chicago helicopter tour navy pier

Experience The Best helicopter tours Chicago has to offer!

Experience the breathtaking views of Chicago’s iconic skyline with Heli Chicago’s helicopter tours! Our tours provide an unforgettable experience of the city from above, with stunning views of famous landmarks like the Willis Tower, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and much more.

Our experienced pilots are knowledgeable about the city’s history and architecture, providing interesting and informative commentary throughout the tour. Our state-of-the-art helicopters are spacious and comfortable, offering a smooth and quiet ride.

At Heli Chicago, we pride ourselves on providing the best helicopter tours in Chicago, with a commitment to safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Whether you are a local or a tourist, our helicopter tours offer a unique and exciting way to see the Windy City like never before.

Book your tour with us today and discover why Heli Chicago is the premier choice for helicopter tours in Chicago!

MOST BOOKED TOUR

45 minute downtown chicago tour (for up to 3 passengers).

Make memories that will last a lifetime! Hop in as we begin our tour from Schaumburg Regional Airport and head East to the Chicago Skyline. We’ll fly past the United Center, Soldier field, Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), the John Hancock Building, and Wrigley Field… Sorry Sox fans. Next we’ll turn back towards the South and pass along the backside of all those buildings. At this point you may be noticing all the Chicago traffic and be glad you decided to skip that by flying high above it! 

45 Minute Downtown Chicago Tour (for groups of 6, luxury helicopter)

See all of the most famous landmarks Chicago has to offer! Fly past the United Center, Soldier Field, The Willis Tower, The John Hancock, Navy Pier, Wrigley Field and much more! This Helicopter can take up to 6 passengers, is air conditioned, and has beverages available on board! Great for large families or corporate events! 

30 Minute Northwest Side Tour    

This 30 minute ride takes you on a tour of Northwest Chicago. You’ll fly past Woodfield Mall, Barrington Hills, the Grand Victoria Casino, and along the Fox River! 

​ We also suggest: taking this tours with the doors off!

​ Duration: 30 Minutes

​ Seats: Up to 3 passengers

GREAT FOR AVIATION ENTHUSIASTS!

30 minute intro flight.

Strap in and take the controls to see what it takes to fly this Vietnam era helicopter. With guidance from one of our experienced instructors, you’ll be on your way to pro pilot status in no time!

Want to sit back and relax instead? No problem! Let your Pilot do all the work while you get a bird’s eye view of the Northwest suburbs of Chicago!

Seats: 3 passengers

See what others have to say about their experience with us on:   YELP    TRIPADVISOR   GOOGLE   FACEBOOK   INSTAGRAM

Check out our other services and even customize a trip! We also offer charters and are happy to be a part of any special events whatever they may be!

Helicopter Tours Chicago

Enjoy views of the second city in first class style, while sitting in the passenger seat of a helicopter high above the city's magnificent skyline. Cruise by all the city's hot spots and landmarks. A perfert view of the Chicago Holiday Lights this Festive Season!

• Wrigley Field - Soldier Field - Sox Park - Magnificent Mile
• Lake Shore Drive - North Avenue Beach - Willis Tower
• Ride in state of the art Robinson R44 Helicopter
• John Hancock Building - Lincoln Park Zoo
• Shedd Aquarium - The Field Museum and many more!
• Chicago Holiday Lights during November and December flights
• Nothing more to pay on the day!

Your pilot Ryan was Awesome. This was a Birthday gift for my 16 year old son and he was blown away. Thanks for the wonderful experience and a life time memory!

Chicago invented the skyscraper. Its famous skyline, including the broad-shouldered Willis Tower and the monolithic onyx of the John Hancock Building, is recognized around the world.

And while you could tour this amazing architecture by boat or by bus or by carriage... what better way to experience these world famous skyscrapers than from the sky?

Climb into our AStar Bird and our pilots will take you down into the canyon of the Loop with all the new and old skyscrapers, and up the shopping mecca Michigan Avenue known as the Magnificent Mile, out to historic Wrigley Field in the north neighborhoods, over by the beaches of mighty Lake Michigan to the museum campus where you'll hover above the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, the ferris wheel at Navy Pier and even Soldier Field, home of the Monsters of the Midway, the Chicago Bears.

Then lift your gaze out over the endless plains of Illinois, at a horizon that seems an eternity away.

High in the air, above it all, is the best way to see the City of Big Shoulders, Chicago Illinois!

Chicago Helicopter Tour featured on 24/7 City Secrets

This was a "Bucket List" item for my mother-in-law (91) and her sister (86). Ryan was an exceptional pilot and made them feel at ease. They and myself enjoyed the flight immensely.

