Chicago has some fantastic ways to escape the heat in summer. My favorite is North Avenue beach but I'm sure many have a different opinion.

What do you think is the best beach?

Osterman Beach (5700 North) is my favorite. It's the Gay Beach and some really neat power boats come over on Sunday afternoon. The other half of the beach is used by families. It doesn't have parking so there are a lot of neighborhood people who know each other. Sheridan Road buses 1/2 block away.