Chicagoans head to the parks, golf courses and beaches as often as they can. Runners, cyclists and in-line skaters make use of the extensive trails along the city's lovely shoreline. One popular sport you may encounter that's seldom played outside the Chicago area is 16-in/40-cm softball. Join a pickup game (no glove needed) and you may never go back to the 12-in/30-cm game. Come summer, there's almost always a volleyball game at North Avenue Beach, where you'll also find restaurants and an outdoor workout gym.
Beaches
Chicago boasts 15 mi/24 km of bathing beaches, drawing city dwellers and visitors in flocks each summer. Oak Street Beach is good for sunbathing and people-watching, and North Avenue Beach is good for families, volleyball or an outdoor workout. You can also take a cruise on the lake or on the Chicago River through downtown.
Bicycling
Chicago is an increasingly bike-friendly city, with more than 100 mi/160 km of bike lanes that run along streets. Bike Chicago is an entire summer (May-September) dedicated to cycling activities. There is a nice bike path that runs 18 mi/29 km along the lakefront (the Lakefront Path), but you'll share it with runners, walkers, in-line skaters, etc. It's mostly good for a slow, scenic ride, although in early morning and early evening it moves much faster. You could pick up the North Branch Bicycle Trail on Peterson Avenue at the city's north edge and ride through 20 mi/32 km of Cook County Forest Preserve. If you ride on the streets designated as bike lanes, be aware that you'll be riding through an urban jungle, complete with lumbering CTA buses.
Hiking & Walking
The Lakefront Path, which stretches along Lake Michigan from 71st Avenue to Bryn Mawr Avenue, is the best place for a run, though it can get crowded, and you may have to contend with strong winds. It's especially nice at sunrise. Any major city park is an adequate second choice, with Lincoln Park providing perhaps the best setting.
Ice Skating
The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink at Millennium Park offers public ice skating mid-November to mid-March, weather permitting. Skate rentals available. Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday 10 am-8 pm, Monday, Friday and Sunday 10 am-10 pm. 55 N. Michigan Ave. Phone 312-742-5222. http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.
