Summer is in full swing, and that means that the Windy City is bustling with loads of options for visitors and residents alike. Like most of the Midwest, the City of Chicago isn’t exactly known for its warm winter weather, so as soon as spring hits and the sun starts to stay out later, the whole city explodes with vibrant color, people, festivals, and fun. Whether you’re taking in a ball game at U.S. Cellular or Wrigley Field, checking out The Bean at Millennium Park, riding the rides at Navy Pier, or shopping on the Avenue of the Americas, Chicago offers a little bit for everybody.

Situated in Illinois and on Lake Michigan, Chicago is among the largest cities in the U.S. Known for its bold architecture, museums, food, famed sports history, and seedy history Chicago is a must-see city for anyone looking to spend some time away from home this summer. With so many activities to do in and around the metropolitan Chicago area during the summer, you might find it hard to narrow it down to just a few, which is why we’ve put together a list of the top things to do this summer in Chicago, including axe throwing at the Backyard Axe Throwing League Chicago.

Plan A Trip To BATL Chicago & Experience Axe Throwing

While a trip to an indoor axe throwing range might not seem like your classic summer activity, there are bound to be some days that the weather doesn’t cooperate and a trip indoors is your only option. A visit to BATL, The Backyard Axe Throwing League is sure to keep you and your friends entertained and leave a lasting impression.

Just north-west of the popular Bucktown and Logan Square areas is where you’ll find BATL Chicago. In the area of Old Irving Park, and just blocks away from Irving Park Station on the MTA Blue Line, the Backyard Axe Throwing League in Chicago has been bringing the sport of urban axe throwing to the Windy City since 2017. The Backyard Axe Throwing League started back in 2006 in Toronto when founder Matt Wilson got together with some friends and pioneered the sport of urban axe throwing as the world knows it – in a backyard in downtown Toronto. Fast forward to 2018, the Backyard Axe Throwing League has 15 locations across North America and is the premier axe throwing destination in the world. The Backyard Axe Throwing League pioneered the sport of urban axe throwing back in 2006, so it’s no surprise that we’re the best at what we do.

Each of our 15 locations across North America offers many ways to get involved with axe throwing. Our private event group bookings are offered for groups of 2 and up and are perfectly suited for any occasion – adult birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate team building, or just a summer outing with friends. Private event bookings include one on one coaching from our expert staff, followed by a round robin tournament and playoff. If you’re looking to get involved in our sport with less commitment, BATL also offers weekly public walk-in sessions with no advance booking required; just show up and hone your skill! BATL Chicago is now fully licensed with a bar and kitchen serving a selection of local beers, wine and cider as well as a delicious food menu in partnership with Chicago’s Pizza, Culver’s and Tata’s Tacos – meaning you can focus on axe throwing, and leave the rest to us.

If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, try joining an axe throwing league. BATL Chicago’s axe throwing leagues run for 8 weeks, completely under the guidance of our resident axe gurus. Each season consists of round-robin style tournament play, where you’ll throw 28 games against other people in the league, culminating in a top 16 double elimination playoff on week 8. Our leagues are suitable for people of all skill levels, with staff on hand at all times ready to give you tips and tricks to make sure that you’re hitting the bullseye. League play falls under the National Axe Throwing Federation (NATF) umbrella, the worlds foremost governing body of the sport of axe throwing (of which BATL is a founding member). Being part of the NATF also gives you access to the most advanced statistic tracking in the sport of urban axe throwing.

Take In A Music Festival in Chicago

When it gets warm enough to spend entire days outdoors, there’s never a dull weekend in Chicago (a.k.a. the unofficial capital of summer music festivals). Whether you want to join the hordes at Lollapalooza or Pitchfork Festival or stroll through a quiet neighborhood street festival, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy live tunes this season. Make sure to pack some sunblock, stay hydrated and hit the streets (or the best Chicago parks) to find a summer music festival for you and your friends.

Head To The Beach On Chicago’s Beaches

Chicago is blessed with miles and miles of sandy lakefront beaches. Build a sandcastle empire at Foster Beach, cool off at trendy Shore Club at North Avenue Beach, or simply enjoy the view and catch a beach volleyball game at Oak Street Beach. If you’re a bit of a thrill-seeker you can rent a jet ski, kayak, paddle board, or fly board at Chicago Water Sport Rentals at 31st Street Harbor.

Visit Wrigley Field & Catch A Game

The Chicago Cubs are already one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball (MLB), and coming off a 2016 World Series victory with their sights aimed at another – a ticket at Wrigley Field is a hot commodity these days. Situated in Wrigleyville, Wrigley Field is the second-oldest baseball stadium in the major leagues and a must-see stop on any trip to Chicago. After the game, the streets of Wrigleyville are packed with fans enjoying a walk down the street or stopping in at one of the many bars in the area. If Chicago’s Northside isn’t your thing, head on down to the Southside and takes in a White Sox game at U.S. Cellular Field. Situated just south of The Loop and Chinatown, be sure to grab a hot dog while you’re there – just make sure you don’t ask for any ketchup.

No matter where your interests lie, Chicago has something for everyone. Make sure axe throwing at BATL Chicago is on your list this summer, and enjoy everything Chicago has to offer!