We headed to Chicago for a youth lacrosse tournament and decided to arrive a little early to explore. If you’re traveling for youth sports, I highly recommend building in at least a half-day to see the city — especially in the summer. We spent a half day in Lincoln Park with kids and it did not disappoint! Our experience was truly a memorable half day in Lincoln Park with kids.
Chicago in the summer is hard to beat.
Here’s exactly how we spent our afternoon in Lincoln Park before heading to Northwestern University for a Premier Lacrosse League game.
Experiencing a Half Day in Lincoln Park with Kids
Lincoln Park is one of the best family-friendly neighborhoods in Chicago — walkable, scenic, and packed with things to do.
Lunch at Castaways Beach Club
We grabbed lunch at Castaways Beach Club (open seasonally) right on North Avenue Beach.
The food was decent (think casual beach bar fare), but the views? Incredible.
You get wide open views of:
- Lake Michigan
- The Chicago skyline
- Boats on the water
- Beach volleyball courts
It feels like a beach vacation in the middle of the city — which is such a fun surprise if you’re visiting from out of town.
Tip: Go earlier in the day to avoid long lines in peak summer.
Lincoln Park Zoo (Free + Perfect for a Hot Day)
From Castaways, it’s a short walk (or grab scooters for the kids — super easy and fun) to Lincoln Park Zoo.
What we loved:
- It’s completely FREE.
- Lots of shaded paths.
- Several indoor exhibits — perfect on a hot Chicago summer day.
- Easy to explore in 2–3 hours.
- Parking can be tricky. Street parking was full but a paid 2 level parking lot was just down the street.
It’s manageable and not overwhelming, which is ideal when you’re squeezing sightseeing into a sports weekend.
Coffee Stop: Society Coffee
Before heading back to the car, we stopped at Society Coffee — just a short walk from the zoo parking.
If you’re traveling with early mornings and long tournament days, this stop is worth it. Great iced coffee for summer and a calm little break before heading to the next event.
Dinner: Lou Malnati’s (Because You Have To)
You can’t go to Chicago and not stop for deep dish.
We grabbed dinner at Lou Malnati’s before heading north to Northwestern University for the Premier Lacrosee League (PLL) game.
If it’s your first time:
- Order the classic deep dish.
- Plan extra time (deep dish takes a while to bake).
- Share a few pizzas — they’re filling.
It’s part of the Chicago experience.
Evening: PLL Game at Northwestern University
After dinner, we drove up to Northwestern University for the PLL game and spent the rest of the weekend at lacrosse. Northwestern is about a 45 min drive north of the city- it is a beautiful campus with some stunning views of the downtown Chicago skyline
If you’re traveling for youth sports, adding something like a sporting event or concert to the weekend makes it feel extra special for the kids.
Other Things to Do in Lincoln Park
If you have more time, add one of these:
🏖 North Avenue Beach
Bike along the lakefront, spike a few volleys on the sand volleyball courts, or simply lounge with your toes in the sand while taking in the iconic Chicago skyline. On hot summer days, a refreshing swim in Lake Michigan is the perfect way to beat the heat.
⚾ Wrigley Field
Catch a Chicago Cubs game or tour the iconic stadium.
🌿 Lincoln Park Conservatory
A great indoor option with beautiful gardens.
Why Lincoln Park Is Perfect for a Sports Weekend
- Walkable
- Close to the lake
- Free attractions
- Easy food options
- Great skyline views
- Kid-friendly but still fun for parents
If you’re heading to Chicago for an event or a youth tournament and don’t have a lot of time, this is one of the best neighborhoods to explore before or between games.
Planning Your Next Family Midwest Weekend Adventure?
Make the most of your next Midwest getaway or sports weekend! Check out some of our favorite family trips for ideas:
- Hocking Hills Family Weekend Getaway
- Discover Ohiopyle, PA, family camping adventure
- Deep Creek Lake, MD family weekend
Whether it’s exploring nature, hitting the lake, or cheering on your kids at a tournament, there’s a family-friendly adventure waiting just for you!
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