When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Summer Of George
Why Summer Of George is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Summer Of George offers a unique and captivating way to experience Chicago’s iconic architecture by boat. This business specializes in 90-minute architectural boat tours along the Chicago River, providing guests with an informative and scenic exploration of the city's historic and modern buildings. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who share detailed insights into architectural styles, history, and trivia, making it an excellent social experience for friends and families alike. The boat itself features indoor and outdoor decks ensuring comfort and great views rain or shine. With the welcoming atmosphere and engaging storytelling, Summer Of George is an ideal destination to meet up with friends looking for an educational yet relaxing outing. The tours accommodate guests of all ages, including children and babies, making it family-friendly. Additionally, the tour’s non-refundable ticket policy and general admission seating encourage early arrival and group seating arrangements, enhancing group interactions. This blend of culture, education, and leisurely boat cruising creates a memorable, social environment perfect for gatherings, shared learning experiences, and enjoying the stunning Chicago skyline together.
Here's what people think of Summer Of George
As of recent, Summer Of George holds a 4.8-star rating based on 486 reviews.
User reviews for Summer Of George consistently praise the business for its engaging and informative tours. Reviewers highlight the expertise and humor of the guides, particularly mentioning how the guides balance detailed architectural knowledge with entertaining stories that appeal to a wide audience. Many guests appreciate the approachable pace of the tour and the ability to see numerous iconic buildings up close, which enriches their understanding of Chicago’s architectural heritage. Positive comments often reference the inclusion of families and toddlers, remarking on the accommodating nature of the experience for all ages and the comfortable onboard environment, even in less favorable weather conditions. Conversely, some negative feedback focuses on the non-refundable ticket policy, which guests found inflexible in cases of scheduling conflicts or weather concerns, as tours run rain or shine without rescheduling options. A few reviewers noted the general seating arrangement could make it challenging to sit together as a group without early arrival. Overall, the overwhelmingly positive ratings and frequent comments about guide professionalism, engaging commentary, and the unique perspective of experiencing architecture by boat back the high 4.8-star average. Summer Of George is viewed by users as a must-do Chicago experience that combines education, social fun, and beautiful scenery.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Stephen Armstrong
We loved our ride on Summer of George! Owners must be big Seinfeld fans haha. Our tour guide Adam was fantastic and very knowledgeable the views are wonderful and a definite must do experience when coming to Chicago!
Dave Bryja
Highly recommend this architectural boat tour! Our tour guide Dave kept us informed and laughing the whole time! With Captain Joe behind the helm, it was a smooth cruise and learning his family’s history on the river made it that much more special! Will be back again!
Kul RN
Fantastic Guided River Tour with Summer of George I had an amazing experience with Summer of George's guided river tour. The entire staff was fantastic, especially our guide Heath, who was knowledgeable and friendly. The place was very clean, and they start the tour from a much further point than others, adding to the overall experience. I originally bought my ticket from Groupon, but later discovered they offer significant discounts for first responders and healthcare workers, making the ticket incredibly affordable. The whole process was smooth and easy to follow. There is plenty of paid parking available on site for $14. Overall, it was a great experience and I highly recommend it.
Eric Battison
What a great way to see Chicago! Adam our tour guide was a self proclaimed architecture nerd, he was funny and super informative!! A++++ tour! Would take this again. Thanks for the great afternoon!
Michelle Cap
Amazing tour! I've lived in the Chicago area nearly my whole life and I've been downtown multiple times but this summer was the first time anyone in my family did the architecture tour. Sometimes when you live in the area, you see all these amazing buildings but never stop to admire the view or learn about the history. This tour was incredible, the captain and tour guide were so kind and funny and the tour guide did an excellent job. The views were great and it wasn't a boring tour at all, he kept it lively and I was completely engaged. Will for sure bring my friends here next time they come and visit. Great job!
How to reach Summer Of George
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Why Summer Of George may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Summer Of George with your friends? Summer Of George is more than just a venue—it's an experience that perfectly blends education, entertainment, and social connection, making it an ideal spot to gather with friends or family. Situated in Chicago, this business offers a unique boat tour that navigates the city's famed architecture along the Chicago River, transforming a simple meetup into a memorable adventure. The high rating of 4.8 from hundreds of reviews reflects widespread appreciation for its exceptional service, knowledgeable guides, and enjoyable atmosphere. Your group can discover the rich history and innovative design of Chicago’s skyline in a relaxed setting, combining sightseeing with storytelling and humor. The fact that the tours are comfortable for all ages, including families with toddlers, means it’s inclusive and versatile. Whether your group is made up of architecture enthusiasts, casual tourists, or just folks looking to share quality time, Summer Of George provides an interactive way to connect and create lasting memories together. It’s the perfect rallying spot to enjoy the outdoors, learn something new, and engage in a shared experience that sparks conversation long after the tour ends.
What activities can you enjoy at Summer Of George? The centerpiece of Summer Of George’s offerings is the 90-minute architecture boat tour along the Chicago River. This guided tour is a dynamic activity that immerses guests in the iconic skyline and architectural heritage of Chicago. As the boat glides along three sections of the river, an expert guide narrates detailed stories about the city’s buildings, architects, styles, and historical revisions—delivering an educational and entertaining commentary. The guide’s sense of humor and ability to weave history into engaging stories keeps the group captivated. Onboard, there is also a bar serving snacks and drinks, adding a social and leisurely element to the experience that’s perfect for relaxing with friends while exploring the cityscape. The boat has both outdoor areas to enjoy fresh air and scenic views and covered interiors for comfort in inclement weather, ensuring your group can enjoy the tour rain or shine. This activity is not only visually stunning but also inclusive for all ages, making it suitable for family gatherings or mixed-age groups.