Ryan was great on the Helicopter tour, my husband and I want to go again every season!

The pilot Ryan was very kind a knowledgeable about the city.

The pilot was very professional, informative and friendly. The helicopter ride was a wonderful experience.

Absolutely the best purchase ever!! I loved the experience and Adrenaline made it happen! Thank you!!

Ryan was an excellent pilot and guide.

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The best Chicago helicopter tours

Get airborne and see the city's most famous landmarks from above on a high-flying Chicago helicopter tour

You've probably seen the city from the sky while arriving at O'Hare or Midway, but to get the best views of Chicago's picturesque urban sprawl, you need to take a helicopter tour. Luckily, you don't have to travel far to board an airborne tour of the skyline—did you know there's a heliport in  Bridgeport ? From 2,000 feet up in the air, you'll be able to take some killer photos of  Chicago beaches and Chicago buildings . Prepare to fly with our guide to the top Chicago helicopter tours.

RECOMMENDED: Find more to explore on the best  Chicago tours

An email you’ll actually love

1.  Vertiport Chicago: Chicago City Sights Helicopter Tour

Soar above the streets of Chicago in a state-of-the-art helicopter during this guided tour (via two-way headset) of the skyline. Your pilot will tell you all about the landmarks you're seeing, from the Shedd Aquarium to Lincoln Park. After 15 minutes (it will fly by, trust us) you'll be back on the ground and itching to see the city from above once more. $165 per person

2.  Chicago Helicopter Experience: Chicago Helicopter Tour Nighttime Experience

You can gaze up at Willis Tower (it will always be Sears Tower in our hearts) from the streets or afar, but you'll never really experience its magnificence until you're flying by it at night. The skyscraper is just one the many landmarks you'll see from above on this Chicago Helicopter Experience tour, which departs from a small airport near Bridgeport.  $178 per person

Book Online

3.  Vertiport Chicago: Chicago by Night Helicopter Tour

Chicago's skyline is beautiful during the daytime, but it's especially stunning when the sun goes down. Enjoy all of the twinkling lights below during Vertiport's night helicopter tour, which offers twilight views of Willis Tower, Navy Pier and other Chicago landmarks. Whether you're capping off a romantic evening or enjoying the sights with a friend, this late night 15-minute flight will leave you with some spectacular Instagram photos.  $165 per person

4.  Adrenaline365

5.  Vertiport Chicago: Private Helicopter Tour

Experience aerial views accompanied only by a pilot on this private helicopter tour, which take off from Chicago's Vertiport. For 15 minutes, you'll be able to look down on the city below you and pretend that you're king of it all. Plus, there will be no one else (except for that pesky pilot) to get in the way of your photos.  $349 per person

6.  Chicago Aerial Tours: Flight Lesson

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Phone:  708-924-9277 Helicopter Tours of Chicago

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Flyover in Chicago opens at Navy Pier Friday, offering riders immersive experience

CHICAGO (WLS) -- After two years of construction and production, Flyover Chicago finally opens to the public on Friday at Navy Pier.

The breathtaking, emotional virtual reality experience takes riders to new heights as it immerses them in the Windy City in a way never experienced before.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

ABC7 was among the first to take to the skies from inside Navy Pier at Flyover in Chicago, a jaw-dropping ride that will make you want to give our city a big hug.

"Oh, I am feeling so emotional. I was telling them I had tears in my eyes the whole time," said Masen Colucci of Secret Chicago.

"Once you're in the city, you never really stop and appreciate it and it really made me appreciate it. Like I had tears in my eyes at one point," said Cindy Ramirez of Secret Chicago.

From the tippy top of the Chicago Board of Trade building to sweeping summer views of Millennium Park and so much more, Flyover in Chicago is the ultimate Chicago pride hype.

"It felt like filming probably a music video on steroids, I'd say," said Lisa Adams, chief operating officer and executive producer. "The question we asked when we first came here to figure out what the story was, is what makes Chicagoans so proud?"

Adams said the experience took hundreds of people more than two years to finish, including a year of planning and eight months of shooting.

Guests take in Chicago from a spherical 65-foot screen while buckled into flight motion seats.

The stunning Chicago scenery was all captured on a special drone which zoomed down skyscrapers, seamlessly flew into the Chicago Theatre, chased cars, and even tailed stunt planes.

"Chicago has this beautiful spirit and if we can just have that moment of remembering or rekindling that flame and that's what people take forward, then I feel like we achieved our goal," Adams said.

