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Planning a visit to Chicago? You made the right choice. Chicago is a beautiful city all over the year, but the best time to visit Chicago is, of course, in Summer.

Chicago offers lots and lots of summer activities, from festivals, events, concerts, tours, and many other things to do. To find the best fun activity in Chicago, I created a list of these 5 popular boat tours in Chicago for you. So you will know what to expect.

What to Do in Chicago in Summer 2023: 5 Popular Boat Tours

#1 Best Boat Tour in Chicago

Chicago River Architecture Cruise

What can be better than enjoying a water activity on a hot summer day, right?! Chicago offers many kinds of boat tours or cruises which are very entertaining and knowledgeable if you would love to learn history.

On this 60-75 minute cruise, you will learn about hidden architectural gems, will see the most popular city architectural pieces, learn Chicago’s history, and will be able just to relax and enjoy the beautiful views from the Chicago River.

*Make sure to have cash as there will be a bar with some drinks and snacks.

Get your Skip the Line ticket to the Chicago River Architecture Cruise here.

#2 Best Boat Tour in Chicago

Another great water activity to take is a 45 – minute Lake Michigan boat tour. Did you know that we have a beautiful lake which looks like an ocean with turquoise water in some places, is called lake Michigan?! I am sure you did. Why would you want to come here then :)? I am kidding. We have many more beautiful things here other than the lake, but no comments that it is the most beautiful lake we have ever seen.

On this 45-minute classic family-friendly lake tour, you will enjoy the stunning city view from the water, and its architectural pieces, and learn Chicago’s history as well.

This is a perfect tour for tourists and for locals.

Chicago River: 45-Minute Family-Friendly Architecture Cruise

#3 Boat Tour in Chicago

This Chicago River cruise is the longest cruise you can take. During this amazing sightseeing tour, the local tour guide will tell you about the 130-year-long history. You will see the oldest skyscrapers, buildings, and more.

For cash, you will also be able to buy some drinks.

There will be an option to sit in the open air or inside with AC. So do not forget to bring a hat, sunscreen and a light jacket in case.

Get your tickets for the Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise here.

#4 Best Boat Tour in Chicago

Interested in a faster activity rather than a cruise? Sure. They got you all covered here. Experience full-throttle slalom runs sharp twists, and turns, and feel the power and excitement of Seadog Extreme’s two 1400 HP engines.

This 30-minute Seadog Speedboat ride along Chicago’s lakefront is one of the best ways to view the city’s skyline while learning about its history at the same time. The local guide will make your ride fun and informative, so you will want to come back again.

Keep in mind that you might get wet as it is an open airboat. So it is recommended to wear appropriate clothes and shoes.

Skip the ticket line for Chicago Lakefront: Half-Hour Seadog Speedboat Ride

#5 Best Boat Tour in Chicago

Watch the fireworks over Chicago’s skyline on this popular 1-hour speedboat tour. Perfect for a couple, to go on a date or a memorable night out with friends, or alone. You can’t miss the spectacular night views of Chicago, as nighttime is very special here. Everything is lighting up, which is breathtaking.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the city sights from Lake Michigan that have appeared in so many movies and TV shows you might already watched and recognized them.

Seadog Speedboat Fireworks Cruise on Lake Michigan

Interested in saving on activities? Get Chicago Pass and Save up to 55% on Top Attractions.

Along with the boat tours, you can combine your days with free things to do.

FREE Things to Do in Chicago

Visit Taste of Chicago yearly event. This year it is scheduled for July 7-11. Enjoy plenty of local food for all tastes, live music, and more.
Enjoy a FREE movie watching on a big screen outdoors.
Take advantage of FREE events on Navy Pier. To see the full list of events, check this link.
See the world’s largest video show on the big display from 8:30 pm to 9 pm every night from the Chicago River Walk. Check more details here.
Visit FREE festivals and events around Chicago.
Take FREE walking city tours and art tours.
If you like some sports activities, you can join some teams for beach volleyball. To find who needed a sub or the main player, you can simply go to the beach and see it with your own eyes as they basically play all day long, or just find some groups on Facebook and send the request to join.
Instead of paying for 360 city views from the Observatory, you can enjoy the view from the Signature Lounge at the top of the John Hancock Building.
Explore the Lincoln Park Zoo.
If you are in a windy city in August, you can go to the beach and view the air show activity.
Visit Lincoln Park Conservatory
Visit Garfield park conservatory
Check out free museums
Planning to go for a drink somewhere? Combine it with fun arcade games at the sports bar “Replay”, which are free.
Visit Chicago Botanic Garden. It is totally free, but if you are driving, you will need to pay a fee to get in.
Go “people watch” at Millenium Park and take a picture with the famous bean (come early to avoid crowds and lines)
Go have some fun at the “Laugh Chicago Factory”. You can get free tickets online on Eventbrite, but they will ask you to pay $20 for drinks once you are in. But do not worry, it’s totally worth it as you will have a great time and will be laughing so much.
Ride the Navy Pier Trolley
Watch the big beautiful fountain at the “Buckingham Fountain” which happens from April-October every year.
Want to visit some greatest temples? Head to Winnetka, IL (it is just 30-40 min from the city) and observe our best temple “Bahai House of Worship”. You can also go inside (there is no charge).

Need a cheap place to stay in Chicago? Check out this list of the best hostels in Chicago. (To jump to the Chicago section, just click on the navigation link).

Prefer Hotels instead, no worries. Here are some good hotels in Chicago.

Final Thoughts

There are always so many things to do in this amazing city. And if you come back every year, it will never be the same for you. Even if you are local. I love exploring downtown all over again, as they always offer new activities, have new sculptures, and more.

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