5 ways to enjoy summer in Chicago with the CAC

Home News Happening @CAC 5 ways to enjoy summer in Chicago with the CAC

Summer has finally arrived and with it comes warmer weather, longer days—and a whole host of fun and exciting activities and programs at the Chicago Architecture Center!

By Emily Koval

Check out new tours, explore different neighborhoods, visit the exhibits, enjoy education programs and rediscover old favorites, like the river cruise. These are just a few of our offerings—be sure to visit the website again in June, July and August for the most up-to-date information!

1. GET OUTSIDE AND ENJOY THE RIVER

The Chicago Riverwalk is undergoing some major changes. New landscaping, seating, play areas and walkways are all coming to the city’s “second shoreline.” See the changes firsthand with the CAC! Explore the linear park on the Riverwalk West tour or learn about the River’s past and plans for the future during a Riverwalk Talk.

The Riverwalk isn’t the only thing undergoing a major transformation this summer. Explore new developments along the river like Vista Tower and Wolf Point East on the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. Tours depart multiple times daily across the street from the CAC.

2. CELEBRATE YEAR OF CHICAGO THEATRE

The City of Chicago and the League of Chicago Theatres have designated 2019 as the Year of Chicago Theatre. The buildings that house Chicago’s top productions are works of art on their own, with stories as fascinating as those told on their stages and screens. Explore some of the city’s architecturally significant theaters and learn about Chicago’s role in famous movies on two exciting tours:

  • RAZZLE DAZZLE: LOOP THEATER DISTRICT—See the exteriors and lobbies of several historic and modern theaters in the recently revitalized Loop theater district. Hear Chicago’s storied history of theater and movies while learning about this unique form of architecture. Book now.
  • LIGHTS, CAMERA, ARCHITECTURE!—Chicago’s unique architecture has co-starred in movies with Ferris Bueller, Batman and the Blues Brothers, among other famous big screen characters. See some of the buildings featured in these films and more! You'll learn why movies are filmed here and how the city's economy has benefited from the industry. Book now.

3. EXPLORE A NEW NEIGHBORHOOD

Downtown Chicago is filled with beautiful architecture, but the city beyond offers more than picturesque skylines. With more than 25 neighborhood tours, the CAC gives you plenty of opportunities to explore new areas of the city that you may have never seen before. Escape the hustle and bustle of downtown on one of the CAC’s recently refreshed neighborhoods tours—explore enclaves like Uptown, Ukrainian Village, the Sheffield Historic District and many more.

4. TAKE A BUS TOUR

School may be out for the summer, but you can still hop on a bus! Explore everything from parks and neighborhoods to university campuses and churches on one of the CAC’s many bus tours. Bus tours are a great way to see all of the city’s vast architecture in record time! Check out exciting tours like:

  • ARCHITECTURAL HIGHLIGHTS BY BUS—Covers 30 miles in 3.5 hours through the Loop, Gold Coast, Hyde Park and other areas of the South Side. Book now.
  • FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT BY BUS—This 4-hour tour takes you to Oak Park for a one-hour interior tour of Wright’s home and studio, a walk through Unity Temple and a walking tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District. Book now.
  • DISCOVER CHICAGO’S HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOODS—Perfect when you have family or friends in town, this tour with Big Bus Chicago explores Greektown, Little Italy, Pilsen, Chinatown and Bronzeville in 1.5 hours. Book now.

5. BUILD AND DESIGN WITH YOUR FAMILY

This summer, discover family-friendly programs for all ages at the Center! Join us for creative, hands-on activities that encourage problem solving and help kids understand the world around them. Be sure to check out the CAC's newest feature: the Mobile Architecture Lab. You'll find it in the exhibit galleries every Friday-Sunday from 11am-3pm. Kids of all ages are invited to take part in the lab activities, which change each month. Here are a few other education program highlights:

  • FAMILY BUILD—Design and build with your family on Sunday mornings in the studio, where themed stations will introduce you to architecture basics. Great for ages 3+.
  • READ + BUILD—Spend time with your young children (ages 3-6) listening to a new story and creating an art project on the first Wednesday of the month. Siblings up to age 8 will enjoy this program too.
  • LEGO® BUILD—During this 3-hour workshop, families learn about a Chicago building, go on a mini walking tour, then solve a design challenge using LEGO®. Great for ages 8+.