Top Chicago Seasonal & Special Occasions

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.

Learn about Chicago’s brewpub scene and taste different types of craft beer on this guided brewery tour. Visit unique breweries for craft beer samples plus an additional brewing production facility for an in-depth tour. Discover the science behind the brewing process, complete with step-by-step procedures, and enjoy plenty of beer samples throughout the tour. Round-trip transportation in a Prohibition-era-styled barrel bus is included.

Experience Lake Michigan from a perspective rare to visitors and locals alike on a pirate–themed sailboat tour. As you cruise past sweeping views of the Chicago skyline, you will be able to relax on deck while or join your guides for an interactive experience—the flexibility of the tour makes this a very popular choice.

Admire up-close views of the Chicago skyline—and a fireworks show over the city—on this tiki bar boat tour. In the evening, make your own way to the departure point at the Chicago Riverwalk, hop aboard, and get comfortable in the air-conditioned seating area or on the deck. Purchase cocktails and food from the on-site tiki bar, watch the city float by, and then sit back and take in the show.

$2 Mimosas All Day! Sundays are Fun-Days aboard the floating tiki bar. See the Chicago River the Island Party way. Our floating Tiki Bar offers you the opportunity to take in all the sights and sounds as you relax an enjoy a beverage. Have questions about buildings? Our helpful staff will be happy to answer questions.

Cruise down the Chicago River to see the city's famous architecture on this boat tour. With commentary from your onboard guide, watch the spectacular skyline glide by, including more than 40 notable buildings like Navy Pier, the Wrigley Building, and the John Hancock Building. Cover all three branches of the Chicago River, passing the East Bank Club, the old Post Office Building and the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower).

Get the most out of your trip to Chicago as you enjoy discount access to five of the city’s top attractions with the CityPASS. This easy-to-use mobile ticket grants you free entry into top-tier sights including the Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago plus your choice of admission to 3 of the following attractions: Field Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck, Adler Planetarium, or Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour. Also enjoy a wealth of useful Chicago tips and savings at a variety of other venues and retailers. Attractions may be required to verify proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (14 days past final vaccine dose) before allowing entry. Please review attraction requirements before visiting Chicago.

Tower above the Windy City’s world-famous skyline with admission to 360 Chicago (John Hancock Observatory). Ascend 94 stories to the observation deck of one of the tallest buildings in North America aboard its lightning-fast elevator. Then check out bird’s-eye views of landmarks like the famous Willis (Sears) Tower and the lakefront shoreline, and enjoy a variety of educational exhibits on site. Upgrade your ticket upon arrival to include TILT, a thrill ride that offers visitors unique, downward facing views from 1,030 feet. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into 360 Chicago.

Experience Chicago like never before on this small-group Segway tour. Visit Chicago’s ‘front yard,’ the beautiful lakefront and 57-acre Museum Campus. Glide along the fragrant floral paths to famous Buckingham Fountain. Then travel along the banks of Lake Michigan, past Monroe Harbor to the Museum Campus for a breathtaking view of the city’s iconic skyline. Guided Segway training plus the use of a helmet are included. Dress in weather-appropriate clothes with flat, closed-toed shoes.

Experience Chicago like never before on this guided, 2.5-hour, small-group Segway tour. Visit popular Grant Park and see famous Buckingham Fountain, with the Windy City skyline as the backdrop. Glide along the lakefront, taking in views of the Field Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium, Soldier Field, Adler Planetarium and Michigan Avenue. Guided Segway training plus the use of a helmet are included. Dress in weather-appropriate clothes with flat, closed-toe shoes.

Enjoy a unique creative outlet—and learn the ins and outs of graffiti and street art—during this hands-on urban art workshop. Pick from multiple class times, and make your own way to the Chicago studio. You’ll learn different styles and techniques from your instructors (including guest artists), can try out stenciling and spray-painting, and can even create your own work of art on canvas to bring home at the end of class.

Experience Chicago like never before on this guided, 2-hour, small-group Segway tour. Visit popular Grant Park and see Buckingham Fountain’s breathtaking, evening light show, with an illuminated Windy City skyline as the perfect backdrop. Glide along the lakefront, then witness Chicago's weekly summer fireworks display at Navy Pier from a secret location. Guided Segway training plus the use of a helmet are included. Dress in weather-appropriate clothes with flat, closed-toed shoes.

