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Best Weekend Activities For Seniors In Chicago

Chicago has something for everyone regardless of age or activity level. Here are a few activities seniors and their entire families might enjoy during a weekend about town.
Chicago's First Lady
(Photo Credit: Chicago's First Lady's Facebook)

Architectural Tour
Chicago's First Lady
112 E. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
(847) 358-1330
www.cruisechicago.com

Not only is it one of the most interesting tours of Chicago, where even city natives will likely learn something new, but it allows you to kick back and soak up the sun cruising up the river on a large comfy boat. Refreshments are available for purchase during the tour, which winds up the entirety of the Chicago river and back. There are even ways to avoid the stairs down to the boat if necessary. But best of all, the tour can be an engaging rest if your legs are tired from walking around but your mind is still ready to absorb the city!

Steve's Segway Tours
155 N. Harbor Drive, Suite 1C1A
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 946-9467
www.stevessegwaytours.com

A Segway tour is the perfect way to make sure you get pictures of yourself by all of Chicago's major landmarks without dealing with the transit system or taxi fare. A knowledgeable tour guide will steer you through the downtown lakefront and tell you tidbits about what you'll see. (Tip: try to go on a Thursday if you arrive for an early weekend, as you'll avoid crowds and any downtown festivals that may be in the area.) Steve's Segway Tours allows you to book private tours for just your party or if there are only one or two of you, you can join other tourists in a group. Each tour lasts from three to four hours and sometimes you can even stop off to buy a Chicago Style hot dog during the tour!

Lyric Opera
(Photo Credit: lyricopera.org)

Lyric Opera Backstage Tour
20 N. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 332-2244
www.lyricopera.org

Possibly made even better combined with tickets to the opera the night before, a backstage tour of the Lyric Opera is one of Chicago's lesser-known, but quite fascinating tours. Experience an opera in the beautiful theatre one night and then check out the impressive workings of the backstage implements the following day. Tours are lead through eight floors the Lyric's sets and background scenes that are utilized in different operas during the theatre's season. Don't forget the costumes! Visitors also get to take a look at the vast costume room.

Related:  Best Summer Art Festivals In Chicago

Entertainment Cruises
Navy Pier
700 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(866) 305-2469
www.entertainmentcruises.com

Who doesn't enjoy a relaxing time on a boat looking out upon the water? Entertainment cruises can be customized to fit the type of excursion you would enjoy. Enjoy dancing and beverages or just kick back and take in the Chicago skyline view. You may even see a fireworks display, depending on the timing of your visit. Want to include the whole family? Take a look at the special cruises, even holiday cruises or consider the 'build your own' option! This is especially fun for a multi-family getaway, as there will be something for everyone!

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2430 N. Cannon Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 755-5100
www.choosechicago.com

Right next to the free Lincoln Park Zoo if you have the time and energy for both, the Peggy Norebaert Nature Museum can be a fun and educational time for people of all ages. The kids can enjoy interactive educational games and water play areas (where the adults can sit and watch them burn off some steam) but the butterfly enclosure is often everyone's favorite. Pictures are often taken when beautiful butterflies softly land on visitors to the museum. As a bonus, free days are available for Chicago residents.

Related: Best Music Festivals Near Chicago

Meredith Lyons is an actor, competitive fighter and fitness instructor in Chicago who also owns an amazing cat named Jake. Meredith has been writing on Examiner as the Chicago Martial Arts Examiner since 2008. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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