Flyover in Chicago is a love letter to the city that you just need to feel for yourself.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance . They cost $24.95 for adults aged 14 and over, $14.95 for kids 13 and under, and $19.95 for military.

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Entertainment | Review: Flyover Chicago opens on Navy Pier, a…

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Entertainment, entertainment | review: flyover chicago opens on navy pier, a dizzying and inspiring video thrill ride.

Feeling down on Chicago? A strikingly classy and emotive new attraction at Navy Pier — one that lands somewhere between tourist attraction, interactive performance, movie and theme-park thrill ride — has arrived to restore one’s faith in this city’s beauty, resilience and fortitude. For a few minutes, at least.

Flyover Chicago, a bespoke creation of a company known as Pursuit, part of the Arizona-based Viad Corp., now occupies the Navy Pier space that formerly housed the now-defunct IMAX Theater.  In essence, you pay your money ($24.95, but currently only $5 for students at Chicago Public Schools) and first enter a chill-out room with screens offering narrative vignettes of the city. From there, groups of around 60 are led into a second room offering a stirring, interactive presentation in tribute to the city. Aside from one line saying “this city is not perfect,” the film is a high-quality homage to Chicago, focused on its industrial heritage via C&B Welders, its iconic locations (such as Manny’s Deli, the Maxwell Street Market and Wrigley Field) and, above all, its diverse people.

The main event follows: patrons head upstairs where they are strapped into seats and sent off on a motion stimulator intended to make you feel like you are a drone swooping and soaring across the city of Chicago. And it’s quite a ride, up to the top of Tribune Tower, alongside the “L” tracks, level with the faceless statue atop the Chicago Board of Trade and out, out over Lake Michigan, landing you into the middle of a Navy Pier fireworks display just as a bluesy singer wails into the night on a stage filled with flowers.

The whole experience takes about 35 minutes, But the filming, says Lisa Adams, the Melbourne, Australia-based executive producer, took close to two years, and includes vistas of the city at different times of the year and also features choirs, movie-style car chases, musicians on roof decks and ballet dancers who just happen to be rehearsing inside the Joffrey Tower as the ride zooms by. Water lightly splashes the faces of audience members as the drone heads out into mid-summer Lake Michigan, jostling with watercraft as audience feet dangle in the air. Adams declined to state the total investment in the attraction, which is in a space leased from Navy Pier. But it’s upward of $40 million, with construction costs for the space alone costing more than $13 million, according to previous reporting.

Flyover Chicago is not unique. With technological origins in aviation training, so-called simulator rides where audiences are shown a movie while their seats move to correspond to the footage on a screen long have been a feature of Disney and other theme parks. This company also has attractions in Vancouver, Las Vegas and Reykjavik, Iceland. A competitor with similar technology recently opened something similar at The Island in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

But in recent years, the technology has improved to the point where the experience very much feels like a rollercoaster ride in the real world. Audience members, or riders, feel like they are suspended in mid-air as they take stomaching-churning leaps while soaring along the Chicago River, climbing Buckingham Fountain and racing through the doors of the Chicago Theatre. And the overall pictorial landscape (think an IMAX screen) is as massive as it is definitionally and sonically immersive.

According to Adams, this is the company’s first attraction that’s specifically dedicated to a city.

Most similar drone-based (and, depending on the shot, helicopter-based) simulator experiences are set in natural phenomena — the Smoky Mountains National Park, the Canadian Rockies, the Nevada desert, the glaciers of Iceland. “In Chicago,” Adams said, noting that topographical variation is a must-have for a genre that heavily relies on the illusion of height and a rollercoaster experience, “the buildings are the equivalent of the mountains.”

And so indeed it feels.

Thus towers and canyons of the Loop dominate the journey, even though one might wish for more forays into low-rise Chicago neighborhoods where most tourists never venture. But this is not about aerial views of low-rise streets, and time is short. Artistically, the experience is better, more dignified, more beautiful than the one in Tennessee and also far exceeds any tourist B-roll, and that would be true even without all the sensory bells and whistles of the ride itself.

Aside from being a major new tourist attraction in a city that badly needs fresh offerings, Flyover Chicago likely will compete for tourist dollars with the city’s observation galleries atop its tallest buildings, offering a seductive digital replica in which the view whistles by at roaring speed. The influencer narrations and website blurbs — and there will be many — will write themselves. Adams said that over time the company, which can reprogram its physical setup with relative ease, will introduce its other offerings, such as Iceland, into the mix, offering variety for those who have seen Flyover Chicago. But, she said, “Chicago will always be there.”

