9 Outdoor Adventures For A Fun Summer In Illinois & Wisconsin

Looking for summer fun in Illinois and Wisconsin? Check out these 10 exciting activities to make the most of your sunny days ahead!

As summer approaches, it's time to start planning outdoor activities.  We're all Google searching "Things to do near me", right?  Don't lie, I do it every day.

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Here's a great list I came up with to kickstart your summer.  Thank me later!

Attend a music festival

Summerfest, Lollapalooza, and 'Not A Phase' Fest are some of the top festivals to attend this summer in Illinois and Wisconsin!

Go hiking with friends

Rock Cut State Park, Starved Rock, Devil's Lake, Castle Rock State Park, and Pewit's Nest are great hiking spots.  A few even have waterfalls to enjoy!

Indulge at food truck events

Food Truck Tuesdays at Nicholas Conservatory in Rockford, Illinois is one of the top events in the summer.  So many food, dessert, and drink trucks to choose from!Catch a movie at Millennium Park

Millennium Park in Chicago is offering free movies in the park for their Summer Film Series!  Starting with E.T., then Jurassic Park, and tons of other classics to see all summer.  It's on Tuesdays from July 16 through August 20!

Visit wild animals at the zoo

Who doesn't love visiting a zoo?  We have Brookfield Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Summerfield Zoo to enjoy.  Tons of attractions at every location, too!

Experience a Hot Air Balloon Festival

One of the Midwest's most gorgeous hot air balloon festivals returns this year and it's the longest running balloon event in Wisconsin - the Monroe Balloons and Blues Festival!  Date night, anyone?

Dine at restaurants with beautiful outdoor patios

As weather gets warmer, we love to sit outdoors and enjoy dinner.  Why not find a great dining spot with a beautiful outdoor patio?

One of my favorites, by far, has to be Truk't Tacos in Beloit, Wisconsin.  If you've never dined there, it's an absolute must this summer.  They open all the garage doors and you can take in the fresh air while enjoying a meal.

Discover a new campsite to camp

Grab your gear and pack tons of bug spray!  If you're looking for a new spot to camp this year, here's a great start.  Here's a full list of campsites in Illinois to visit!

I also came up with a list of the best Wisconsin campsites to hit up here.

Read More: 4 of the Best Summer Camps for Kids in Illinois

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Cool off at a waterpark

For thrill-seekers, don't miss the largest slide at Wisconsin's waterparks. Dive into summer fun in the heart of the Midwest!

Cool off at 10 of the coolest waterparks in Northern Illinois - list here.  Maybe you're pretty daring!  Try the tallest waterslide in America... it's in Wisconsin.

Read More: One Of The Best Children’s Museums In America Is In Illinois

So, take advantage of all that free Vitamin C this summer and soak up the sun with your family, friends, or all by yourself!  Illinois and Wisconsin have got you covered for an epic summer full of adventures.