Point of View: Lincoln Park

The official start of summer is right around the corner. Since there are only two weeks left to savor the cool breezes of spring, you may be wondering how best to enjoy the great weather while playing in the great neighborhood of Lincoln Park.

I offer two ideas to help you take full advantage of Lincoln Park's outdoor charm before the summer heat moves in.

The first suggestion will benefit both body and soul. The Children's Memorial Hospital's Race for the Kids 5K run/walk is a family activity that gets you up and moving while helping out a worthy cause. The race starts at Soldier Field, travels up the stunning lakefront path and ends at Lincoln Park for live entertainment, food and family fun in the sun! You can raise money and your heart rate while enjoying the beauty of the Chicago skyline and the glorious lakefront. After the 5k, you get to play in the park while listening to live music. How great is that?
For information on registering, donating or participating with the event in any way click here for more info on the race as well as Children's Memorial Hospital.

The second idea is to visit the often overlooked Notebaert Nature Museum located on Cannon and Fullerton. Across from the zoo and nestled between marshy lake inlets and bustling Lake Shore Drive, the Nortebaert takes you somewhere beautiful every time you visit.

On Thursdays and Saturdays at 11.a.m., the museum offers guided nature tours of Lincoln Park showcasing surprisingly diverse wildlife tucked into the picturesque urban oasis of the park. The Nature Museum also offers workshops, crafts, yoga classes, butterfly expeditions and so much more! Please click here for additional details on programs and all of the great activities Lincoln Park's nature museum has to offer!