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City Cast Chicago

Summer’s finally here. Here's how to make the most of it.

Hot Chicago days call for refreshing frozen treats. From legendary family-owned institutions to trendy new spots, here are our fav bites that help keep us cool.

What’s summer without the iconic five-flavored cone? Rainbow Cone is growing, including a Magnificent Mile location opening June 29.

Since the 50s, the ice cream stand and fast food joint has kept Chicagoans fed in the summer. A soft serve dipped in peanut butter? Yes please.

City Cast Chicago lead producer Simone Alicea says the rich, eggy custard at the vintage-inspired shop is top-tier. Her order? A vanilla custard with hot fudge.

Mario’s Italian Lemonade in Little Italy

Cool off with all shaved ice flavors, from lemon to lime to lychee. Chicagoans have been eating at Mario’s for almost 70 years.

Sample all types of Mexican ice pops: cucumber, pistachio, Snickers, and more. Plus, try the popular mangonada, a spicy mango sorbet.

The shop’s rotating menu constantly has innovative flavors — like goat cheese cashew caramel and dairy-free lemon passionfruit.

Watch the mixing, chopping, and spreading that goes into making rolled ice cream. Takes me back to college!

Order a funnel cake sundae or an ice cream taco from the family-owned walk-up window. Cash only!

Get your dairy-free soft serve or sundaes on at the popular spot.

Check out Block Club’s ultimate ice cream list

Hot Chicago days call for refreshing frozen treats.

Frozen Treats That Taste Like Summertime Chi

Summer Guide

Pack the picnic, grab a lawn chair, and get ready to watch movies outside all summer long 😎

Starting today, residents can head to neighborhood parks to catch films like family fav “Toy Story,” sports classic “Field of Dreams,” and more. 

See South Side comedy “Barbershop” one week and Oscar winner “Everything Everywhere All At Once” the next on the 40-foot LED screen.

Family — chosen and biological — is the theme of movies playing at this season, including “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and “Are We There Yet?”

The Emily Hotel offers an upscale outdoor movie experience with lounge chairs and personal headphones from a rooftop showing off the skyline. There are also Black Cinema, Pride, and Y2K collections!

Drive-ins made a comeback during the pandemic: See new releases like “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” as well as recent blockbusters like “John Wick.”

Kiddos can enjoy balloon twisters, play with animals, and meet Mirabel from “Encanto” before screenings at Lilacia Park.

🎞️ More Chicagloand outdoor movies

Where to See Outdoor Movies in Chicago

School almost out and waiting for camp to start? We’ve got ideas for what to do with your kids and teens.

Kids 13 and under can get a T-shirt if they read 500 minutes and complete five activities. Teens who check off the library’s Pick 4 Card can be entered in a raffle for prizes.

Go to big institutions like the Museum of Science & Industry on free days or pick up a free pass from a library or your alder. Check out free neighborhood museums like the National Museum of Mexican Art!

Children can try out trapeze and clowning at the circus camp. Future tennis stars can enroll in full or half-day camps.

Young people can take acting classes with an experienced coach every Saturday this month. Teens can also try their hand at improv.

Teen students who identify as girls or non-binary can join the waitlist for the virtual self-paced or immersion coding programs.

Adolescents can earn a stipend while learning to dance, cook, and more across the city. The program doesn’t start until June 26, but your teen can apply in the meantime!

What do you do with your kids in the summer? 

Summer Guide

Frozen Treats That Taste Like Summertime Chi

Where to See Outdoor Movies in Chicago

Summer Guide: Keep Chicago Kids Busy