Chicago has plenty to offer to fill every sports fan's appetite. Chicago and the surrounding area is home to the following major sports teams:

• Baseball - Chicago is one of only two cities in the United States that is home to two Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, the Chicago Cubs and the 2005 World Series Champion Chicago White Sox. For individuals who like Minor League Baseball action, the Midwest League's Kane County Cougars play an hour west of downtown Chicago in Geneva, Illinois. The Cougars are a Class A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.
• Basketball - The National Basketball Association (NBA) Chicago Bulls, and the WNBA Chicago Sky.
• Football - The National Football League (NFL) Chicago Bears, and the Arena Football League (AFL) Chicago Rush.
• Hockey - The American Hockey League Chicago Wolves, and the National Hockey League Chicago Blackhawks.
• Soccer - The Major League Soccer (MLS) Chicago Fire.

As one would expect from its proximity to Lake Michigan, Chicago boasts a plethora of water-related and outdoor leisure-time activities. In addition to its over 500 parks, the Chicago Parks District maintains over 30 beaches, 16 historic lagoons, nine lakefront harbors, ten bird and wildlife gardens, and thousands of special events, sports and entertaining programs.

Navy Pier, located on Lake Michigan, just east of Chicago's downtown, has long been a Chicago landmark and is a focus for lakeside recreation. Navy Pier attractions include a unique collection of restaurants and shops in addition to excellent recreational and exhibition facilities.

Another major waterfront activity is the annual Chicago Air and Water Show. It is the largest free event of its kind in the country and happens late summer every year along the Chicago lakefront. The show is best viewed from North Avenue Beach.