Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Medinah

"Located in the Loop, the recently revamped kid-focused Maggie Daley Park features Chicago’s only outdoor climbing park, a path-like “skating ribbon” in the winter, tennis courts, and picnic spots. Don’t miss the 3-acre play garden. You’ll have to drag kids under 12 off of the imaginative equipment, including an enchanted forest, wave lawn, and an array of slides."

"On the other side of the bridge sits Maggie Daley Park, a spectacular green space with massive rock climbing walls, mini golf, picnic groves, and an amazing play garden for children. STOP 3: THESE BUILDINGS TAKE UP WHOLE BLOCKS"

"The northeast corner of Grant Park has been turned into a GIANT playground. (Seriously – it’s giant!) The lakefront recreation center also features a climbing wall and a skating ribbon."

"Tucked away at the edge of Lincoln Park that juts out into Lake Michigan, the Montrose Bird Sanctuary is a 15-acre wooded respite that features a few peaceful mulch-covered hiking trails to stroll through. What was once a site of Army barracks from the ’50s to the ’70s is now one of the best places in the area to spot a few of the tens of thousands of migratory birds from more than 300 different species that reportedly stop for some green space along their trek along the lake. Within the sanctuary, a 150-yard stretch of honeysuckle bushes has been nicknamed “The Magic Hedge,” because it attracts an especially high number of migratory birds."

"UptownThis more laid-back section of Montrose Beach is both a dune habitat and a bird sanctuary, as well as one of the best spots for trail hiking in the city with killer skyline views. If that’s not enough, there’s also a beach bar. And a damn fine beach bar at that."

"Visitors to this hidden gem will enjoy oak savanna, a forest, wetland and prairie all in one area. There are three trails from which to choose and explore: main loop, wetland and woodland and while you can take as long as you'd like, it's possible to do them all within an hour if you're in a hurry (although hopefully you're not because you want to stop at the lily pond, gaze at the free roaming deer and catch a turtle or finches as you take in the fresh air and scenery). Early Spring, locals from all over the city come by for the annual Maple Tree Tapping Festival where kids can enjoy free activities and see demonstrations on the Maple syrup process."

"North ParkYou could do worse than strolling through this 46-acre nature preserve with trails that wind through woodland, wetland, prairie, and savannah. You could also do worse than just chilling at the birding area and spotting rare specimens with your well-practiced/made-up bird calls."

"Located at the north end of Lincoln Park Zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory features four serene greenhouses (Orchid House, Fern Room, Palm House and Show House) all displaying fantastic arrays of flora. During summer, venture outdoors to find a lush, French garden filled with a large variety of plants and flowers, and a beautiful fountain. Many Chicago residents utilize this space to sit and read, toss a football around, let their kids run freely or just take in the beauty of nature."

"The Lincoln Park Conservatory, with its glass walls and exotic plant species, feels like a sanctuary in the middle of the bustling city. The Victorian-era building is divided into four spaces: the Fern Room, Orchid House, Palm House, and the Show House. Each houses thousands of plant and flower varieties that thrive in the conservatory’s balmy conditions all year round."

"The Lincoln Park Conservatory is a conservatory and botanical garden in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. The conservatory is best known for its horticultural collections, community work, and educational programming. It is also housed in a glass house from the Victorian Era that is stunning to view on its own."

"Indulge in some shopping, veer off a couple blocks to grab an espresso at the beloved Italian market Eataly, or continue to the DuSable Bridge for a fantastic photo-op of the emerald green Chicago River surrounded by sparkling skyscrapers. The most iconic spot in the entire city is just a couple blocks further: Millennium Park, a sprawling downtown green space that’s home to Cloud Gate, more commonly known as ‘The Bean.’ The stainless steel plates reflect the surrounding city skyline which makes for some epic shots–especially if you make it there first thing in the morning before the throngs of tourists arrive. Be sure to walk below Cloud Gate’s 12-foot-high arch to snap some cool perspective pics from underneath."

"Start off your morning with a beautiful cruise down the Chicago River. This cruise only runs during the warmer months (and can be a bit too chilly during the early spring and late fall, even if it is running), so we recommend reserving this attraction for the warmest times of year"

"Totally meat-free since 1983, The Chicago Diner has its menu packed with meat alternatives like seitan for staples like the deliciously spicy Thai chili wings and both black bean veggie and sweet potato-tofu patties that you can't miss. Don't forget to try one of its vegan milkshakes in many flavors from carrot cake to vanilla chai."

"Proudly meat-free since 1983, Chicago Diner serves up classic diner staples without any animal products. Yep, there's steak and eggs, Reuben sandwiches and chilaquiles all without meat, cheese or eggs and just as good as the real thing. But it’s the oh-so-creamy milkshakes that will convert committed carnivores."

"Restaurants Vegetarian Boystown. Even non-vegetarians know Chicago Diner. The vibe is that of a normal, everyday diner, albeit with soy whip, tofu and tempeh on the giant menu."

"Unlike other dog beaches in Chicago, Belmont Harbor Dog Beach isn’t as crowded. And this beach is perfect to see how the dogs react to the beach for the first time. Nestled just a few minutes' walks away from Wrigley, Belmont Harbor Dog Beach has plenty of spaces for playing around, splashing in the waters, soaking up in the sun, and more."

"Dogs love hanging out at the beach, and what dog parent doesn’t want to spend time with their pup playing in the waves?. Belmont Harbor Dog Beach is the perfect spot for you and your dog. It’s great because it is not as busy as other dog beaches/parks in Chicago."

"This is one of the best public beaches in Chicago and is huge in area lying east of the Rogers Park neighborhood. It is adjacent to the famous Loyola Park known for its stunning basketball and tennis courts, a community garden and a natural dune habitat near the lighthouse. There is long distance swimming available here running parallely to the shoreline making it one of the best beaches for swimming in Chicago."

"With a sprawling 21 acres of land, Loyola Beach is an expansive beach that provides ample space for witnessing exceptional vistas of the city skyline. The beach is nestled in the outpost of the East Rogers Park community. The beach features various amenities for visitors to enjoy, such as the woodshop, clubrooms, fitness centers, and a boxing centre."

"The Ritz-Carlton is another enduring elite hotel brand that defines posh. So, you can only imagine what their top-notch spas have to offer. Chicago’s Ritz-Carlton Spa is truly an exclusive haven of luxe pampering."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago (@rcchicago) on Oct 30, 2018 at 9:00am PDT"