Midwest travel: Take a chopper high above Chicago

Chicago

Cop to it

For the first time in Chicago history, helicopters are accessible in downtown Chicago for tours and transportation. The new Chicago Helicopter Experience, CHE Tours, has a fleet of quiet and eco-friendly Airbus EC 130s in its private heliport. See Chicago from a new perspective with views of the skyline and famous landmarks. Tours depart during the day, twilight and evening hours, and the helicopters feature leather seats, floor to ceiling bubble windows, climate controlled cabins and noise-canceling headsets. All flights take off from the CHE Chicago Heliport, 2420 S. Halsted, Chicago. Tour prices start at $128 per person. chetours.com.

Take a bite

It began as a way to flaunt the neighborhood's fantastic restaurants. However, the Taste of Randolph has evolved into a music, fun and food festival. Rocking the Randolph Street corridor with some of the top restaurants in the West Loop, plus beer and wine, art and artisans, and live music by Dandy Warhols, Best Coast, and Dinosaur Jr. There'll be a DJ dance stage and after parties in local clubs. This year's eateries include La Sirena Clandestina, Le Sardine, Porkchop, BellyQ, City Winery, Hello Tacos and heaps more. 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, June 19; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday to Sunday, June 20-21, at 900 to 1200 West Randolph St., Chicago. Entry donation is $10. tasterandolph.com.

Hot time, summer in the city

Thanks to the return of the Family Fun Festival, every trip downtown is a no-brainer with kids in tow. Enjoy the eye-popping architecture of Millennium Park, then stay to take part in all of the hands-on activities and performances that the Family Fun Festival has to offer every day for free. Peek in to see what's cooking: singing and musical games for the youngster set courtesy of the Old Town School of Folk Music; reading circles; hands-on craft, science and environmental activities led by many of the city's most popular museums and cultural institutions; and performances by local and regional dance and musical artists. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily June 22-Aug. 23 at Millennium Park, Chase Promenade North, 201 E. Randolph St. (312) 744-3315

Midwest

The play's the thing

American Players Theatre (APT) just launched Act I of its 2015 season, which stages a distinct, eight-play lineup including Tennessee Williams and Shakespeare. Enjoy some of the 36th summer season in the 1,148-seat outdoor amphitheater, Up the Hill, on 110 acres of hilly woods and meadows above the Wisconsin River in Spring Green, Wisconsin. APT continues to be one of the most popular outdoor classical theaters in the country. Showtimes vary now through Oct. 18 at 5950 Golf Course Road, Spring Green, Wisconsin. Single tickets start at $45, with special packages starting at $104 for four tickets to select shows Up the Hill. (608) 588-2361 or americanplayers.org.

Pop 'n' wheelies

See the mighty Mississippi River from the seat of a bicycle in the Quad Cities where you can ride on paved trails that line both sides of the river. Consider a ride with the family in the 31st annual Ride the River bike ride this Father's Day. Enjoy the bi-state tour along riverfront bike trails riding 20 miles or 60 miles and you can loop back at several places on the route. The Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau also has rental bicycles at three of the Visitor Centers, which are all located on the bike path. 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 21. The ride begins at the Quad-City Times, 500 E. Third St. in Davenport, Iowa. Registration is $15 for adults and $5 for kids 16 and under. (563) 322-2969 or riveraction.org. (800) 747-7800 or visitquadcities.com.

Golf and grub for dear old Dad

Lake Lawn Resort is offering a Father's Day Patio Grille & Beer Brunch full of ribs, smoked trout, breakfast items and beer samplings. Pops will get a Lake Lawn Amber Beer with a complimentary pint glass to take home. Majestic Oaks, Lake Lawn's 18-hole championship golf course, is also open, and dads who hit the links on Father's Day will receive a $20 gift card to be used at a future outing at the course. The family can sample other amenities, including water sports rentals, a miniature golf course and other outdoor activities. Brunch is from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 21, and costs $29.95 for adults, $14.95 for ages 4-12 and free for children three and under. (800) 338-5253 or LakeLawnResort.com.