That’s great. Yet it’s actually the supporting attraction, the fantastic pre-show experience, that lingers longer than the ride because its emotional landscape ranges deeper.

You get to fly over Chicago, and it’s a total gas, but you really can’t beat Chicagoans telling their own stories.

Opens March 1 (hours 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday) on Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.; timed tickets $14.95 children (up age 13, must accompany an adult) and $24.95 adults (riders must be at least 40 inches tall) at www.experienceflyover.com

Chris Jones is a Tribune critic.

[email protected]

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Great opportunity to start your own helicopter tour company. If you have a commercial helicopter license and a helicopter start flying tours tomorrow. Please contact owner using the contact form .

We no longer fly any tours for personal reasons. Consider flying with our friends at Chicago Helicopter Experience .

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Grand Chicago Tour (45 min)

Fly above the Chicago skyline. This tour takes you over all of Chicago’s most notable landmarks and parks, Soldier Field, Millennium Park, Sears Tower, John Hancock Building, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park, Wrigley Field, Montrose Beach and much more. This tour also includes the North Shore.

$398.00 per person

Private Skyline Tour (35 min)

Fly a private helicopter tour from Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling, IL straight to the Chicago skyline and back. See the impressive Downtown Chicago Skyline, Navy Pier, Wrigley Field, and many of the Chicago landmarks.

Flight time is about 35 minutes. (Twice as long as other operators)

$275.00 per person

(minimum 2 people)

Northern Chicago Tour (15 min)

If you’ve always wanted to fly in a helicopter, this tour is for you. You’ll experience a scenic tour of Chicago’s northern suburbs. If you live in Wheeling, Northbrook, Glenview, Wilmette, Skokie or Evanston, this is your chance to see your neighborhood from above.

$149.00 per person

Safety Requirements

Weight limit is 250 lbs per seat. Passengers must be 16 years old or older, with valid photo ID, or accompanied by an adult to fly. Other restrictions may apply. Tours may be canceled due to unsafe weather conditions. Prices subject to change without notice.

Chicago Helicopter Tours

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Downtown Chicago Tour

This ride over Downtown Chicago lets you experience the “Loop” in a way you will never forget.  You will see the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), the John Hancock Building, Navy Pier, Millennium Park and the Chicago River up close and personal.  Flight time approximately 45 minutes.

All Tours originate from the Schaumburg Regional Airport at 905 W. Irving Park Road, located approximately 10 miles west of O’Hare International Airport, and 1 mile west of the intersection of Irving Park and Roselle Roads.

Children ages 5-12 must be accompanied by an adult. No children under 5 will be allowed. Large carry-on bags are not permitted. Small camera bags and purses are permitted, at the discretion of the pilot. All bags are subject to search.

All passengers are subject to FAA Security Screening.

During the Summer months we fly with the doors off the helicopter for the ultimate flight experience.

Immersive Flyover ride at Navy Pier provides a new perspective on Chicago

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The new attraction — more than two years in the making — is a high-tech, three-act experience culminating in a multi-sensory, virtual tour of Chicago.

Imagine soaring over the green-tinted Chicago River during St. Patrick’s Day. Or flying alongside the L train, peeking through the windows at riders performing inside.

Now, think about circling the statue of Roman goddess Ceres atop the Chicago Board of Trade building — and then nosediving into a car chase on the streets below.

You can do those things and more in a mere nine minutes during the ride portion of  Flyover , a new immersive attraction at Navy Pier. It opens at 11 a.m. Friday at 600 E. Grand Ave., right across from the Chicago Children’s Museum.

Built within the former IMAX theater space, the ride includes chairlift-style seats, which are elevated in front of a 65-foot spherical screen. The footage shown was created with drone technology.

Throughout the virtual journey, riders fly over, under, through and alongside many other iconic Chicago landmarks, including North Avenue Beach, Millennium Park, Du Sable Lake Shore Drive, the Chicago Theatre and Navy Pier, of course. They feel the wind and spray as they skim over water, all while listening to a score of Chicago jazz, hip-hop and more by composer Elliott Wheeler.

The ride is just one part of a three-act experience created by Pursuit, an attractions and hospitality company based in Denver. Previous Flyover attractions have opened in Vancouver, Iceland and Las Vegas.

Well worth the $24.95 ticket price for adults, Flyover at Navy Pier was designed over two-and-a-half years with the help of more than 750 people, including writer and director David Mossop. The team interviewed many Chicago residents, including business owners and performers, and some of their unscripted commentary is featured in the footage.

