Friday marks the first official day of summer. It may not feel like summer in the city yet (because it just isn’t summer without packing into a sweaty “L” car filled with tourists), but it’s time to take a break from work and enjoy life in the city. Take your mind off that upcoming project at work and take a break once in a while.
Lucky for you, Chicago is filled with all kinds of classes and events to take your mind off of the stressful work week.
Try one of these Doejo staff-approved sessions:
Millennium Park Workouts
When: Now-Sept. 7, starting at 7 a.m
Where: Millennium Park
Why: If you’re an early bird, start your day off the right way with a little exercise. These free classes (ironically supported by McDonald’s) give you time to reflect and enjoy the fresh air and green grass of Millennium Park. Choose your pace of exercise from relaxing yoga (at 8 a.m.) to Zumba (at 10 a.m.). If these aren’t quite your style, try Tai Chi (at 7 a.m.) or Pilates (at 9 a.m.). Some classes even have live music.
Click here for more information.
Rooftop yoga at Hotel Lincoln
When: Wednesdays, 7-8 a.m.
Where: 13th floor, Hotel Lincoln, 1816 N. Clark St.
Why: If waking up early on a Saturday just isn’t going to happen for you, try a weekday session before work. Mentally prepare for your day with yoga on the Hotel Lincoln rooftop as an Equinox instructor offers his or her guidance. Look out over Lake Michigan or the skyline to take a break and start your day off on a peaceful note at this Lincoln Park luxe hotel.
For more information, click here.
Chicago SummerDance
When: June 27-Sept. 15
Where: Grant Park Spirit of Music Garden
Why: Put on your dancing shoes, grab a partner and head over to Grant Park. Dance the night away with dance lessons in Two-Step, Ballroom, Swing and many others. (Or just grab a beer and people watch while listening to the live music.)
Click here to learn more about SummerDance.
First-Time Screenprinting on Paper
When: Now-July 28
Where: Lillstreet Art Center, 4401 N. Ravenswood
Why: Get in tune with your creative side at Lillstreet Art Center. Turn one of your own designs into a poster for your wall or a card for a friend. Plus, the class is only five weeks long and you can work on your projects during the open studio hours.
View the class schedule here.
Adult Rock Climb
When: Starting June 22-Nov. 19
Where: Chicago Athletic Clubs
Why: Like to live life on the edge? Try the Beginning Adult Rock Climb class at the Chicago Athletic Club (one of our clients and neighbors) where you’ll learn basic climbing techniques, as well as belaying and rope skills. The Lincoln Park Athletic Club has an outdoor wall too to try your hand (and feet) at!
Click here for more information.
Sushi Workshop
Where: The Chopping Block
When: July 6, 8, 28 (Lincoln Square) or July 5, 19, 27 (Merchandise Mart)
Why: Make your own sushi with help from a chef. You’ll be rolling maki in no time.
For the full July calendar, click here.
Other activities…
Go to a festival
Why: Almost every neighborhood in Chicago has its own festival, so why wouldn’t you take advantage of it and enjoy free music and delicious carnival food. Whether it’s Taste of Chicago or the Renegade Craft Fair, don’t miss these chances to explore your city.
Click here for the full festival list.
Plant a Garden
Why: Get your hands dirty and gain the satisfaction of harvesting and eating your own produce. If you want to get back in tune with Mother Nature, use this community garden map to find a garden near you.
Pick up an instrument
Where: The Old Town School of Folk Music
Why: The Old Town School of Folk Music has plenty of classes on just about any folk instrument you can think of. They even have classes that help you master the music of Johnny Cash or The Muppets.
Stop by their site to check it out.
Sonar Program (Adult Sailing lessons)
Where: The Chicago Yacht Club
Why: Hit the lake and join one of the Chicago Yacht Club’s Sonar Programs. Members and non-members can both take the class and gain Basic Keelboat Certification or learn how to race.
Click here to learn more about the program.
*Photos from cityofchicago.org and google.com