Top Chicago Outdoor Activities - page 2

Zoom along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, zipping past famous landmarks as you go, during this exhilarating speedboat ride in Chicago. Climb aboard your 2,000-horsepower speed boat at Navy Pier, then hang on for the ride of a lifetime, as you zip past famous attractions like the Willis Tower, Grant Park, and Buckingham Fountain, pausing to learn a little about the history and architecture of the Windy City along the way.

See the the Second City from the water with a sightseeing cruise along the Chicago River and the Lake Michigan shoreline. Take in towering skyscrapers and spot the gargoyles that live on to of the city’s historic buildings. Hear stories about the city’s history and culture as you pass Chicago landmarks, museums and iconic buildings. Capture unforgettable images of the city skyline from Lake Michigan, and get a unique look at Chicago that’s perfect for all ages.

Discover many of Chicago's best-known landmarks—and explore without breaking a sweat—on this private electric bike tour. Meet your guide right at the Buckingham Fountain, grab your e-bike and helmet, and get ready to explore. You'll view Lakefront landmarks like the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium, will zip right along the waters of Lake Michigan, and will stop to soak up picture-perfect views of the Chicago skyline.

Discover the adrenaline rush of skydiving without setting foot on a plane at iFly Chicago-Rosemont. Offered 9am to 10pm, you can easily find a session that fits with your busy schedule. Feel confident after a small-group training session, then head into the tunnel for your solo floats.  An instructor is present for both 60-second sessions to give you personalized instruction. Afterwards, take home a flight certificate to commemorate your adventure.

Step into the heart of Chicago with this 2-hour walking tour of the Loop. You’ll meet your local guide at the Chicago Cultural Center and make your way through the city’s downtown. Stop to check out the elevated “L” train, buildings by Burnham and Sullivan, busy commercial centers and lesser-known quiet corners of this vibrant area. You’ll come away with a deeper sense of Chicago’s rich history and architecture.

Leave the hustle and bustle behind! Explore Chicago's shores with a leisurely trip around Lake Michigan. Take in the world-famous skyline, enjoy spectacular views, and discover the Windy City from the water. Windy is the Official Ship for the City of Chicago. At 148 feet long, she is one of only a few 4 masted Schooners built in the United States. You will enjoy a relaxing sail around aboard a truly historic vessel. Select from Pirates and Maritime Stories Sail at 1pm, Skyline/Architectural Theme at 3pm and 5pm, and Skyline Sunset Sail at 7pm. This sail is approximately 75 minutes. The ship leaves promptly at the scheduled time, please allow for time to park, off the pier if necessary.

Do you have what it takes to solve puzzles, figure out clues, and flee your escape room—all in just 60 minutes? Find out when you book a Chicago escape room experience. Pick from five themed rooms: The California-themed Gold Rush; Special Ops: Mysterious Market, where you play secret agents; Prison Break, where you escape from a warden; the extraterrestrial-themed Mission: Mars; and the Heist, where you track down an art thief.

Feel the rush of skydiving without going anywhere near a plane, with this indoor skydiving experience in Chicago. Start off with thorough training so you feel confident and know what to expect. Then, enjoy two 60-second ‘free fall’ experiences in a technologically advanced vertical wind tunnel, which feels much like real skydiving. No experience is necessary, and your instructor will give you hands-on assistance when you need.

Cruise down the Chicago River in style during this 3-hour dinner cruise aboard the Odyssey. Watch the beautiful city and its architecture pass by through the ship’s panoramic windows. Then sit down to delicious 3-course meal accompanied by DJ entertainment to set the mood for your journey. A full-service bar complete with microbrews, creative cocktails, and a wine list is also available for purchase.

Take a gourmet dinner cruise on a high-end luxury yacht with the stunning skyline of Chicago serving as your backdrop. Climb aboard your recently renovated vessel, featuring a sumptuously-appointed rooftop lounge and stylish interior design, for your cruise along Lake Michigan. Then sit down for a 3-course dinner, informed by some of the world’s top celebrity chefs and composed of fresh ingredients cooked right on-board. After dinner, enjoy coffee and tea, captivating views of Chicago landmarks like the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower and Navy Pier, plus musical entertainment provided by the onboard DJ.

Enjoy Chicago’s fireworks in 3D during a 2-hour boat cruise on the Chicago River or Lake Michigan. Capture stunning photos of Chicago’s skyline from the Lake on Saturdays or from the mouth of the river on Wednesdays. Before the fireworks begin, learn about the history of The Windy City as your boat cruises along the waterfront, passing sights including Buckingham Fountain, Museum Campus and the John Hancock Building. Hear informative commentary from your onboard guide about the landmarks, the locks system and more, then sit back with the best seats in the city for the spectacular fireworks show.

Discover the beauty of Chicago at night during a 1.5-hour cruise on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Watch the city sparkle as you pass landmarks such as Museum Campus, Willis Tower, Aon Center and the John Hancock Building, and the illuminated waters of Buckingham Fountain. You'll learn about the history of the city from live commentary by your knowledgeable guide as you glide along the waterfront of Chicago.

