Chicago Park District, Chicago

The Chicago Park District is an oasis of nature in the midst of the city, where you can stroll through gardens and conservatories like Garfield Park and Lincoln Park or stop and smell the flowers as you go on one of their guided bird walks or shop at one of their farmers' markets. They host open-air concerts, art exhibitions, theater performances, neighborhood tours, and sports tournaments. They've got senior fitness classes and lots of kids' sporting events. There's golfing and fishing, a skatepark, and bike tours. For beaches, wildlife, art, sports, and entertainment, the Park District meets your every recreational need. This is where you'll find popular tourist destinations like the Art Institute, the Lincoln Park Zoo, Lake Michigan, and Buckingham Fountain, as well as local community events and neighborhood festivals.