Shopping:

Urban Outfitters Surplus

Where: 2352 N. Clark St, Lincoln Park

Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Urban Outfitters Surplus isn’t like any other Urban Outfitters–Surplus consists of marked down retail prices. Most of the items there range from $5-$20, and it’s very uncommon to find anything over $20. All of these items are Urban Outfitters merchandise just at a lower price. If you still think $5 is too much for a top, don’t miss out on Black Sunday where everything is an extra 50% off!

Buffalo Exchange

Where: 1478 N. Milwaukee Ave, Wicker Park

Hours: Monday-Sunday 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Even though I have never been to this store before, I know their reputation is pristine. They have 31 other locations on the West Coast. This is a second hand store, but they are a high-end second-hand store with very cheap prices! Buying isn’t the only thing this store offers. If you have a bag of clothes just sitting in your closet, take them here where they will sift through and pick out the great pieces you once owned, in exchange for some cash.

Pitaya

Where: 1463 N. Milwaukee Ave, Wicker Park

Hours: Monday-Friday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Pitaya is a high school girl’s dream. From sassy colorful jeans to all the statement piece necklaces, there is no way you leave the store empty handed. Pitaya has a great selection but with that comes a premium price-tag. Their jeans is the one item that can get get pretty expensive, so I suggest you try to sale rack and you might just get lucky!

Museums:

Shedd Aquarium

Where: 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr, Chicago

Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (June 13-August 23)

Price: $8 general admission. This excludes Wild Reef, Abbott Oceanarium, Polar Play Zone, Amphibians special exhibit, and any aquatic show tickets.

It would be very strange if you were in high school and you haven’t been to the Shedd Aquarium yet. For those of you who obviously didn’t have a childhood, you might as well add it to your list of things to do over the summer. This giant place can be compared to an underwater playground.  Whether you are watching the tanks of glowing jellyfish float around or getting splashed by water at the dolphin show, this place allows you to be a kid again. This summer they are opening a special exhibit: the Amphibians. They are featuring over 40 different species of frogs and you can’t forget about those salamanders.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Where: 2001 N. Clark St, Chicago

Hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Lions, tigers, and bears — oh my! Lincoln Park Zoo is centered in a great location. With the zoo being somewhat small, you move through quickly with enough time to venture out with other day activities. Urban Outfitters Surplus is only 10 minutes away. Also, the zoo is surrounded by great parks to eat lunch and talk, with a view beautiful Lake Michigan!

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Where: 2430 N. Cannon Dr, Chicago

Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Price: $7 general admission

If you are babysitting over the summer and have no idea what to do with the kids, take a train ride to Chicago and go to the nature museum. This fun loving kid-friendly place has all the hands-on interactive activities they need. You can see the bees make honey or going into the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven to see all 1,000, 75 different species flying around and even landing on your shoulder. Although, this place will be crawling with kids, if you are into photography, this would be a great place for some cool pictures.

Concerts:

Wicker Park Fest

When: July 25th and July 26th

Time: Noon-10 p.m.

Where: Milwaukee Ave, Wicker Park

This lively environment  music festival is a great way to end your summer! You won’t be bored! Once you’re done listening to the headliners, find a nice curb to sit on to eat your chicken and green pepper shishkabob, while you watch all the different personalities walk by. The music festival is only $5, and all the profits go to a non-profit organization. Go check out the cute hippie retail vendors, and buy yourself a nice flower crown.

Logan Square Arts Festival

When: June 28-30

Time: 5 p.m. -11 p.m., Noon-10 p.m., Noon-10 p.m.

Where: Milwaukee Ave

Just like Wicker Park Fest, it has delicious food vendors, retail set-ups, and fantastic prices! It’s in the same location as the Wicker Park Fest.. The only difference is this festival only has two stages instead of three. The bands that play are small and not very well known, but they play awesome music!

PIQNIQ

When: June 6

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Where: Tinley Park, Chicago

Cage the Elephant, The Offspring, Bleachers, Catfish and Bottlemen, and many more are starting off this summer with a bang! Hosted by 101WKQX, all these bands will be playing at First Midwest Bank Amphitheater.