5+ (non-crowded) Activities on the North Shore
Chicago is a heavy tourist area at all times of the year. Even though I live under 45 minutes away from the city, we don’t make trips down that often. When we do, it is either because we are seeing a show, going to one of the museums, or we have guests in town who want to see the city.
Over the years, we have found a lot of less-traffic alternatives. We absolutely love the North Shore of Chicago, and there is so much to do and see!
Shopping!
For shopping, there are lots of malls and cute city squares to walk around. A favorite for many is the Old Orchard Mall. There are a ton of stores in this outdoor mall and even some restaurants, such as The Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack, California Pizza Kitchen, Auntie Anne’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Potbelly, and more! Just a few weeks ago, I got all of my new business attire from both Banana Republic and Nordstrom at this mall.
It is a great place to walk around, get those steps in, and enjoy time outdoors while still getting in some shopping. There is plenty for the whole family and stores for all ages! My youngest sister got some awesome athletic gear on our last trip!
The Gardens!
Another great way to get your steps in is going to the Chicago Botanic Gardens. There are so many amazing flowers, plants, and even some architecture from all over the world. The entire area is pedestrian/wheelchair/strollers, so it is very easy for the whole family to get around. Some families will bring food/snacks and blankets to put down on certain areas of the lawn (where that is allowed) and have a small picnic. If you don’t want to bring your own food, you can get food from inside the welcome center. This is also a great spot to get gifts for all the gardeners in your life!
My favorite spot at the Botanic Gardens is the Rose Garden. Somehow they manage to have gorgeous roses in bloom all summer long. When I was younger, we would always go to the Model Railroad Garden, which even had Thomas the Tank Engine and all his friends! It is a must-see with young children.
Music!
Keeping on the theme of being outside, there is a great entertainment venue in Highland Park! All summer long, Ravinia hosts concerts, artists, musicians, full orchestras, and others from all over the world.
Many summers ago, I went with my mom to see Sir James Galway perform on flute for solos and duets with his wife. I also got to see Sugarland perform there 2 summers in a row. You can sit under the awning in the pavilion, which is in view of the stage, or you can sit on the lawn with a picnic and listen to the music from there!
I remember wanting to go when they had an orchestra play all of the music for one of my favorite movies in the Harry Potter franchise. One of these days, I am going to see a performance like that because there is nothing that can beat amazing live music.
The Beach!
Something that can be found along the entirety of the North Shore is the Beach! Most, if not all, towns/cities along Lake Michigan have a beach. Some are reserved for the residents in that town and guests of those residents, but there are plenty of beaches for visitors to the North Shore to enjoy.
Even by this past Memorial Day, people are already heading down to check out the beaches and starting to tan, and there are kids playing in the sand or splashing water at each other. On top of that, there are sailing camps starting at some of the beaches as the kids in town get out of school for the summer.
There are also some summer camps that come down to the beach during the week for the kids to play. And even some of the beaches are dog friendly, so you could swim with your furry companion!
Food!
The other big thing that I recommend checking out on the North Shore would be all the great restaurants and even some chain restaurants/fast-food spots. My family really enjoys both The Lantern in Lake Forest and Tacos El Norte in Highwood. There are a few other Tacos El Norte locations in the Chicago area, but Highwood is by far our favorite.
The restaurant/fast food location that I miss most when I go to college (which is common for most Chicago-native college students) is Portillo’s. My dad and I love going to the Vernon Hills location to see the car that hangs from the ceiling inside. Many locations will have something similar to that. It is definitely a must-visit when I am home for a weekend or during a school break.
If you are visiting the Chicago area, trying deep-dish pizza is 100% top of the list. Every time I have friends or family in town that is one of the first things that I get them acquainted with. There are so many good pizza places in the area too! Lou Malnati’s is a classic, but nothing beats Giordano’s. Yes, the cheese is under the sauce.
There is so much to do and see in the Chicago area, and you don’t even need to go into the city for some of the best parts! Take the train, eat some deep-dish pizza, walk along the beach, enjoy the greenery, and get a souvenir to bring back! Enjoy your trip to the North Shore!