Discover the architectural gems of the Windy City from an ideal vantage point on a cruise down the Chicago River. Offered several times throughout the day, it’s easy to fit the leisurely excursion into your itinerary. Covering more than 130 years of architectural history, the tour is the perfect opportunity to see a huge area of the city without the hassle of taxis and public transit.

Delve deep into the world of natural history with this Field Museum admission ticket in Chicago. Spend as long as you like exploring the museum's collection of more than 26 million artifacts. Get to know SUE, the world's largest T. Rex, or stroll through the sparkling Hall of Gems. Time travel through 13,000 years of history in the Americas, from the Ice Age to Inca and Aztec temples. Take advantage of the free daily tours, led by Field Museum docents.

Step aboard a boat for a comprehensive cruise that details the history of Chicago's architecture. Enjoy views of the Chicago skyline accompanied by architecture-focused commentary that points out each of the landmark buildings. As you cruise through Lake Michigan, snap photos of you and your party against the stretch of Chicago's 26-mile shoreline.

The easiest and most affordable way to explore some of Chicago's top attractions at your own pace, the Chicago Explorer Pass by Go City saves you up to 40 percent off compared to buying individual attraction tickets. Create your own sightseeing itinerary by choosing 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions, tours, and activities from among more than 25 top sites, including SkyDeck, 360 Chicago, the Field Museum, a shoreline sightseeing cruise, a hop-on hop-off Big Bus tour, Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier, and LEGOLAND® Discovery Center. Please note: Enjoy the extra flexibility in case your travel plans need to change: All passes are valid for two years from purchase date and only become activated with your first attraction visit. After activation your pass will be valid for 60 days and/or the remaining number of attraction choices purchased.

Stroll through downtown Chicago on this walking food tour. Visit Millennium Park, the Palmer House Hotel and other city landmarks. Taste quintessential Chicago foods such as deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, plus chocolates and pastry. All food tastings are included, and the tour covers an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) suitable for most fitness levels.

Enjoy a memorable Chicago experience on this haunted pub tour. Your costumed guide, dressed as a Flapper or 1920s Gangster, will lead you on a mile-long journey while telling spooky stories of forgotten cemeteries, lingering spirits, and more. Stop at three different bars for drinks (at own expense) as you learn the secret tales behind Chicago’s haunted past.

Sail aboard one of the only four-mast Schooners still in operation during this hour-long sunset excursion along Chicago’s stunning Lake Michigan. But don’t worry, only the boat is period-specific—you’ll enjoy plenty of modern amenities, too. Historic sailing ships are equipped with restrooms and complimentary Wi-Fi. Witness the sunset behind the city’s iconic skyline from the water—the perfect ending to your day.

Our flagship vessel boasts a Tiki Chic vibe, two climate controlled decks, two bars, two bathrooms, premium sound system, outdoor and indoor viewing areas. Our upscale "Admirals Lounge" 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.

Discover many of Chicago’s best-known landmarks—and see the city dressed up in its festive best—on this holiday walking tour of the Windy City. Meet your guide in the afternoon, be sure to come bundled, and set off with a small group. In between admiring sights like Millennium Park, the Chicago Theater, and more, you’ll also visit the city’s Christkindlmarket, see Christmas window displays, and more.

This Mother’s Day, create family memories that will be treasured forever with an amazing Mother's Day Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan. While onboard, treat the mom in your life to a special night with our holiday buffet, classic cocktails, and Chicago's most incredible views. Celebrate with dining and dancing from our climate-controlled interior, or soak in the picturesque backdrop from our outdoor decks.

Travel back in time to the 1920s, when Chicago was a prohibition era hub for lively speakeasies. Your guide, a local historian in period dress, will lead you through secret entrances to speakeasies once frequented by bank robbers and Chicago gangsters like Al Capone. Order prohibition era cocktails (additional cost) and listen to stories about bootlegging and racketeering in 1920s Chicago. Guests are welcome to come in period dress.

Our flagship vessel boasts a Tiki Chic vibe, two climate controlled decks, two bars, two bathrooms, premium sound system, outdoor and indoor viewing areas. Our upscale "Admirals Lounge" 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.