We headed to Chicago for a youth lacrosse tournament and decided to arrive a little early to explore. If you’re traveling to Chicago for youth sports, I highly recommend building in at least a half-day to see the city—especially in the summer.
We drove about 6 hours from Cleveland, leaving early that morning and arriving in Lincoln Park around 12:30 pm—perfect timing to jump right into exploring.
We spent a half day in Lincoln Park with kids, and it did not disappoint. 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.
Our Half-Day Plan in Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is one of the best family-friendly neighborhoods in Chicago — walkable, scenic, and packed with things to do. We spent about half a day (afternoon) in Lincoln Park, and this is exactly how our day flowed with kids:
- We parked near the zoo
- Walked to lake/beach for lunch (15 min walk from parking with 5 kids)
- Walk to zoo (15 min walk from beach)
- Walk to coffee shop (5 min walk from zoo parking)
- Head to Northwestern University (45 min drive)
Everything in the Lincoln Park area is close together, which makes it really easy to explore with kids without worrying about Chicago traffic or parking.
Lunch at Castaways Beach Club
We grabbed lunch at Castaways Beach Club (open seasonally), right on North Avenue Beach, and were able to walk right in on a Friday with no wait.
While there isn’t a designated kids menu, there were plenty of options our kids liked. The food is what you’d expect from a casual beach spot—but the views are what make it.
You get wide-open views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago skyline, boats on the water, and beach volleyball courts—it honestly feels like a beach vacation in the middle of the city.
Tip: Go earlier in the day to avoid longer lines in peak summer. If you have more time, definitely bring beach gear—the beach looked like such a fun place to spend a few extra hours.
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)
Deep Dish Pizza at Lou Malnati’s
You can’t visit Chicago without trying deep dish.
We grabbed dinner at Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria before heading north to Northwestern University for the PLL game—and it definitely lived up to the hype.
Deep dish is really its own experience. Some of our crew loved it, while others said they’d still take a traditional pizza—but either way, it’s something you have to try at least once when you’re in Chicago.
If it’s your first time:
- Order the classic deep dish
- Plan extra time (it takes a while to bake)
- Share a few pizzas—they’re filling
It’s all part of the Chicago experience.
Evening: PLL Game at Northwestern University
After dinner, we drove up to Northwestern University for the PLL game, then continued on to Vernon Hills where the kids spent the rest of the weekend playing in their lacrosse tournament. Northwestern University is about a 45-minute drive north of the city, and the campus is absolutely beautiful, with some really stunning views of the Chicago skyline.
Even if you’re not heading there for a game, it’s worth a visit on its own. The area is very walkable, with beautiful old homes and buildings, plus lakefront views that make it a fun place to explore.
If you’re traveling for youth sports, adding something like a game or concert to the weekend makes it feel extra special for the kids—and gives the trip a little more excitement beyond the tournament itself.
Other Things to Do in Lincoln Park
We didn’t fit these in, but they’re at the top of our list for next time:
🏖 North Avenue Beach – Rent bikes and ride along the lakefront, play a game of beach volleyball, or just relax in the sand with skyline views. On hot days, a swim in Lake Michigan would be the perfect way to cool off.
⚾ Wrigley Field – Catch a Cubs game if their in town or take a tour of this iconic stadium.
🌿 Lincoln Park Conservatory – A great indoor option with beautiful gardens—perfect if you need a break from the heat (or rain).
Why Lincoln Park Is Perfect for a Sports Weekend
Lincoln Park ended up being the perfect fit for a sports weekend. Everything is walkable, right by the lake, and easy to navigate with kids—which makes a huge difference when you’re short on time.
Between the free zoo, quick food options, beach access, and incredible skyline views, there’s just enough to do without it feeling overwhelming. It’s one of those areas that works really well for kids but is still enjoyable for parents too.
For us, this was the perfect half-day outing. It gave us a great mix of activities—from the zoo to the beach to lunch—with less stress (its never zero stress with 5 kids).
If you’re visiting Chicago for sports (or just passing through with kids), this is such an easy, low-stress plan that works really well.
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!
