Summer’s finally here! And while most adventures around Mercy Home’s two Chicago campuses are surrounded by the hustle and bustle of city life, we still provide our young people opportunities to enjoy the fresh air, explore the city, and plunge into the freshwater during our magnificent summers.

And that includes summer activities we provide for the volunteers and young people participating in our Friends First mentoring program. Our Friends First coworkers provide our mentors with suggested outings to help participants enjoy their time together and create memories that will last forever. Below are some of the top activities Mercy Home recommends for mentor mentee matches this summer. You might try them with your best friend too.

1. Watch a movie under the moonlight with a cozy bonfire

The season of bonfires and roasting marshmallows is just beginning. That’s why we like to treat our kids to outdoor movies in our backyard throughout the summer. You can do the same in your yard. Just hang a sheet against your house or garage and project a movie onto it and you have your very own ‘movie in the park’. No yard? No problem. The Chicago Park District also has a full program of movies at parks across the city, as do many suburban park districts.

Check your local listings.

2. Have a beach day

Located: Chicago

3. Go on a scavenger hunt around the city

Traverse the cityscape to find exciting hidden treasures, landmarks, and other fun clues. Bring your running shoes, it may be a close race to the finish line. And who knows, there might be a special reward for the winner.

Located: Downtown Chicago

4. Dare to ride extreme roller coasters at Six Flags Great America

Thrill seekers can find some of the wildest and fastest roller coasters anywhere at Six Flags Great America, located in north suburban Gurnee, IL. If you’re brave enough for a giant challenge, you can take on the Goliath—the fastest wooden roller coaster in the world. Sounds scary? There are more thrills at every corner of the theme park.

Located: 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031

5. Commune with nature at the Chicago Botanical Gardens

Take a deep breath and stroll through the decorated Chicago Botanical Gardens in Glencoe, IL. Filled with exotic plant life and a flowing waterfall, this picturesque setting is a peaceful oasis from the hustle and bustle.

Located: 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022

Here are a few more activities to do this summer in Chicago

• Enjoy great food and music at our city’s frequent neighborhood street festivals
• Delight at the fireworks at Navy Pier
• Explore the exotic wildlife at Lincoln Park Zoo
• Study the world’s biodiversity at our leading nature conservatories
• Day trip to nearby state parks
• Get a unique perspective on our famed skyline on an architectural river boat tour
• Discover Frank Lloyd Wright landmarks in the city and suburbs
• Marvel at the historic Bahá’í House of Worship in north suburban Wilmette
• Visit award winning museums for every interest
• Let your kids run, slide, climb and swing at Maggie Daley Park downtown
• Learn what makes our city special at the Chicago Cultural Center
• Ohh and ahh at the annual Air & Water show

To learn more about upcoming events in Chicago visit Timeout Chicago.