Enjoy the Outdoors in Chicago's "Front Yard"

The park's 319 acres of grass, flowers, fountains and trees frame the city skyline when you approach from Lake Michigan. Plan a day—or several days—and explore all the things to do in Grant Park. You'll discover outdoor recreation whatever time of year you visit, as well as world-class museums, music and art that truly make Chicago a city for every season.

Springtime in the Park

Grant Park awakens from its winter slumber with vibrant tulips and fountains as early as April. This is when Buckingham Fountain, the centerpiece of the park, begins its hourly 20-minute water shows. One of the world's largest fountains, it comes alive after dark with lights and music. Head to Lurie Garden in Millennium Park to see bluebells, crocus, daffodils and other early flowers bursting into bloom.

The Lazy Days of Summer

Kids will love splashing in the reflecting pool at the base of Crown Fountain. The 50-foot-high attraction comes alive with the projected faces of citizens gushing water from their mouths. Cool off at the 12th Street Beach in the park's southeast corner or enjoy Grant Park events that include free classical music beneath the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at the Grant Park Music Festival. The shows run for 10 weeks during the summer, and the park abounds with art, dance, music and film festivals throughout the summer season.

Autumn Colors

Head to Grant Park to see a vivid display of foliage during autumn in Chicago. Look for yellow leaves on elms, red and orange on maple trees, and purple hawthorns. Daytime temperatures in the 60s make this an ideal time to challenge yourself by climbing the wall at Maggie Daley Park in the park's northeast zone. Or head to the southwest part of the park to roller blade, skateboard or ride BMX bikes. This 57-acre area has ramps, ledges, rails and other challenges for every skill level.

Winter Chill

Bundle up and tackle the serpentine skating ribbon in Maggie Daley Park in winter. One lap around the winding strip takes you twice as far as you'd go on an ordinary ice rink, and you'll find places to stop for hot cocoa along the way. If the weather outside is too frightful, head to the museum campus and dip into one of the park's three world-class museums: Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum of Natural History.

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