“The story that came through was a story of hope, resilience and innovation,” said Lisa Adams, Flyover chief operating officer and executive producer. “If we could say one thing to Chicagoans, it would be, ‘Believe in yourself, because what you have here is great, but also remember when we go through tough times and we come together, we come out better. And your city proves that.’”

Branded “Believe Chicago,” the story begins once visitors enter the Gallery, which is the “first act” of Flyover. The circular walls are dotted with videos introducing Chicago characters and scenes that will be seen throughout the experience. Viewers may recognize Soul Children of Chicago, Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen, historian Sherman “Dilla” Thomas, trumpeter Corey Wilkes, the Joffrey Ballet, Wrigley Field announcer Jeremiah Paprocki, and retired Sun-Times reporter Maudlyne Ihejirika.

The story continues in the Pre-Show Theater, with images projected on the walls and a circular screen in center of the room.

Next is the ride itself, which can seat about 60 people. Afterward, visitors can learn some behind-the-scenes info before heading to the gift shop. The entire Flyover experience lasts about 30 minutes, and new sessions start in 15- or 20-minute intervals during operating hours.

Eventually, Flyover will bring the Vancouver, Iceland and Las Vegas experiences to the Chicago location, Adams said.

“Chicago is really special, and I think what we’ve created is something that we truly hope leaves some impact,” she said. “If we have shared some positive message, then I couldn’t be happier, and I hope that the guests feel that.”

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Want To Fly Over Chicago? New Navy Pier Ride Lets You Virtually Soar Above The City

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DOWNTOWN — Tourists and residents will be able to experience a new thrill ride at Chicago’s Navy Pier starting this spring.

FlyOver, opening March 1, is a multi-sensory experience that takes people on a flying journey over some of Chicago’s most notable buildings and landmarks.

The simulation incorporates a 65-foot spherical projection screen that encloses riders and creates the illusion of flying over the city, complete with sensory features like flight-simulating seats, gusts of wind, mist and scents.

Riders will experience “climbing skyscrapers 13,000 [feet] high to diving straight down buildings, skimming sidewalks, swooping into iconic landmarks like the Chicago Theatre, to floating through fireworks and more,” according to Pursuit, the company behind FlyOver.

Navy Pier, North Avenue Beach, DuSable Lake Shore Drive and the Joffrey Ballet are among the landmarks featured.

The $40 million ride replaces the former IMAX theater at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. FlyOver will be directly across from the Chicago Children’s Museum at the west side entrance of the pier.

“Through this immersive storytelling experience, we wanted to capture the rich diversity of Chicagoans, their resiliency and the vibrant neighborhoods that weave the fabric of such an exceptional city,” Lisa Adams, chief operating officer and executive producer of Flyover Attractions, said in a statement. “Chicago’s flying journey will ultimately engage and entertain viewers with a thrilling immersive urban experience that pushes the boundaries of escape.” 

The new Chicago experience will be the fourth FlyOver location in the world. There are also rides in Las Vegas; Reykjavik, Iceland; and Vancouver, Canada. 

Presale tickets are available online for $24 for adults and $14 for kids 13 and younger. For more on FlyOver Chicago, click here .

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Chicago by Night Helicopter Tour

Watch the Chicago skyline sparkle from the air on this thrilling nighttime helicopter tour! Aboard a heated, state-of-the-art helicopter, soak in amazing views of Lake Michigan and fly past several Chicago landmarks like Willis Tower, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, the Shedd Aquarium and Lincoln Park. Your expert pilot will provide interesting commentary about the sights you see and can answer any questions you have. Tour route is subject to change.

Meet at the Vertiport Chicago and board a state-of-the-art helicopter to begin your 15-minute nighttime helicopter tour. Depending on your chosen departure time, you may experience a stunning sunset or watch the Chicago skyline sparkle against the night sky. Marvel at wonderful views of Lake Michigan, with Navy Pier stretching across the water and picturesque Lincoln Park lining the shores. Spot iconic skyscrapers dazzling in the night like Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), Trump Tower and the John Hancock Building, and fly past main Chicago sites like Soldier's Field, United Center, Grant Park, the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum. Appreciate the masterful beauty and architecture of Millennium Park, designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. This landmark can only be truly appreciated by air, and at night, it’s as majestic as ever. Your pilot will provide expert commentary about all the sights you see via your two-way audio headset, and will be available to answer questions you have throughout your flight. Plus, your helicopter is heated, making this tour great for any time of year! Tour route is subject to change.