Why is Summer Of George perfect for group meetups? One of the main reasons Summer Of George is ideal for groups is its capacity to blend educational enrichment with social fun in a stunning environment. The boat’s layout encourages mingling and group conversation while providing shared focal points—the breathtaking architecture and captivating stories—to spark interaction. Groups arrive with tickets and can request to be seated together by arriving early, fostering a communal atmosphere. The tour is long enough at 90 minutes to provide depth but short enough to keep everyone engaged without fatigue, making it accessible to a broad range of ages and interests. Additionally, the convenient location near Chicago’s city center and accessible parking options make it easy for everyone to meet up without hassle. The combination of a relaxed pace, knowledgeable guides, and built-in amenities such as the bar means group members can socialize comfortably throughout. The unique, immersive nature of the tour encourages bonding through the shared discovery of Chicago’s history and landmarks, perfectly supporting all kinds of celebrations, from casual get-togethers to special occasions.
How does the experience enhance group bonding and create memories? Summer Of George offers an environment that enhances interpersonal connections by providing a shared, engaging experience away from routine settings. The immersive storytelling paired with panoramic views encourages group discussions and shared learning moments, which naturally deepen relationships. Many guests comment on the friendly and humorous guides who make the tour lively, helping break the ice among groups who may not all know each other well. Enjoying snacks and drinks together onboard creates informal social opportunities that complement the guided narration. The novelty of seeing Chicago’s urban architecture from the water—which many city residents haven’t experienced—adds excitement and uniqueness to the meetup. Because the boat tour is rain or shine, your group can rely on the experience happening as planned, creating reliable and treasured memories regardless of weather. Shared impressions of the city’s skyline and historic stories become great conversation starters for after the tour, extending the value of the meetup far beyond the boat ride itself.
What makes the location and logistics of Summer Of George convenient for group gatherings? Located in Chicago’s vibrant riverside area, Summer Of George benefits from both accessibility and proximity to many other attractions, ideal for extending your outing. Visitors can easily find parking nearby, with inexpensive public lots within walking distance, reducing stress around arrival and departure. The departure point is straightforward to reach by car or public transit, making it a convenient option for groups coming from different parts of the city or suburbs. The boat itself provides sheltered interior spaces as well as outdoor decks, ensuring comfort regardless of weather, an important consideration for planning group events. The ticketing system is clear and organized, though groups are encouraged to arrive early to ensure together seating since seating is general admission. Strict policies about non-refundable tickets highlight the company’s confidence in delivering its tours regardless of conditions, underscoring its reliability for group planning. All these factors combine to create a low-fuss, high-reward environment that supports smooth coordination for meetups of varying sizes.
Why do guests consistently rate Summer Of George so highly? The consistently high ratings, with a 4.8-star average from nearly 600 reviews, underline the high quality and satisfaction associated with Summer Of George experiences. Reviewers frequently highlight the knowledgeable and entertaining guides who elevate the architectural tour into an engaging storytelling session. Guests appreciate the combination of education and entertainment that feels neither too dense nor too superficial. The value compared to other architecture tours in Chicago is also frequently noted, with Summer Of George providing a rich experience at a competitive price point. The social aspect, combined with amenities like an onboard bar and snacks, further contributes to positive impressions as does the company’s friendly and professional customer service. Many reviews mention the smooth operation and welcoming atmosphere on board, which help create a relaxed yet enriching outing. This overwhelmingly positive feedback reflects a well-executed concept that appeals equally to tourists, local residents, families, and friend groups looking for a quality shared experience.
How does Summer Of George accommodate diverse groups and ages? An important aspect of Summer Of George’s appeal is its inclusivity and ability to accommodate diverse groups, including families with children. All guests, including babies and toddlers, require a ticket, ensuring everyone is accounted for and able to participate fully. The pace and format of the 90-minute tour have been designed to hold the attention of a broad audience without overwhelming younger or older participants. Guides incorporate humor and stories accessible to many ages, and the boat’s comfortable seating arrangements allow guests to move around or enjoy the views as they please. The fact that the tour runs in almost all weather conditions, with interior spaces available for refuge, makes it a dependable option for families or groups with varied preferences. This accessibility extends to group scheduling, with clear booking policies and communications, allowing event planners to confidently organize meetups that include people of all ages and interests.
What unique benefits can a meetup at Summer Of George provide compared to typical venues? Unlike conventional venues that may offer limited interaction or standardized entertainment, Summer Of George creates a unique setting where the environment itself—the Chicago River and city skyline—is a central part of the experience. The boat tour format fosters continuous discovery and shared engagement, which can be more stimulating and memorable than simply gathering in a restaurant or bar. The blend of education, stunning city views, and social amenities like onboard refreshments allows groups to enjoy both intellectual and leisurely pursuits simultaneously. This multifaceted experience can help strengthen bonds through collective learning and exploration, suited for groups looking for something beyond the usual meetup. Additionally, the ability to enjoy the outdoors in comfort on the water offers a refreshing alternative to indoor venues, ideal for warm weather or in-between-season gatherings. This environment encourages relaxed socializing framed by a sense of adventure and discovery, which is often cited by guests as why they choose to return or recommend Summer Of George to others.