Lincoln Park050

Home of the Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park is Chicago's largest green space, spreading over six miles and 1,200 acres.

Baseball, softball, and soccer fields, and basketball and tennis courts are concentrated mainly around the South Field, Waveland, and Montrose sections of the Park. Archery and a nine-hole golf course can be found in the Waveland area, and Mini golf is located near Diversey Harbor.

The park is used in every season; for cross-country skiing in winter, and picnics and sunbathing in summer. Its lakes, trails, and pathways make it ideal for biking, hiking, and enjoying nature.

Rent paddle boats and explore the South Pond from a little dock in front of the Cafe Brauer, or rent boats from the boat house on North Pond. Boat rentals are available from May through September.

Cafe Brauer can be found on the northwest side of the South Pond, and offers salads and sandwiches from Memorial Day through September.

The Farm in the Zoo, and the southern end of South Pond, gives kids a chance to experience rural farm life. Five barns harbor cows, chickens, horses, goats, and other livestock. Kids can get a farmhand's eye view of butter churning, milking, and other farm activities throughout the day. Open year-round, daily, 9am-4:30pm.

Just north of the Zoo, near the Zoo's north entrance, is the Lincoln Park Conservatory, which boasts two gardens that bloom year-round under several acres of glass. The Conservatory is open daily from 9am-5pm. The phone number is 312.742.7736.

Again to the north, you'll find the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, a must-see for all kids and families.

The North Avenue Beach is the place to be during the annual Air and Water Show, which takes place along the waterfront in August. It's also volleyball heaven, and teens looking for a pickup game will almost certainly find one here during the warmer months.

The Visitor Center is located at the Lincoln Park Cultural Center and is open year-round Mon-Thu 9am-9pm; Fri 11am-7pm; Sat 8am-4pm; and Sun 11am-5pm.