Top Illinois Outdoor Activities - page 2

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.

Chicago dogs, deep-dish pizza, brownies, and craft beer are all sampled on this half-day bike tour through the Windy City. Cover about 13 miles (21 km), following your guide at a moderate pace through Chicago neighborhoods. On the day tour, ride through Wrigleyville, Old Town, Lincoln Park, and Gold Coast. On the night tour, visit Chicago’s Riverwalk, Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain and the Lakefront Trail. As you go, stop for generous food and beer tasters.

Get ready for the most complete adventure the city has to offer—an immersive Full Day Chicago Food Tour and Walking Tour that blends Chicago’s legendary flavors with its most iconic landmarks. Savor Chicago Pizza, Hot Dogs, Italian Beef, Garrett’s Chicago Mix Popcorn, and the original Palmer House Brownie, or elevate your day with our VIP craft beer upgrade. This unforgettable Chicago in a Day Tour explores Millennium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue, Cloud Gate, Chicago Theater, and more, guided by true local experts. Enjoy a 5-hour journey through culture and cuisine, plus a FREE 2-hour bike or kayak rental to continue the adventure along Lake Michigan. Recently honored among the “Top 10 Food Tours in America” (USA Today) and “Top 20 Food Tours in the World” (TripAdvisor), this award-winning Culinary Tour is one of the top Things to do in Chicago. Don’t miss the most delicious, scenic Full Day Food Tour in Chicago—all in one extraordinary day.

Kick back and enjoy a great meal while taking in the sights of Chicago's most famed landmarks on this scenic lunch cruise along Lake Michigan. See and photograph the dramatic city skyline, Navy Pier, Soldier Field, and Shedd Aquarium. The cruise includes a delicious buffet lunch with salads, entrees, desserts, and unlimited nonalcoholic beverages. There's also a DJ, games, and a dance floor to keep your group entertained.

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.

Skip navigating around the city with a map and guidebook and explore Chicago's iconic landmarks in just a few hours on this sightseeing tour led by an expert guide. Board a comfortable, large-windowed minibus and explore Downtown and North Side neighborhoods, stopping to visit several locations and hear about the historical and cultural factors that make Chicago unique. Upgrade your tour with a popular open-top boat tour on the Chicago River that focuses on the city's renowned architecture.

See Chicago from a different perspective on this evening cruise that explores the city’s darker side. As twilight settles over the skyline, glide along the Chicago River while hearing chilling tales of disasters, infamous criminals, and eerie legends tied to the city’s past. This relaxed river cruise blends atmospheric storytelling with some of the best nighttime views of Chicago’s renowned skyline and landmarks. Grab a drink from the onboard bar, settle in, and let the city’s shadowy history unfold as you cruise through the heart of downtown. By the end of the journey, you’ll have experienced Chicago’s skyline in a whole new way—while uncovering the chilling events, legends, and mysteries that shaped the city. Please arrive 30 minutes in advance!

Don’t just explore Chicago’s best-known landmarks—put your problem-solving skills and competitive side to the test with this private scavenger hunt experience. The game will be conducted via your smartphone, with a live, remote guide to accompany and assist you. As you go, hunt for clues, discover unusual sights, take part in bonus challenges—and see where you team falls on the national leaderboard.

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors or anyone eager to discover the city’s most iconic Top Attractions and Highlights on a guided Chicago Walking Tour. During this 2-hour Walking Tour of Chicago, stroll through downtown’s beautiful streets as expert local guides share rich history, colorful characters, and insider tips to enhance your list of Things to do in Chicago. Your experience includes a FREE 2-hour bike or kayak rental—bike the Lakefront Trail or kayak on Lake Michigan for unforgettable skyline views. Bobby’s Bike Hike tours are nationally recognized by National Geographic, USA Today, and Condé Nast Traveler for excellence in storytelling and urban exploration. You’ll see the landmarks that define Chicago: Millennium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, the Wrigley Building, the Chicago Theatre, and the famed Magnificent Mile. Covering 1.5 miles (2.25 km) of easy, flat terrain, this tour offers a complete and memorable introduction to the city.

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.

Immerse yourself in one of Chicago's most vibrant neighborhoods—and head off the tourist trail to discover sights and bites many visitors miss—on this small-group Chinatown food and walking tour. With your guide in the lead, learn about the cuisine of different regions of China, and discover the history of Chicago's Chinatown. Along the way, enjoy a generous array of tastings, from dim sum to Sichuan cuisine and beyond.