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17 Amazing Things to Do in Chicago with Teens

C hicago is an amazing city to visit with a family, but it is a great place for teens. Teenagers will enjoy the variety of things to see and do from Broadway shows to high speed boat tours on Lake Michigan to shopping on the Magnificent Mile. No matter their interests, there’s sure to be something they all like. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Chicago with teens.

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17 Awesome Things to Do in Chicago for Teens

1. get your stem on at the museum of science and industry (msi) .

The Museum of Science and Industry was built in 1893 for Chicago’s World Fair, and today is home to an abundant collection of artifacts. There are thousands of interactive exhibits with everything from history to the human body.

Teens will love the World War II era submarine (U-505), a re-created coal mine, and a massive indoor tornado, but those are only a few of the highlights. It’s a fun place to spend the day in Chicago with teens.

2. See a show at one of Chicago’s world class theaters

Chicago has a bit of everything when it comes to theater. There are Broadway shows, musicals, plays, and comedies. Literally, there’s something appropriate for all ages year round.

To find the latest Broadway offerings head to Broadway in Chicago , but know that many teens will enjoy Blue Man Group and some might even enjoy Chicago Shakespeare at Navy Pier.

If your kid is a theater buff, be sure to check these out. 

3. Admire one of the best art collections in the world at The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago has been chosen time and time again as one of the premier art museums in the world. If you’re in Chicago with a teenager who loves art, this is the place to be. 

The collections span from ancient times to modern day, and includes works of artists from Monet to Diego Rivera and more. The architecture inside is just as stunning, so allow plenty of time to take it all in. 

NOTE: To save money when visiting The Art Institute and other popular attractions, consider investing in a CityPASS .

A CityPASS offers discounted admission on five of Chicago’s top attractions including The Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum, Skydeck Chicago, and Adler Planetarium. You can buy your pass here .

4. Pose for obligatory selfies in Millennium Park

No family trip to Chicago would be complete without a visit to Millennium Park . The park is home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (aka The Chicago Bean), Crown Fountain, the Lurie Garden, and Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Millennium Park is one of the best places to take pictures in Chicago !

If you’re planning a teenage trip to Chicago, you’ll want to include these spots. All of these provide beautiful backdrops for Chicago selfies. And be sure to review these tips for how to take the best photos of yourself before snapping away!

Adjacent to the park is Maggie Daley Park, a 20-acre park with a playground, climbing wall, mini golf, tennis courts, and a skating ribbon. In Chicago, teens are never too old to explore the park!

Other plenty of places in Chicago to take selfies including Wrigley Field for baseball fans, Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park, and Navy Pier with restaurants, boats, and the Centennial Wheel ferris wheel.

5. Try an Escape Room

There are several Escape Rooms in downtown Chicago. Typically each challenge requires “teams” to solve a themed puzzle in a set amount of time (usually an hour).

Not only is this a fun way to spend time as a family, it’s exciting to race against the clock and see if you have what it takes to solve the clues. An escape game is a fun thing to do in Chicago with tweens and teens!

WANT TO KNOW WHERE TO STAY IN CHICAGO WITH TEENS? CLICK HERE

6. Head up high for the ultimate Chicago views at 360 CHICAGO or the Skydeck

There are two different ways to see the city from some of the tallest buildings in downtown. 360 CHICAGO is located 1000 feet above Michigan Avenue in the John Hancock building, some 94 floors above street level.

Thrill seekers will love TILT, the moving platform that literally “tilts” riders away from the building in a glass enclosed box for a view unlike any other.

Skydeck is located on the 103rd floor of the Willis tower, one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere. This Chicago observation deck is where visitors come for the “Ledge”, glass boxes that extend outside of the building providing 360 degree views of the city.

It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s definitely one of the fun things to do in Chicago with a teenager.

7. See how Chicago was built on an Architecture River Cruise

The Chicago Architecture Foundation leads a tour on the Chicago River that’s consistently voted one of the top tours in the city.

Along the way, experienced docents point out the architectural highlights of the city (there are many) and tell the history of how Chicago through the years. Another idea is to take a kayak tour on the Chicago River and see the buildings from your boat.

8. Go for a high-speed Lake Michigan cruise on the Seadog

Seadog Extreme Thrill Ride is one of the most exciting boats on Lake Michigan and teens will love it. The boat gets up to 45 mph as it zooms over the waves. Drivers twist and turn so riders are splashed and bounced around.

The ride is 30 minutes long, so it’s a fun and quick way to see the city from the water. It’s the ultimate way to see Chicago with teens.

