One of my favorite things to do in the city is to spend the day or evening on the Chicago River Walk. There is so much to see and do, as a family, on a date, with friends, etc., and it is getting even better year after year. We went down just last week and found some added playscapes we'd never seen before. There were also some interesting new memorials.
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If you drive to the Riverwalk, I recommend using SpotHero to find closeby, low cost, parking. You can also get there via the "L", which by the way has reduced its pass fares for the summer. Thanks to the new Navy Pier Flyover, its also pretty easily accessed via bike. When we go, without our bikes, we tend to bring along our kid's very narrow, electric, scooters, so that they can have fun scooting around while my husband and I more leisurely take it all in.
A great, economical, alternative to the Chicago Architecture Tour, and another way to access the River Walk, is to hop on a Water Taxi.
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We usually start our adventure at the Island Party Hut. This is a great place to bring the kids for lunch, some live music, and tropical drinks and feel like you are on a vacation. They have a bunch a lawn games, like giant Jenga and Connect Four to keep everyone occupied. They also have boat rentals or you can buy individual tickets onto their Floating Tiki Bar or Dueling Pianos Party Boat.
If you travel east from The Island Party Hut, you will come upon two fun little play structures. One is made up of these wide elastic-like bands, that we had fun trying to throw each other off of. Beyond the play equipment is Urban Kayak, another excellent option for exploring the river during the day, sunset, fireworks, or even twilight. All ages can participate, though kids under 15 must ride with a parent in a tandem.
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The River Walk is lined with so many incredible restaurants. Newest additions include family favorite, The Beat Kitchen and The Northman Beer and Cider Garden. If Chicago wasn't in the same league as world-class cities such as Paris or Berlin before, the beauty of all these cafes and surrounding architecture certainly puts it there now. There is also another slew of amazing restaurants, with equally stunning views, on the opposite side of the river, such as family-friendly, Portofino, and River Roast.
Tucked behind parts of the walkway is a developing Community Marketplace. It almost feels like a pocket of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Here you will find Chiya Chai of Logan Square, offering a sampling of its menu including some of its most popular Chai flavors, curry bowls, curry tacos and savory pies. Chiya Chai’s presence on the River Walk provides River Walk visitors with a taste of Chicago’s diverse culture and neighborhood businesses.
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No visit is complete without a stop at Sweet Home Gelato which sits upon the Water Plaza. The Water Plaza is a shallow pool of water that then cascades down the wall of the River Walk. It is a great place for the kids (and adults) to take off their shoes and cool off a little.
Another great gem of the city, and the River Walk, is the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum. The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum celebrates the Chicago River and its world-famous movable bridges. Beginning at river level and spiraling five stories up, the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore a historic landmark bridgehouse. At river level, visitors can view the massive gears of Chicago’s most famous movable bridge and then journey through time as they experience the story of the Chicago River. Once at the top of the Bridgehouse, visitors are treated to magnificent 360 degree views of the city and river, and will gain a whole new perspective on the beauty and complexity that is Chicago.
General admission is $6. All aged students are $5, and children 5 and younger are free. The museum is open Thursday - Monday. If you are lucky, you'll catch a bridge lifting in the spring or fall.
If you find yourself on the river at night, don't miss Art on theMART. In conjunction with the Art Institute of Chicago’s presentation of The Obama Portraits, they are presenting a dynamically animated projection of the portraits of President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama by Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald, respectively, on a nightly basis at both 9pm & 9:30pm through September 16th.
Lastly, the River Walk is host to incredible events year round. From Oktober Fest and the current Mimosa Fest, to Wine Festivals, Family Fishing events, and even a Christmas Tree Farm - stay on the lookout!
