The hustle and bustle of the city can be overwhelming. When you get tired of the bumper-to-bumper traffic and throngs of citydwellers, a great way to unwind is to visit one of Chicago’s many parks. The Chronicle has compiled a list for students seeking a piece of nature inside the urban playground.

1. Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St.: Grant Park is the center of Chicago, and located steps from Columbia, it’s a great place to begin exploring in the city. It is home to dozens of events, concerts and festivals, and students can find intricate landscaping and public art to enjoy.

2. Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen Ave.: Surrounded by a charming, architecturally-distinct neighborhood, Wicker Park is the perfect place to catch some sun at the end of summer. It is also within walking distance of trendy shops such as Ragstock and Tiara Love.

3. Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St.: This West Loop park features attractions such as July’s 3-day Pitchfork Music Festival and North Coast Music Festival, a 3-day festival that presents a wide variety of music. The park is attractive year-round and also has a historic fieldhouse, gym and basketball court.

4. Erie Park, 321 E. Erie St.: Boasting a distinctly Chicagoan practicality, Erie Park is tucked neatly beneath the Ohio Street bridge over the Chicago River in River North. The privacy of a grassy hill and the cobblestoned path along a scenic riverwalk make it the perfect place for a date.

5. Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 N. Stockton Drive: Living in the heart of Chicago, you can sometimes forget what raw nature looks like. The Lincoln Park Conservatory lends the feeling of a wild jungle with its enormous fern room and exotic flowers. Plus, the docents change the displays several times per year, so there is always something new to see.