Illinois gives off the vibe of a land-locked state, but this is not true.  There’s Lake Michigan, of course, which flanks the eastern border of the state. Being one of the Great Lakes, it’s fair to say this massive body of water feels more like an ocean and less like a traditional lake.  When standing on the shore, you cannot see to the other side.  What you can see are choppy waves and the horizon.  That’s it.   

Where there are lakes, there are rivers feeding it or feeding from it.  Chicago, Illinois’ main metropolis, sits on the shore of Lake Michigan, and houses the mouth of the Chicago River.  Interestingly, this river originally emptied into Lake Michigan; however, in 1887, engineers reversed the flow of the river so that that water flowed away from Lake Michigan.  During a population boom in old Chicago, cholera and typhus were a public health risk as sewage evacuated into the primary drinking water supply of Lake Michigan.  By reversing the flow of the water, the sewage and disease were pushed away from the growing city. 

The river now has canal locks and if followed far enough, it can be traced to join the Mississippi River.  When visiting Chicago, interactions with the Chicago River will likely be in the downtown area, where the river cuts through the middle of it.  Chicago lends itself to many activities for tourists, and on the list of memorable experiences and kid-friendly moments is touring Chicago via the Chicago River.

Seeing Chicago from river instead of land provides a different perspective of this incredible city.  There are multiple Chicago Boat Tours provided by multiple vendors.  There is a tour that suits every person and every family.  Some are short, sweet, and to the point (30-minute cruises), while others are much longer.  There are many options:  architecture and landmarks tour, evening skyline tour, lunch cruises, dinner cruises, fireworks tours, and even a speedboat tour for those who crave speed and adventure.  When chewing over the options on which boat ride to take, the location of the dock can impact the final decision.  Many boats leave from Navy Pier, while others depart from docks along the Riverwalk and some from the shore of Lake Michigan.

Here is a list of some popular vendors:  

Chicago’s First Lady Cruises: https://cruisechicago.com/

Shoreline Sightseeing: https://shorelinesightseeing.com/

Wendella Tours and Cruises: https://www.wendellaboats.com/

Chicago Riverboat Architectural Cruises: https://architecturetourchicago.com/

Chicago Fireboat Tours: https://www.fireboattours.com/

Mercury Cruises: https://mercurycruises.com/

I took part in a daytime Chicago River cruise when I was a pre-teen.  There were four of us youngsters along with two adults on the tour, and it was super-fun.  None of us youths had any interest in the history of Chicago but we did enjoy viewing the Chicago highlights.  It’s one thing to view the city from the street; viewing famous buildings while floating between them is even better.  I don’t recall how long the tour lasted or where the boat went, but do recall sheer enjoyment being on the boat, running from room to room, and leaning over the railing into the wind.

A boat tour is highly recommended for those with youngsters.  Children remember these experiences, and adults get a chance to sit, relax, and learn about the area they are visiting.  It is also an opportunity to catch up with friends/family in the Chicago area while touring at the same time.  If traveling with children requiring constant supervision, sitting may not be much of an option, but you can still achieve the objective of sightseeing without driving or walking.  And, we all know that fresh air lends itself to amazing naps, for both children and their parents. 

If a Chicago River Boat Tour is not in your budget or plans, a visit to the Chicago River is still highly recommended.  You can walk along the waterfront or rent kayaks.  Here are some thoughts to keep in mind:

1.     Because the river freezes over in the winter, boat tours are offered from spring through late fall.  Please plan accordingly. 

2.     The Chicago Riverwalk is 1.25 miles long, and there are many restaurants and art exhibits along the way.

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/chicagoriverwalk/home.html

3.     Fireworks: these are set off on Wednesday and Saturday nights from Navy Pier between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Navy Pier is the best place to view them, but you may be able to see them from a good spot on the Riverwalk.

4.     The river is colored green every St. Patrick’s Day.  

5.     Ducky Derby: This is a fundraising event for the Special Olympics, where thousands of rubber ducks are dropped into the Chicago River.  This typically occurs on one specific day in August.  Consider being a sponsor or viewing the fun!

6.     Oktoberfest!  Beer, Music, and Events take place along the Chicago River 

Water is an attractant. Where there is water, there are both wildlife and activities for adults and children.  Personally, I could never live in any location without water.  And, when I visit cities around the world, I gravitate to sites on and near the water.  

When visiting Chicago, consider the Chicago River for your next kid friendly event!

The Kids Friendly App can provide up to date information on boat tours and events on the river’s edge.