There’s no better way to tour the Windy City than from the water! Whether on the Chicago River or Lake Michigan, there are so many fun and exciting options to choose from. Here are some of our favorite themed boat tours.

• Duration: 90 minutes
• Cost: $45 adults, $25 ages 4-12, free for kids ages 3 and under

Check out the city’s fireworks show every Wednesday and Saturday night through Labor Day from a piece of history! Ride on the Fred A. Busse, which traveled the Chicago waterways as an active fireboat for the Chicago Fire Department from 1937 until 1981.

Mercury Cruises’ Canine Cruise 

• Duration: 90 minutes
• Cost: $42 adults, $8 dogs, $18 ages 5-15, free for kids ages 4 and under

Enjoy a great day outdoors with your favorite companion while cruising on Chicago’s waterways. Sit back, relax and soak in the city as you enjoy a lively narration of Chicago’s rich history and architectural marvels with dog-friendly highlights. Water bowls are provided for thirsty pups.

Tall Ship Windy’s Pirates & Maritime Stories Sail

• Duration: 75 minutes
• Cost: $39 adults, $17 ages 2-12, $1 infant ages 0-1

From epic battles to trickery and treasure, experience the incredible tales of real pirate adventure that happened right here on these magnificent inland seas. This Chicago sail is both educational and entertaining!

Seadog Cruises’ Lakefront Speed Boat Tour

• Duration: 30 minutes
• Cost: $36 adults, $25 ages 3-12, free for kids age 3 and under

Go for a spin aboard a Seadog speedboat, which offers a 30-minute lakefront tour, which points out nearby landmarks from Museum Campus to North Avenue or a 30-minute Extreme Thrill Ride, which features the same landmarks but makes twists and turns at 45 mph.

• Duration: 45 minutes
• Cost: $25 adults, 10 ages 4-12, free for kids ages under