The Cradle

If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven is a perfect place to visit. Here, you can get up close and personal with over 40 exotic, free-flying butterflies and several stunning bird species from the Southern Hemisphere. The greenhouse, which spans 2,700 square feet, features serene pools of water, flowers, tropical trees, and over 1,000 butterflies, giving you the feeling of being in summer all year round. If you're interested in witnessing the life cycle of a butterfly from caterpillar to chrysalis to the very first flight, you should take advantage of the First Flight Butterfly Release. Moreover, they offer weekly Butterfly Haven Yoga sessions if you want to spend more time in the Butterfly Haven.

Chicago is renowned worldwide for its architecture, and the Chicago Architecture Foundation offers a variety of tours to showcase some of the city's most exceptional buildings. With walking, bus, and boat tours available, visitors can explore the downtown area or one of the city's many charming neighborhoods. Expert docents will guide you and share the stories behind the buildings, whether you visit iconic skyscrapers, elegant hotels, or legendary houses designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. With dozens of tours, you may need help selecting just one.

If you're looking for a fun and challenging water adventure, consider trying stand-up paddleboarding or SUP, which are available at Chicago SUP. They offer rentals, lessons, yoga, fitness classes, expeditions, and group activities for fun in the sun. SUP is a hybrid of surfing and kayaking, where you stand on an oversized surfboard and paddle with a single-bladed paddle. It's a sport that anyone can enjoy and offers a unique and fun way to exercise. SUP is a family-friendly activity that provides an unparalleled full-body workout. Many professional athletes even use SUP during their off-season training routines. So why not give it a try and supplement your workout regime?