Summer is just around the corner, and that means that things are just starting to pick up in the Windy City.
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 colour, 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, and famed sports history (amongst much more), 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 BATL Axe Throwing.
1) EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF AXE THROWING AT BATL CHICAGO
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 18 locations across North America, and is the premier axe throwing destination in the world. We’re the best at what we do, so it’s no surprise that BATL is the authority when it comes to axe throwing.
Just live every other venue across North America, BATL Chicago offers many ways to get involved with the sport of axe throwing. On top of our world-famous weekly axe throwing leagues, we also offer weekly public walk-in axe throwing sessions (no reservations required) and private event bookings for groups of 2 and up – perfectly suited for adult birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate team building events, or a summer outing with friends. Make sure to plan a trip to BATL Axe Throwing the next time you visit Chicago!
2) TAKE IN LIVE MUSIC ACROSS CHICAGO
Chicago might be synonymous with blues and jazz, but you can find the music of all genres all around town. Indulge in one of the many music festivals that take place in the summer, from the more casual affairs like the Do Division Street Festivaland the Chicago Blues Festival in Millennium Park, to the more raucous affairs like Lollapalooza in Grant Park or Pitchfork Music Festival in Union Park. If you’re looking for something more laid back, try checking out live music venue Silvie’s Lounge or Fuller’s Pub in the Irving Park area.
3) EXPLORE THE NAVY PIER
Chicago’s Navy Pier is a bustling 1.5 mile-long boardwalk that is sure to please people of all ages. Attracting well over 8 million visitors per year, Navy Pier is lined with restaurants such as Bubba Gump, Billy Goat’s Tavern and Capi’s Italian Kitchen and studded with small shops selling everything from apparel to toys to Chicago souvenirs. If shopping isn’t your idea of a good time, not to worry: Navy Pier is also home to a large arcade, mini-golf, and plenty of amusement park-style rides.
4) EXPERIENCE CHICAGO’S FAMOUS WRIGLEY FIELD
The Chicago Cubs are already one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball (MLB), and coming fresh off a 2016 World Series victory 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 take in a White Sox game as 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.
5) TASTE THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Chicago is known across the world as a major foodie destination – which makes eating throughout the city a delight for all visitors. It may be a highly contested topic in the world of Italian food, but a Chicago-style deep dish pizza still remains a must-try. For the authentic taste, check out Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria on North Avondale Avenue in the Irving Park area. While you’re in Irving Park indulge in another Chicago classic – the Italian beef sandwich. Roma’s Italian Beef Sausage on North Cicero Avenue is an area staple.
No matter where your interest lie, Chicago has something for everyone. Make sure axe throwing at the BATL Axe Throwing (BATL Chicago) is on your list this summer, and enjoy everything Chicago has to offer!
