Best Things To On The Water

At risk of stating the obvious, you are not doing summer right if your toes do not touch a large and cerulean body of water sometime between now and September.

Luckily, you’ve got options.

Below: five wet and wild adventures every man, woman and definitely child should consider hitting before summer’s end.

Fulfill thy childhood dreams at Slide The City
This ain’t your childhood slip-and-slide. This is a giant 300-foot water chute in the middle of Montrose Beach. And there are gonna be three of ‘em. It’s all going down July 30th, with tickets on sale right now. They’ll provide everything you need — all you gotta do is show up in trunks.

Jetpack across Lake Michigan with Chicago Jet Ski Rentals
You’ve done the paddleboard thing. The kayak thing. Hell, maybe you’ve ripped up some waves with a jet ski. But chances are you haven’t hit a Fly Board. And you can do so at 31st Street Harbor. Think jet-powered snowboard, except you’re flying over the water.

Captain your own boat, no experience necessary, with Chicago Electric Boats
If you’re a landlubber who’s always wanted to captain his own ship, this is the best option. Because these dinghies? Easier to drive than a golf cart. And they’ll fit up to 12 of your best crew. Great idea for corporate teambuilding, even better as a lazy weekend exploit.

Paddle and brew at the Chicago Riverwalk
New this summer: Urban Kayak’s Paddle For Pints kayak tour, which is basically the outfitter’s Historic Chicago Tour with drinks and grub at the end. And while you’re at it, check out Tiny Hatt, the newest toast of the Riverwalk, which has live Happy Hour music every Monday and Wednesday.

Race a yacht with Next Level Sailing
America’s Cup may have come and gone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your yacht racing fix all summer long. Launched last summer, high-end charter service Next Level Sailing offers a fleet that includes two legendary America’s Cup racing yachts.

Bonus: Nerd out at the Chicago Maritime Museum
For anyone deeply interested in all things nautical, the Chicago Maritime Museum just opened its new permanent location in Bridgeport on the Chicago River, and it’s a true ode to Chicago’s maritime history. Inside: more than 6,000 artifacts including watercraft, models, books and art.