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

"Situated next to Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park sits on over 20 acres next to the waterfront in downtown Chicago. The park's most popular kids' attraction is a mini-golf course, which has a series of the city's most iconic buildings and landmarks at each hole. The Play Garden is a big hit with younger kids, where they can play pirate on a huge land-bound ship complete with rope bridges and plenty of room to imagine."

"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."

"For a big city, Chicago has a surprising number of places dedicated to all things green. For example, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, on the shores of Lake Michigan, has a botanical garden teeming with ferns, tropical flowers, and palms."

"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."

"Oz Park is an ode to author L Frank Baum’s most famous book, The Wizard of Oz. Baum was a resident of the surrounding Lincoln Park neighborhood back in the 1890s, before it became the established community it is today. Between 1995 and 2007, the Oz Park Advisory Council commissioned sculptures of the book’s characters including the Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, and Dorothy and Toto."

"OZ Park is a community garden that celebrates a fun-filled “The Wizard of Oz” theme. The park features “Dorothy’s Playlot”, with play equipment for young children to climb, swing, and run. Families can then leisurely enjoy their afternoon among the beautiful flowers in the “Emerald Garden”."

"There are plenty of other attractions from Navy Pier included on this list, but we would be remiss if we didn’t include the Ferris Wheel. At 200-feet high, the Centennial Wheel offers 360-degree views and enclosed gondolas, making it a child favorite no matter the season. A post shared by Ri na Estrada (@_rinaestrada) on Oct 13, 2016 at 4:21pm PDT"

"Celebrate the maritime pride of Chicago at this landmark pier on Lake Michigan. Featuring fun things to do all year long, enjoy waterfront attractions, sightseeing cruises, art, theater, and the Centennial Wheel. Category: Activities, Attractions, Family / Kids"

"This museum and memorial tells the story of Khmer Rouge and the Killing Field through multimedia displays, archives, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts. Guided tours are available so you can learn more about what happened during the Cambodian Civil War. Hours are subject to change, so they advise that you call prior to visiting (773-878-7090)."

"Located on the lakefront just south of Jackson Park, this park has 65 acres of green space and is home to the South Shore Cultural Center, originally built in 1095 as a country club. Today, the center is a historic landmark maintained by the Chicago Park District and offers a large variety of cultural programs, including classes for all ages in culinary arts, music, dance, and visual arts, as well as special events throughout the year. The parkland surrounding the center includes a golf course, acres of green grass dotted with shade trees, a beach, and the South Shore Nature Sanctuary."

"Originally built as the South Shore Country Club, this South Side icon was penned by architects Marshall and Fox in 1905. Purchased by the Chicago Park District in 1975 and renamed as the South Shore Cultural Center, the landmarked Mediterranean Revival building features painstakingly restored historic details, a grandiose ballroom, and golf course. It remains a popular venue for weddings and other large events."

"The South Shore Cultural Center is a great example of what the South Side has to offer. The sprawling landscape surrounding the center features manicured gardens, a golf course, nature paths, a butterfly garden, and picnic areas. Next to the former country club is a wild, overgrown nature preserve with a fire circle and views of Lake Michigan and the city."

"With more than a dozen locations in Illinois, including Evanston, Naperville, Mount Prospect, and Bolingbrook, Andy’s is spreading the love of frozen custard throughout Chicagoland. Frozen custard is creamier than traditional ice cream, with more butterfat and less air. At Andy’s the slow-churned custard is made fresh hourly to maintain the rich texture."

"With five Chicago-land locations, Andy’s is very accessible. The Jackhammer is one of many flavors of concretes. Choose from a list of over 25 seasonal toppings to add to a frozen custard of your choice."

"Classic chocolate and vanilla custard with all the fun mix-ins one could possibly want. From concretes to malts to sundaes, Andy’s offers every possible way for you to enjoy your custard."

"Always a big city staple, Pinkberry never fails to disappoint as a refreshing and healthy warm-weather treat. Their changing flavors allow you a slight variety throughout the summer."