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Aboard Lakeshore Sail Charters' Crescendo

Parks & Recreation

Classes & Activities

The Dance Center of Columbia College Dance companies from around the world perform here, but the three-floor facility also offers nonstudents the chance to enroll in courses alongside full-time undergraduates. Though availability has decreased over time as the program has grown, classes in modern dance, tap, and ballet still have openings. They range in difficulty from beginner-level to advanced and start at $12 a class.  1306 S. Michigan, 312-344-8300. —Paul Schrodt

Enso Now in its sixth year, Enso (from the Zen expression for “circle”) is a martial arts studio offering classes in karate, aikido, and capoeira for kids and adults, as well as yoga and massage therapy sessions. Classes range from about $50 to $100 a month.  719 S. State, 312-427-3676. —PS

Lakeshore Sail Charters Lakeshore’s sailboat captains take passengers three miles out from Burnham Harbor. They can help hoist the sails, enjoy appetizers, or just kick back. The 36-foot Crescendo hosts private parties of up to six passengers for $140 an hour, while Red Witch, a 77-foot schooner, entertains wedding parties and weekly events. As a bonus, you can watch the captain light two working cannons while you pop open that bottle of champagne.  Burnham Harbor “J” Dock, 708-769-4220. —PS

Parks

Burnham Park Named after Daniel Burnham, the urban planner responsible for much of Chicago’s park system, this 598-acre stretch of green serves as the link between Grant Park and Jackson Park. Anyone interested in a long look at the lakeshore can walk the six-mile path that stretches the length of the park. 425 E. McFetridge, 773-256-0949. —PS

Grant Park Often heralded as Chicago’s “front yard,” Grant Park remains one of the most attractive—and busy—parks in Chicago. Built in 1835 to protect the lakefront from commercial development, it now connects Millennium Park and the Museum Campus, and it’s home to a range of attractions, from Buckingham Fountain to flower gardens, a dog park, softball fields, and tennis courts. It also hosts an annual lineup of summer festivals, including the Chicago Blues Fest, Jazz Fest, Taste of Chicago, SummerDance, and the Grant Park Music Festival. And this summer Grant Park will once again play host to the epic rock festival Lollapalooza.  Randolph to Roosevelt between Lake Shore Drive and Michigan Avenue, 312-742-7648. —Kelly Russell

Northerly Island East of Soldier Field, this 91-acre, man-made peninsula isn’t exactly nature untamed, but after the airstrip that used to be there was destroyed in a surreptitious midnight raid ordered by Mayor Daley, it’s getting there—prairie grass overruns the park’s walking paths and play areas. At the northern end you can watch concerts at Charter One Pavilion with the city’s skyline in the background.  1400 S. Lynn White Drive, 312-745-2910. —PS

Ping Tom Memorial Park The Chicago Park District acquired this 12-acre plot along the South Branch of the Chicago River near Chinatown in 1991. Named after a real estate investor and community activist, Ping Tom includes a children’s playground, community areas, and Chinese landscaping.  300 W. 19th, 312-746-5962. —PS

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Free Shit Reader staff: 8/27: Anchor Graphics hosts a free reception for artist Joel Feldman.
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