fall chill sets in. “We love sitting outside on cool nights with our blankets and enjoying the fire on our patio,” says Highland Park resident Julie […]

2011 Holiday Go Guide

Is your house home base for the family over the holidays? We’ve got the goods on where to go—for everyone in your family:   Arts & Music For kids of all ages: Try Dr. Suess & The Art of Invention at the Museum of Science and Industry. 40-somethings will enjoy the trip back in time […]

Not into Sports Camp? Don’t Sweat it!

Kids relish their summer vacation, so finding the right summer camp is hugely important, especially for working parents who require all-day options.   Fortunately, living within a few miles of one of the largest cities in the country has its advantages, especially if your kid has the creative bug or likes nontraditional outdoor activities. AIC […]

From Suburbs to City—Go Canoeing

The time to celebrate outdoors is here, and the northern suburbs offer an amazing opportunity to explore nature and escape from city in a canoe or a kayak.   Here are some places where you can float your own boat or rent a craft to paddle for an hour or a day. Watch the turtles […]