IT'S A TREAT TO BEAT THE HEAT

Chicago, according to the old song, is the town where the fella saw a man who danced with his wife. Chicago is also noted for its bizarre weather. In winter a bitter wind can blow off Lake Michigan; in summer the city can heat up like a jalopy's radiator. But where there's heat there's a way to beat it, as these 12 hot-weather escape hatches photographed from a helicopter high over Chicagoland during an hour's tour on a hot and humid July 4th reveal.

EQUITATION STUDENT PRACTICES HER LESSON AT PARK RIDGE

32,014 WATCHED THE THIRD RACE AT WASHINGTON PARK

600,000 WENT TO BEACHES. THIS ONE IS NORTH AVENUE SUN SPOT

CRUISER USES CALUMET RIVER

SANDLOT TEAMS PLAY BALL AT JACKSON PARK

29,446 WATCH THE CUBS AT WRIGLEY FIELD

NORTH SIDE PENTHOUSES MAKE CONCRETE BEACHES FOR STAY-AT-HOMES

PAY-WHILE-YOU-FISH POND ATTRACTS TROUT, BASS ANGLERS TO DES PLAINES

CEMENT TENNIS COURTS PROVIDE FAST IF FOOTSORE SURFACE AT PARK RIDGE

LEISURELY HORSESHOE PITCHERS CONGREGATE AT PARK RIDGE'S WEST PARK

HOMEWOOD-FLOSSMOOR LIONS CLUB POOL COOLS OFF SWELTERING MEMBERS

GREEN AT OAK BROOK CC IS WELL TRAPPED

TWELVE PHOTOS

ART SHAY