Best Local: Make A Splash

Play It Cool—Get To a Pool in Chicago and the Suburbs

Courtesy of Getawayhostel.com

The official start of summer was less than 24 hours ago, but you’re already trying to convince people that sweat is the latest fashion accessory. It’s time to cool off. Get your tan on and your body temp down at these watery wonderspots around Chicago.

 

If You’re Staying At The Iroquois Club In Naperville:

A beach in the suburbs? Yes, it’s true. Within a fenced-in area of nearly six acres is Centennial Beach (500 W. Jackson Ave.) in Naperville. The pool has a shallow end and a sandy beach—all snuggled inside a wooded expanse.

Courtesy of Napervilleparks.org

Get There: Head east on Iroquois Ave. and turn right onto E. Ogden Ave. Turn left onto N. Washington Ave. and right onto W. Jefferson Ave. Turn left at the third cross street onto S. Ewing St. Commute Time: 8 minutes

 

If You’re Staying At Columbus Plaza:

The bustling downtown beaches at North Ave. and Oak St. are no secrets. But the little sandy patch that is 12th St. beach (1200 S. Lake Shore Dr.) is a hidden gem. Located by the Alder Planetarium on Northerly Island, a man-made space between Jackson and Grant Parks, this quaint shore is charming and calming. No tourists in sight.

Courtesy of Flickriver.com, photo by Jim Watkins

Get There: Get on the 146 Bus headed toward Museum Campus at Wacker (Upper) & Michigan. Get off at Solidarity Dr. & Aquarium. Commute Time: 25 minutes

 

If You’re At 180 N. Jefferson:

Not a beach buff? The free pool at Holstein Park Fieldhouse (2200 N. Oakley St.) might be your sand-less answer. The fieldhouse is on a three-acre spread that includes a playground; baseball and softball fields; basketball and volleyball courts; and of course the pool and wading pool.

Courtesy of Chicagoparkdistrict.com

Get There: Take the 56 Bus headed toward Jefferson Park Blue Line and hop off at Milwaukee & Oakley/Moffat. Commute Time: 25 minutes

 

We don’t mean to offend anyone, but the sweaty, panting-like-a-dog look isn’t especially flattering on you. Splishin’ and splashin’ at some beaches or public pools around the area is the perfect remedy. But maybe get yourself some frozen yogurt and an icy glass of pink lemonade just to be safe.