9. Take a tour, any tour

Teens are the perfect age for tours, and Chicago has plenty of them. Segway tours are a different way to see the city and there are several tour companies and itineraries, so choose the one that fits your group.

Another fun way to see the city is via kayak with several options to row along the Chicago River and even Lake Michigan.

There’s an Underground Donut Tour that samples some of the city’s finest donuts and allows you to burn off calories walking between each shop. The Chicago Food tour hits all the city favorites including deep dish pizza and Chicago hot dogs.

Bobby’s Bike Hike has a variety of riding tours, but we like the ones that go off the beaten path like this Lakefront Neighborhoods Bike Tour . If you want to learn about the nefarious side of Chicago history, consider a Crime & Mob bus tour through the city’s infamous sites.

There’s even a guided Chicago Pedway Walking tour that shows off the indoor underground downtown architecture. This is a great one for a rainy day with teens in Chicago.

10. Walk, ride, skate the 606

The 606 is a former railroad track that has been converted to a multi-use trail through the Chicago neighborhoods of Wicker Park and Bucktown.

There are wall murals, sculptures, and small parks along the 2.7 mile trail and occasional events like block parties and star gazing. Grab a bite at one of the local spots like Mindy’s Hot Chocolate or Small Cheval and call it a day.

11. Explore Chicago’s ethnic neighborhoods

Chicago is a city of immigrants and as such there are enclaves in the city settled by people from around the world.

There’s Chinatown, Pilsen (Mexican), Andersonville (Swedish), Little Italy, and Bronzeville (African-American) to name a few. Each area offers a wealth of shopping, eating, and history that will entertain even the pickiest teens.

12. Head to the area’s best theme park

If your teens love thrill rides, head to Six Flags Great America in Gurnee , about an hour north of downtown Chicago. My teens love this park and their favorite rides include Goliath, X Flight, and Maxx Force. Anything that goes fast is their speed.

There’s also a water park at Six Flags, so if you want a full day, do the rides and then cool off at Hurricane Harbor. It has all the things you would expect, including a lazy river, water slides, and a surf rider experience.

13. Museum of Illusions, WNDR Museum, or Museum of Ice Cream

If your teen loves unique museums, head to one of these three spots. They all have something unique.

• Museum of Illusions – this immersive experience has over 80 visual and educational installations.
• WNDR Museum – a multi-sensory collection that blends art with technology.
• Museum of Ice Cream – ice cream themed installations with ice cream samples included!
• Sloomoo Institute – this museum is dedicated to slime, and visitors can make their own, walk through slime, and even have slime dumped on top to them!

14. Check out a local sports team

For the ultimate MLB experience, take in a baseball game at Wrigley Field, watching the Chicago Cubs. If you prefer the Chicago White Sox, head to Guaranteed Rate Field.

Of course there’s also Chicago Fire FC (soccer), Chicago Bulls (basketball), Chicago Bears (football), and Chicago Blackhawks (hockey). Find your teens favorite team and buy tickets for a game.

15. Spend time exploring Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is home to several attractions teens might enjoy. There’s the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Chicago History Museum, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and the Lincoln Park Conservatory.

North Avenue Beach is also a fun spot during the summer and there are plenty of local restaurants serving delicious meals.

16. Lucky Strike Bowling and AMC Theatres next to Navy Pier

One of the best things to do in Navy Pier with teens is to ride the Centennial Wheel . This 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel offers breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan from air conditioned capsules. The pier also has a wide variety of entertainment options, including live music and theater performances.

During the summer, there are twice-weekly fireworks shows (on Wednesdays and Saturdays) running from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Navy Pier has an array of dining options that are sure to satisfy any hungry teen’s cravings.

Once you’ve explore Navy Pier, check out nearby entertainment destinations like Pinstripes, AMC Theaters, and Lucky Strike Bowling.

17. Take a scenic helicopter tour of Chicago

For a super unique experience, consider taking a Chicago helicopter tour and seeing the city from above. It’s a beautiful perspective of the Windy City. This is sure to leave everyone with memories to last a lifetime.

Where to Eat in Chicago with Teens (and Tweens)

There are so many great places to eat with kids in Chicago , but what about teens? Here are some spots we think they will love: Big Star (think tacos and honky tonk), Quartino (quality Italian food in a casual setting), Summer House Santa Monica (it’s like a little bit of California in the heart of Chicago), Piece Pizza (because it is Chicago after all), and Portillo’s Hot Dogs.

