Nothing beats summertime Chicago, and there are a variety of outdoor groups and activities for LGBTQ+ people to get outside.
To help you maximize your outdoor time this summer, Chicago Social Butterflies rounded up TK groups to get involved with. Know of any other LGBTQ+-inclusive outdoor groups? Email them to events@chisocialbutterflies.com.
The Feminist Bird Club provides a safe opportunity for LGBTQ+ people and women to connect with nature. Since its inception in 2016, the club has expanded with chapters across North America and Europe. These meetups are for anyone who enjoys watching birds, equity and justice soar high.
Frontrunners/Front Walkers Chicago
Go at your own pace with this LGBTQ+ running and walking club. No matter where you are in your running or walking journey, this club provides a welcoming environment to stay active with its weekly fun runs and walks. The group also has annual races, training programs, volunteer efforts and other social events.
This meetup group is for LGBTQ+ people looking to connect and experience the great outdoors in and around Chicago. Past events have included “Bald Eagles Are My Boyfriend” at Starved Rock State Park and an art night at Skunk Cabbage Books.
If group hiking or other outdoor activities are on your summer to-do list, the Queer Chicago Outdoor Club might be for you. This club organizes a variety of outings for LGBTQ+ people, ranging from day trips to the Indiana Dunes to kayaking on the Chicago River.
This meetup group is for queer, trans, gender-nonconforming, two-spirit and nonbinary rock climbers in the Chicago area. The group offers monthly events that anyone can join in, regardless of their rock-climbing skill level.
Play bocce, bowling, dodgeball or kickball with other LGBTQ+ people and allies in this community-based sports organization. Joining a team is a great way to make new friends and stay active.
Roll with Windy City Cycling Club (WCCC), Chicago’s LGBTQ+ cycling organization that offers weekly rides for members. The rides include unique routes that explore interesting parts of the city, multi-day trips around favorite cycling destinations and group participation in other organized cycling events.
