Booking choice: The Wendella 90 minute architecture tour, from $45 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
A river cruise suits families: you sit down, the scenery moves, and there is a restroom on board. The things that trip people up are practical ones, such as steps at the dock, a folded stroller, a jacket you did not bring or a dog the boat will not take.
These answers come from the operators' own pages, the Wendella FAQ and the Chicago Architecture Center page, and from the Viator listings.
The quick answer
Children aged 4 to 12 pay $14 or $20 on Wendella and under 4 pay nothing but need a ticket. The 45 minute tour suits the youngest, strollers must fold, and a wind layer matters even in summer. Pets are not allowed on Wendella boats, but the Shoreline cruise lists itself as pet friendly.
Is a Chicago River cruise good for kids?
Yes. Wendella calls all its architecture tours family friendly, and the Chicago Architecture Center offers activity kits for children on the First Lady.
The boats have indoor and outdoor seats and a restroom on board, and children can move between decks. Under 4s pay nothing on Wendella but each child still needs a ticket, and the First Lady wants a ticket for every guest including infants.
How long should a family cruise be?
45 minutes for children under 8, 75 to 90 minutes for older ones.
The 45 minute tour is cheap, family friendly and has a heated lounge for cold days. The 90 minute tour suits children who like facts and bridges. See the 45 or 90 minutes guide for the route difference.
Can you bring a stroller on a Chicago River boat?
Wendella allows strollers that fold. The fireboat listing says it is stroller accessible. For the First Lady, which has no wheelchair access, contact the Chicago Architecture Center first.
The bigger issue is the dock. The Wendella FAQ says the Michigan Avenue dock at 400 N Michigan Ave has 62 steps down from the street and no elevator, while the West Dock is reached by elevator from Michigan Avenue and from 401 N Wabash Avenue. Many summer tours leave from the West Dock. Check which dock your ticket names, and ask Wendella before you arrive.
What should you wear on a Chicago River cruise?
Layers and a wind jacket, even in July, because the open deck is breezier than the street.
Bring sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen for the open deck, and a light jacket for the shade. On the lake, wind adds a chill. Wendella's boats have heated cabins in fall, winter and spring, and covered seating all summer, so children can warm up inside. Wear flat shoes that grip a deck that may be wet.
Can you bring food and drinks on board?
Every boat sells snacks and drinks, and Wendella is cashless, so bring a card.
The Wendella FAQ lists snacks, a full bar and a local IPA, and says to bring a card. The Seadog speedboat is bring-your-own-drinks, and the fireboat serves alcohol only to guests aged 21 and over. If your child needs a snack at a certain hour, ask at the ticket office before you bring your own. Shoreline's 45 minute lake skyline cruise lets you bring your own food.
Are there restrooms and changing tables?
Yes. Restrooms are on board, and Wendella has changing tables in the lower deck restrooms.
The First Lady listing and the enclosed S Wells St boat listing both show a restroom on board. Lifejackets approved by the Coast Guard are available for all passengers on Wendella boats, adults and children.
What about pets and wheelchairs?
Pets are not allowed on Wendella boats or the First Lady, but the Shoreline listings say pets are welcome. Wheelchair access depends on the boat and the dock.
Service animals are welcome on Wendella and the First Lady. All Wendella boats accommodate wheelchairs and have accessible restrooms, and the West Dock has an elevator, but the Michigan Avenue dock is not accessible. The Chicago Architecture Center page says the First Lady is not wheelchair accessible, and the fireboat listing says the same.
A pet-friendly cruise with a restroom on board and a Michigan Avenue or Navy Pier start.
Explore the Shoreline architecture river cruiseWhen should you arrive?
30 minutes before departure. Boarding opens 15 minutes before the boat leaves.
Once the boat leaves the dock your ticket cannot be reused, so with small children aim for the earlier time. If you are late, call the operator before departure to ask about a later sailing.
Frequently asked questions
Do kids need tickets for the Chicago River cruise?
Yes. Children under 4 pay nothing on Wendella but still need a ticket, and every guest on the First Lady needs a ticket, including infants.
Can you take a stroller on a Chicago River boat?
Wendella allows folding strollers. The fireboat is listed as stroller accessible. Check the dock steps for your boat before you go.
What should I wear on the Chicago River boat tour?
Dress in layers with a wind jacket. The open deck is cooler than the street, and the lake is windier still.
Can I bring my dog on a Chicago River cruise?
Wendella and the First Lady do not allow pets, though service animals are welcome. The Shoreline architecture cruise lists itself as pet friendly.
Ready to book
Choose your Chicago River cruise
Every option here can be cancelled for a full refund; the deadline is on each listing. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour
The cheapest way onto the water, with a heated lounge for cold days
Chicago River 90 Minute Architecture Tour
- About 90 minutes with a trained guide and narration of the buildings on all three branches
- Indoor climate-controlled seating and an outdoor deck
- Departs from the Wendella dock at 400 N Michigan Ave, by the Wrigley Building
Chicago Fireboat River and Lake Cruise
A restored fireboat, narrated, on both the river and the lake
