With the hectic school year behind them, summer gives students the chance to plan their days outside and off their screens. These three daylong adventures near Chicago are fun ways to spend some time enjoying the summer.
Six Flags Great America
Six Flags Great America is a popular option for anyone who loves roller coasters, thrill rides and spending the day outdoors with friends. Located in north suburban Gurnee, the park is about a 1hr drive from Hyde Park on I-94 and has something for everyone, from intense rides to live entertainment and food spots throughout the park. Tickets are around $45 online, although prices can reach about $90 at the gate, so planning ahead can help save money.
This summer is an especially exciting time to visit because Six Flags is celebrating its 50th anniversary from June 20 through Aug. 9. The celebration includes extended hours until 10 p.m., a new nighttime parade, a drone show and exclusive anniversary merchandise. Whether you go for the roller coasters or just to spend time with friends, it’s an exciting way to make the most of summer break.
— Audrey Yin
Navy Pier
From the iconic Centennial Wheel to a new rollerskating rink, Navy Pier is a century-old Chicago staple for anyone who doesn’t want to leave the city. Located in Streeterville, the pier is an 18-minute drive or about an hourlong train trip from Hyde Park. This summer, rollerskate to disco and ’90s music hits with the new Summer Skate starting June 18. Tickets can be reserved online for $20.38 with fees. Watch a free fireworks show every Wednesday at 9 p.m. and Saturday at 10 p.m., including Independence Day. See Brokeback Mountain at the Shakespeare Theater until June 28, try rides like the Flyover, play some mini-golf and more. Entrance to the park is free, but access to rides and events can range from $6-20. A complete access pass is $49.
— Reed Francez
The Indiana Dunes
The Indiana Dunes National Park features over 50 miles of trails and spans over 16,000 acres of intriguing landscapes and beautiful biodiversity. The Dunes are a 45- to 65-minute drive from Hyde Park. The South Shore Line (SSL) commuter train from Millennium Park Station (or 57th Street Station in Hyde Park) to Dune Park Station is a cheaper option that costs $9 to $10 each way and takes about an hour. The national park’s standard entrance pass costs $25 per vehicle and covers entry for up to a week. Individuals over age 16 entering without a car pay $15.
The Dunes is especially a great place to visit this summer due to the combination of hikes across sand dunes and prairies, including an updated version of its Centennial Challenge, established last year to celebrate the Dunes’ 100-year anniversary. The fascinating wildlife of over 350 recorded bird species and the opportunity to relax by the Lake Michigan beaches let people enjoy this experience to the fullest.
— Husain Asif