Enjoy an only-in-Chicago night out—and admire views of the city's skyline (and its evening fireworks shows) that most visitors miss—on this Lake Michigan cruise. Make your own way to the departure point at Navy Pier, hop aboard your well-appointed vessel, and set sail. In between marveling at the views, you can also purchase drinks and snacks from the on-board cash bar, if you wish.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening on Lake Michigan with the Chicago Fireworks Cruise. Witness the stunning skyline as you glide across the water, leading up to the spectacular fireworks display at Navy Pier. This 1.5-hour cruise offers a unique perspective of the city while providing a relaxed atmosphere for friends and family to gather and enjoy the show. Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure, so arrive early to secure your spot and make the most of this dazzling experience. - 1.5-hour cruise featuring panoramic views of Chicago's skyline - Marvel at the iconic fireworks show off Navy Pier - Departing and returning to 111 N Lake Shore Drive

See (and taste) the best of Chicago in just half a day on this bicycle tour of the Windy City’s most iconic sights and neighborhoods. Follow your guide along the Lakefront Trail, admire views of Millennium Park, and discover the Chicago Riverwalk. As you go, stop to sample culinary classics of Chicago, like deep-dish pizza, a true Chicago hot dog, and a tasty dessert for good measure.

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 Chicago's most famous aquarium and Skydeck Chicago, plus your choice of admission to three 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.

Eat your way through downtown Chicago on a walking food tour. Visit Millennium Park, the Palmer House Hotel, and other city landmarks and taste quintessential Chicago foods such as deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and chocolate brownies. All food tastings are included, and the tour covers an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) suitable for most fitness levels. A bike or kayak rental is also included in the tour cost.

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.

Drink in a one-of-a-kind perspective on the Windy City when you go for an evening cruise, perfectly timed to coincide with the sunset. Hop aboard your open-top vessel (with an enclosed and climate-controlled lounge) in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, and cruise along the Chicago River. Then, see the skyline from a distance, and watch the skyscrapers light up, when you continue to Lake Michigan for a sunset viewing.

If you want culture, history, food, cinema and film and a heavy dose of all things Chicago this is your tour! Get ready to EAT. We are true fans of Chicago, The Bear and good food which is why we start our tour at the world famous Pequod's pizza where a hot pie will be ready waiting for us to pickup and try. Enjoy this in the pedicab as we begin our leisurely ride through the city getting an open air view of some of Chicago's cutest neighborhoods. Next up we go to Margies Candies for a Banana Split before embarking on a ride all the way from the west side to River North, crossing the Chicago River and getting some photos at the iconic LaSalle Flowers. End your epic Chicago adventure at Mr. Beef or Kasama! Your tour vehicle will be a decorated 6 seat pedicab driven by one of our knowledgeable tour guides. Comfortable for up to 4-5 adults, 6 if kids/teenagers are in the mix. Look at the photos of the cab and feel free to reach out with any questions.

There are many spots around Chicago where you can take in views of the city, but setting sail on Lake Michigan lets you take in the full scenic skyline. On this boat tour, hop aboard a traditional vessel and learn how to hoist a sail, or just relax on board at the fully stocked bar.

Most people have to decide between a boozy Sunday and a river cruise. During this special boat ride in Chicago, you get the best of both worlds. Enjoy a range of mimosas and other brunch drinks for purchase as you cruise down the Chicago River. Enjoy front-row seats as you pass by iconic skyscrapers and other downtown landmarks, with staff available to answer your questions.

Admire a side of Chicago that few other visitors get to experience—and enjoy a relaxing trip out on the water, tailored to your party—with this private sailboat charter and sailing tour. You and up to five other guests will have the exclusive use of a sailboat, complete with a captain for the duration of your tour. Sail on Lake Michigan and enjoy the sights of Chicago’s striking skyline. If you want, you can even take a turn at the helm.

Witness Chicago’s stunning skyline from above on this exhilarating helicopter tour. Departing from the Vertiport, the flight offers breathtaking views of the city’s iconic architecture, including Soldier Field and the Shedd Aquarium, as well as the picturesque Lake Michigan shoreline. This unforgettable experience showcases 8 key points of interest along a scenic 10-mile route, perfect for photography enthusiasts and those seeking a unique perspective of the Windy City. - 10-mile scenic helicopter flight over Chicago's skyline - Fly past famous landmarks like Soilder Field and Chinatown - Minimum of 2 passengers required, maximum of 3 per flight - Free parking available at the Vertiport Chicago

Discover Chicago in a fun new way—and combine your sightseeing with a lively scavenger hunt—on this 2-in-1 excursion. With your smartphone in hand, set off at a time that works best for you on this self-led tour. Prompted by the game, explore the Windy City's vibrant Loop neighborhood. Spot historic buildings, famous streets, and other local landmarks along the way, all while your party solves clues and challenges.