If the whole family can’t agree on what they want, head to one of the Chicago food halls: Eataly, Time Out Market, or Revival Food Hall.

Looking for a quick snack? Don’t miss Garrett Popcorn shops and their Chicago mix popcorn. If your kid has a sweet tooth, don’t miss the ice cream and Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop, the Nutella cafe, or Sweet Mandy B’s bakery. Young people won’t be disappointed.

If you’re looking for other Chicago posts, don’t miss The Best Things to Do in Chicago with Kids , What Needs to Be on Your Chicago Bucket List and  Free Family Fun in Chicago .

Book Your Flights

You can find discounted fares using sites like Momondo or Skyscanner . If you want to keep an eye on discount fares, we suggest signing up for Going , a daily newsletter with flight sales around the world.

If you travel frequently, consider investing in a Priority Pass for airport lounge access. It’s nice to have a space where you can relax before your flight.

Book Your Accommodation

We regularly use Expedia.com and Hotels.com to find lodging when we travel. It’s a great way to compare vacation rentals, hotels, and resorts.

If your family knows they want to stay in a vacation rental, we recommend looking at VRBO and Plum Guide .

Book Your Transportation

For rental car agencies, try Rentalcars.com . We tend to use Hertz simply for the quality of service.

Book Your Tours and Travel Photos

We regularly used companies like Viator and GetYourGuide to book tours when we travel. Both have great communication and a large variety of activities that work for all ages.

If you’re visiting a city with multiple attractions, be sure to check out a discount pass, such as CityPASS or Go City . Both are worthwhile investments.

Context Travel is another option and they offer more educational-based activities. The former teacher in me loves their tours.

One of our favorite things to do annually is taking photos with Flytographer . They have photographers around the world and we’ve used them on four separate occasions. This is our favorite travel souvenir.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

With the state of travel these days, it’s important to have some type of travel insurance to cover any unforeseen accidents, illnesses, threats, or cancellations. We always travel with insurance and would recommend SquareMouth , Travelex , or Medjet as good options. And if you want to compare different insurance options, use Travel Insurance Master to find the best policy for your group.

The post 17 Amazing Things to Do in Chicago with Teens appeared first on Kids Are A Trip™ .

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UCL Chicago Alumni - A Day on Navy Pier

04 May 2024, 11:30 am–8:00 pm

Join the UCL Chicago Alumni Group for a day of fun at Chicago's famed Navy Pier!

Event Information

Availability.

In the spirit of cultivating a strong network of alumni and forging stronger connections in the "windy city," we have organized a day of fun on Chicago's famed Navy Pier. 

You are welcome to join us for whichever activities interest you the most. ​

• ​ 11:30am - 2:00pm​:  Lunch at Hampton Social
• 2:30pm - 4:30pm:  Judgement Day at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre or Navy Pier sightseeing
• 5:00pm - 8:00pm:  ​Happy Hour at Bar Sol - first drink on us!

Whether you studied at UCL for years or for a semester, book now to celebrate spring and connect with fellow alumni in the Chicago area.

A Day on Navy Pier

Lunch at  Hampton Social  (11:30am - 2:00pm)                                        Hampton Social in Streeterville is a 10-minute walk from the pier and features exceptional coastal-inspired food, cocktails, and live music in a beautifully designed atmosphere.

Judgment Day at  Chicago Shakespeare Theatre  (2:30pm-4:30pm)*              Emmy and Tony Award-winner Jason Alexander (of  Seinfeld  fame) makes his Chicago stage debut in a hilariously irreverent world premiere comedy staged by Broadway director Moritz von Stuelpnagel and written by award-winning TV screenwriter Rob Ulin. Alexander plays Sammy Campo, a staggeringly corrupt, morally bankrupt lawyer who's threatened with eternal damnation by a terrifying angel after a near-death experience. In a desperate attempt to redeem himself, Sammy forms an unlikely bond with a Catholic priest who is having his own crisis of faith. Filled with razor-sharp wit, this deliciously devious comedy rollicks through the timeless questions of Western philosophy—“morality,” “faith,” and “Are people any damn good?”

Navy Pier Sightseeing (2:30pm-4:30pm) This is an alternate event to the matinee performance of Judgement Day. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as we explore sights and exhibits on the pier.

Happy Hour at  Bar Sol  (5:00pm - 8:00pm) Bar Sol, the newest restaurant on Navy Pier, features vibrant Latin-inspired food, lively music, and spectacular lakefront views Your first drink is on us!

*If you plan to attend the matinee performance of Judgment Day, a non-refundable payment of $95 is required for your ticket.