Discover Chicago's world-renowned architecture during this sightseeing cruise. Board a comfortable riverboat for a cruise on the Chicago River, viewing landmarks like the Willis Tower and the Tribune Tower while listening to engaging commentary from your guide. Then board a speedboat for an exciting ride up the shore of Lake Michigan for views of Grant Park, the Chicago Harbor, and the Museum Campus.

The educational sail aboard Chicago's Official Flagship Windy departs at 11am Thursday thru Monday from Navy Pier. Leave the hustle and bustle behind, and enjoy a leisurely Educational Sail aboard Chicago’s Official Tall Ship. Guests will enjoy 75 minute sail where they will learn about sailing and the history of Lake Michigan and Chicago. Ideal for youth groups, children, families and adults.. Chicago's history is forever linked to the history of sailing on Lake Michigan. From these historical maritime roots, guests will be delighted with interesting facts, unique stories, and a healthy dose of whimsy. You will have a chance to help sail Chicago's famous 148' Schooner and you will be rewarded with incredible scenery and photo opportunities of the Windy City. Enjoy your time on the water — the third-largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan is itself a natural wonder. Your guide will provide live audio commentary throughout the journey. This is approximately a 75 Minute sail.

Chicago is well known for its architecture and many visitors admire the buildings on a cruise along the Chicago River. Take your river cruise to the next level aboard a floating tiki bar that allows you to take in all the sights with a drink in hand. Your captain also enhances the atmosphere with island tunes as you enjoy your leisurely sail.

Take in sweeping views of Chicago from the air during a scenic helicopter flight that offers a premier experience of the Windy City. This private 45-minute flight provides an aerial look at landmarks such as Millennium Park, Navy Park, and Wrigley Field. Ideal for a special occasion, this helicopter tour accommodates up to three people and includes the use of noise-cancelling headsets to hear the pilot clearly.

Enjoy a memorable, one-of-a-kind night out on Lake Michigan aboard this combination dinner, dancing, and sightseeing cruise. Make your own way to Navy Pier, and set off as the evening begins. You can admire views of Chicago’s picture-perfect skyline as the sun starts to set. While on board, take advantage of the all-you-can-eat buffet dinner, drinks to purchase, a DJ-helmed soundtrack, and even a fireworks display (weather permitting).

Our flagship vessel boasts a Tiki Chic vibe, two climate controlled decks, two bars, two bathrooms, premium sound system, outdoor and indoor viewing areas. You can upgrade to our upscale "Admirals Lounge"which features top-shelf alcohol, including the captain's private reserve. Your adventure starts on the Chicago Riverwalk when you board vessel. Enjoy a beverage as you complete the unique experience of transiting the Chicago Locks. Once on Lake Michigan take in the stunning views of Chicago's skyline.

Travel down the Chicago River on an architecture cruise aboard the "Odyssey." As you pass by some of Chicago's most notable buildings, you'll dine on a 3-course lunch with salad, a main course such as chicken, salmon, pasta, or short ribs, and a dessert such as cheesecake or sorbet. Listen to onboard narration about the city's architecture along the way.

Escape the bustle of the city during this one or two-hour kayak rental along Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago. Experience the serene waters of the iconic lake as you paddle at your own pace in a single or tandem kayak, enjoying views of Chicago’s famous skyline. Take breaks along nearby urban beachfronts, with the option to extend your rental time. Stand-up paddleboards are also available for rental.

Soak up unbeatable views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline with this private, sunset sailing tour. This charter is completely customizable, giving you the chance to choose your music, route, and up to 5 additional guests. Sail into the sunset with your own drinks and snacks (refrigerator and ice on board) and your family or friends by your side, all led by US Coast Guard–certified captain.

The famous Tall Ship Windy sunset sail is truly famous. Used in many world-renown photos, backdrops for special events, weddings, or just an evening out, the sunset sail aboard one of the only four-mast Schooners still in operation will not disappoint. You will enjoy a sail on Lake Michigan and at just the right moment, S/V Windy will gently turn toward the Chicago skyline for a view of our spectacular sunset. Sit back and relax, enjoy some soothing music, and gently complete your day with this dramatic sunset. ** Please note, tickets purchased for sunset sails on Monday evenings will be upgraded from our traditional 75 minute sail to our Monday Night Blues Summer Concert Series, which departs the dock at 7pm and returns at 9pm. Enjoy live Blues music and 45 extra minutes aboard beautiful Tall Ship Windy!

Get a chance to experience the Windy City from multiple vantage points during this two-hour, small-group boat tour in Chicago. Hop aboard a secure and reliable US Navy-built Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) for a unique sightseeing experience. Pass by iconic sights such as Navy Pier, Soldier Field, Fort Dearborn, Vietnam Memorial, Wolf Point, Shedd Aquarium, and more, all while comfortably seated in a group capped at only six people.