Chicago Lawn Lakes

Lakes Close to Chicago Lawn

Sometimes you just need to pack up and find a spot by the water. A lake vacation is amazing for people who love wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re itching to go kayaking, get active with wakeboarding, swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Chicago Lawn offer you lots of beautiful locations for outdoor activities. Has there ever been a better time? Load up your vehicle with sunscreen and a picnic basket then set out on your next vacation and discover your own favorite location on the water!

Lakes Near Chicago Lawn

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip to the lake, or a longer getaway provides a nearly limitless list of things to do for families, couples, or even those looking for some quiet time.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you visit a Chicago Lawn lake:

Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, why not get out on the water and start flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes offer you a number of choices.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If paddling is your thing, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake that has a boat launch and get out and enjoy the scenery in all it’s glory.

Go fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or fishing from shore.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different based on which lake you go to, what the weather is going to be, or if there are any activities planned. For your benefit, we’ve created a list that will give some ideas for your watery excursion so you have everything you need!

Common lake items

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to take along several of the items below to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and relaxed.

  • Towels and dry clothes
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Reserve clothing
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Swimsuits
  • Bottle opener
  • Insect repellant

More lake gear

The following items might prove useful for trips to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check some of these before heading out.

  • Wine key
  • Bait
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Fishing gear

Staying Safe on a Lake

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, safety should be top of mind. These safety tips will ensure that everyone stays safe at your favorite Chicago Lawn lake.

  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating

More Chicago Lawn Lake Tips

If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes around Chicago Lawn, there are a few things that might make your itinerary far more successful. Case in point, each lake has their own environment so it’s important to think about what you need to make a memorable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. Find a marina. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a wild day of wakeboarding. Asking a local will usually help you locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Chicago Lawn can get very crowded. To find a little more privacy, research multiple lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most happening beach!
  3. Maximize unique assets in the area. When there’s time for a longer getaway, look for local state campgrounds and parks which give you the ability to camp right on the water without breaking the bank.