As summer unfolds, Chicago offers a plethora of outdoor activities for locals and visitors alike. Adventurers can take to the streets on bikes, enjoy nature walks, or try stand-up paddleboarding this July.
From birdwatching in the vibrant prairie grasslands to participating in stewardship projects, outdoor enthusiasts have much to look forward to this month. Below are 20 community-led outdoor events that will take place throughout the city in July.
**Chicago Bird Alliance: Wooded Island Birding Outing**
Join the Chicago Bird Alliance for a birdwatching excursion at Jackson Park on July 5 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. This weekly tradition has been drawing bird lovers for 50 years. Participants will stroll through the scenic Wooded Island and Bobolink Meadow, covering two miles in total. Bring your binoculars and field guides and prepare for a morning in nature. The group meets on the west side of the Columbia Basin, and no RSVP is needed.
**Chicago Family Biking: Chicago Kidical Mass Bike Ride**
Families are welcome to participate in a kid-friendly bike ride through Roscoe Village on July 6, starting at 9:30 a.m. at Audubon Elementary School. This event, organized by Kidical Mass, encourages safe and accessible biking for families with young children. The ride begins at 10 a.m. sharp and is a free event, with no RSVP required.
**BFF Bikes: July Beginner/Intermediate Group Ride**
On the same day, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., BFF Bikes is hosting a group ride for beginners and intermediates, starting from their location in Wicker Park. This 12 to 18-mile ride will maintain a pace of 12-14 mph. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to wear cycling jerseys and padded shorts. To ensure your spot, you can reserve a free registration online.
**Forest Preserves of Cook County: Camping 101**
Interested in learning how to camp? Join the Forest Preserves of Cook County on July 10 at 5:30 p.m. for a 1.5-hour workshop at Camp Bullfrog Lake. Attendees will learn the essentials of camping—from tent setup to site reservations—along with how to build a fire. This event is free and does not require an RSVP.
**RiverLab: Nature Journaling Paddle at River Park**
On July 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., RiverLab invites participants to combine paddling with creativity during the Nature Journaling Paddle at River Park. Canoe along the Chicago River while jotting down observations about the natural environment. The event includes guidance on starting a nature journal, and all materials will be provided. Tickets are available online for $10.
**Chicago Ornithological Society: Grassland Bird Walk at Horizon Farms**
Escape to Barrington on July 11 for a special birdwatching opportunity with the Chicago Ornithological Society from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This guided walk will take participants through Horizon Farms, a 400-acre area home to unique grassland birds. Ages and abilities of all kinds are welcomed, and loaner binoculars will be available. However, RSVP is required for this event, so register online.
**Urban Rivers: Community Days at Bubbly Creek**
On July 11 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Urban Rivers will host Community Days at Bubbly Creek. During this summer Friday event in Bridgeport, attendees can kayak for free on this hidden section of the Chicago River. Participants can also engage in an all-ages fishing workshop led by the Shedd Aquarium. Boats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no registration needed.
**RiverLab: All Ages Fishing at River Park**
If you’ve ever wanted to try fishing, visit River Park on July 12 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. for a free fishing program suitable for all ages. RiverLab staff will assist participants with fishing techniques and provide all necessary equipment and bait. No prior registration is required.
**Chicago Ornithological Society: LaBagh Woods Stewardship Workday**
Join the Chicago Ornithological Society on July 12 from 9 a.m. to noon for a stewardship workday in LaBagh Woods. Volunteers will help restore bird habitats by planting native shrubs and eliminating invasive species. All tools and materials will be provided, and prior experience is not necessary. Free registration is available online.
**Family Outdoor Adventure Club: Parents & Tykes Hike at Little Red Schoolhouse**
Families with toddlers are invited for a hike at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center on July 13 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Participants will meet just outside the center for an introduction to nature followed by a gentle hike designed for youngsters. After the hike, attendees may enjoy a picnic together. Tickets for this event are free, but early registration is recommended online.
**Urban Rivers: 4th Annual Wild Mile Block Party**
Celebrate the Wild Mile floating gardens retention project on July 13 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. This free family-friendly event will feature music, food, and nature activities at Chicago’s unique floating eco-park. Connect with neighbors and explore the native wildlife while enjoying a festive afternoon. Free admission requires prior RSVP online.
**Read & Run Chicago: Chicago Transit Hikes**
On July 13 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Read & Run Chicago will host an easy-paced three-mile run book club. The event will start at the Bucktown-Wicker Park library and feature a discussion on the book “Chicago Transit Hikes.” This series combines literature and fitness and is free, but RSVP is necessary.
**Outsiders Chicago: Sunset City Paddle Adventure**
Experience a magical sunset paddle on July 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with Outsiders Chicago. Participants can kayak or stand-up paddleboard on Lake Michigan while soaking in the golden hour view. The event begins just off North Avenue Beach, and tickets are $80 per person, including a paddleboard or kayak rental and group instruction. Tickets should be purchased in advance online.
**Illinois Brewery Running Series: Sketchbook Brewing 5K**
Combining running and beer, the Illinois Brewery Running Series will host a 5K event at Sketchbook Brewing in Skokie on July 19. The fun run is followed by a celebratory drink at the finish line. Registration options are available, with costs ranging from $43 to $65, depending on selections made.
**Sheffield Neighborhood Association: 54th Annual Sheffield Garden Walk**
On July 19 and 20, the Sheffield neighborhood will hold its 54th Annual Garden Walk, allowing guests to explore the area’s most beautiful gardens. Admission for this self-guided tour is free; however, donations are encouraged. Programs with garden details will be sold at St. Vincent de Paul Church for $10. The Family Fest event will also take place nearby at Oscar Mayer Magnet School.
**South Shore Nature Sanctuary: Volunteer Stewardship Day**
On July 19 from 10 a.m. to noon, volunteers can participate in stewardship work at the South Shore Nature Sanctuary. This nature preserve will offer a special birding seminar alongside the stewardship activity. All ages will be accepted, and volunteers are advised to bring water and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Further registration details will be provided online closer to the event.
**Morton Arboretum: Dog Admission Days**
For dog owners, July 20 marks a special day at Morton Arboretum when dogs are allowed to join visitors on the grounds from 9 a.m. to sunset. General admission is required for non-members, and a $5 fee will be applied for each dog. Dog Admission Days provide a perfect opportunity to explore the 16 miles of trails with your furry friends.
**Chicago History Museum: Chicago’s Fabulous Fountains Bike Tour**
On July 20 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Chicago History Museum invites residents to join a bike tour discovering the city’s stunning fountains. Participants will cycle through Lincoln Park and conclude the ride in Streeterville, visiting notable fountains along the way. Registration for the guided tour is $25 for non-members, with a minor discount for patrons of the museum. RSVP is necessary.
**American Indian Center of Chicago: Indigenous Games & Activities**
Families are welcome to explore traditional Indigenous games at Thatcher Woods on July 26 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Hosted by the American Indian Center of Chicago, this event aims to engage all attendees through cultural and physical activities, introducing participants to Indigenous traditions. No prior registration is required.
**Forest Preserves of Cook County: Stories in the Forest**
On July 31 at 10 a.m., children and their caregivers can attend a storytelling session hosted by the River Forest Public Library at the Trailside Museum of Natural History. Participants will enjoy stories followed by a nature activity. This program is intended for children up to five years old, and attendance is free. There is no requirement for RSVP, but the event may be canceled in inclement weather.
With so many wonderful opportunities to engage with nature, Chicagoans are encouraged to take advantage of these events to build community and make lasting memories this month.
image source from：blockclubchicago
