Chart your healthy summer

Sygne Stole

As the temperature rises, Chicagoans have various options to stay active while enjoying health-conscious dining across the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. From light exercises, like yoga and pickleball, to more intense sports, like tennis and biking, each level offers a blend of physical activity and culinary options to enhance your summer experience.

Use the chart to plan your summer days, whether you’re interested in leisurely strolls through the South Loop or engaging in strenuous activities near Millennium Park. It serves both beginners and those seeking more challenging adventures, providing new opportunities for you to prioritize your health.

Each activity is paired with nearby fitness and dining recommendations, combining activity and healthy eating.

Level 1

Level 1 contains low-intensity exercise and some health-focused food options. Located in the South Loop and River North, this level is recommended for individuals interested in exploring new restaurants and sightseeing.

This itinerary begins in the South Loop near the Museum Campus Metro station. If you plan on biking the longer distances, bring a bike or get a Divvy. Otherwise, take whatever transportation is best for you.

To prepare: Make reservation for kayak rental, bring pickleball equipment, money for restaurants/transportation

Light yoga: Ekhart Yoga (YouTube) in your house
Breakfast: Yolk South Loop, 1120 S. Michigan Ave.
Recommended drinks: Grapefruit juice, whole milk
Recommended food: Avocado toast, steel cut oats
Walk or bike .6 miles to the next location.
Pickleball: Grant Park Pickleball Courts, 1000 S. Columbus Dr.
Walk or bike 0.7 mi to the next location.
Lunch: Shang Noodle & Asian Small Plates 1101 S. Wabash Ave.
Recommended drinks: Unsweetened ice tea, juice
Recommended food: Sichuan fish casserole, house special chow-mein
Bike or drive 2.1 miles to the next location.
Kayaking: Wateriders Chicago River Kayak Tours and Rentals, 500 N. Kingsbury St., (reservations required)

Level 2

Level 2 contains moderate exercise and some health-focused food options. Located in Cabrini-Green and Streeterville, this level is recommended for individuals who are new to health food and enjoy playing sports.

This itinerary begins in the Near North Side by Washington Square Park. For longer distances, you might want to bring your bike or get a Divvy. Bus or ride share may also be options..

To prepare: Bring basketball, equipment for beach sports (football, beach ball), money for restaurants/transportation

Power Yoga: SarahBethYoga (YouTube) in your house
Breakfast: Deep Purpl Açaí Bowls, 810 N. Clark St.
Recommendations smoothies: Deep yellow, strawberry banana
Walk or bike 0.6 mi to the next location.
Basketball: Durso Basketball Courts, Durso Parks 421 W. Locust St.
Walk or bike 0.3 miles to the next location.
Lunch: The Cafeteria Food Hall, 840 N. Orleans St.
Recommended drinks: Just Beet it Juice, Mango Madness smoothie
Recommended food items: Vegetable delight, orange sherry chicken salad
Bike or drive 2 miles to the next location.
Afternoon at the beach: Ohio Street Beach, 600 N. DuSable Lake Shore Dr.
Recommended sports: Volleyball, football, ultimate Frisbee, soccer

Level 3

Level 3 contains strenuous exercise and health-focused food options. Located near Millennium Park and New Eastside, this level is recommended for individuals who enjoy health food and frequent intense cardio.

This itinerary begins at Millennium Park. Bring a bike to Millennium Park or get a Divvy because it will be needed for the biking trail. To get to Millenium Park, take whatever transportation is best for you.

To prepare: Bring bike, tennis rackets and balls, money for restaurants