The North Kenwood-Oakland neighborhood is conveniently located near several excellent parks, including Mandrake Park at Oakwood and Cottage Grove, the historic Drexel Boulevard parkway, Kennicott Park, the new 'Crescent Park' in Lake Park Crescent, and of course, the lakefront's Burnham Park, which recently underwent a $10 million upgrade, creating a new sandy beach, underwater reef, and 7-acre peninsula.

• 31st St Beach, 3100 S Lake Shore Dr. summers 9AM-9:30PM. Fishing and picnic grounds.

• Fuller Park, 331 E 45th St, Phone: 312 747-6144. Some very serious basketball players hit the pavement here on weekends and the courts are worth a visit to watch the local players, but keep in mind that the park is in one of Chicago's roughest areas.