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Summertime and the Living is Easy with Group Activities

By M+E Staff

Hello readers,

It’s the best season of the year, and now’s the time to take advantage of all that summer has to offer with some thrilling group activities.

Thompson Chicago is bringing back its annual City Summer Camp Program for the third year with 10 unique activities (for adults) and a “counselor” that can coordinate them all. Available now through September, some of the options include “See + Sweat,” which partners with Lululemon Gold Coast to offer guided running tours near Chicago’s top spots, or a class in terrarium building provided by Sprout Home. There’s also a summer cocktail course at Salone Nico, adjacent to the hotel, as well as Chicago Beach Volleyball games at nearby Oak Street Beach.

Pricing varies by activity, with the full array of options open to overnight groups. Right now you can also take advantage of a special offer—call 312.266.2100 to make reservations and receive a special 15% discounted rate with booking code “CAMP.” Stay tuned to Thompson Chicago’s Facebook page for the latest updates and an informational video explaining it all.

If seeing the city by boat is more your fancy, book a Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise this summer. Set aboard First Lady Cruises, the 90-minute ride (named one of the top 10 tours in the U.S. by TripAdvisor users) offers breathtaking panoramic views of Chicago’s riverfront architecture with commentary led by CAF docents that have undergone extensive training to know each building’s history. Some of the 50 venues seen and discussed on the tour include the Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, Marina City, Merchandise Mart, Civic Opera House, Aqua Tower and even new buildings such as 150 N. Riverside Tower.

Boats depart from Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive with a port set along the Chicago Riverwalk. Once on board the vessel, guests can enjoy open-air seating, a state-of-the-art sound system, temperature-controlled interior salon deck, full service bar and marble and granite restrooms. Summer cruises run daily May 19 to October 8 and depart every half hour from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.

Groups of 10 or more may reserve in advance by contacting the Group Sales Department at grouptours@architecture.org or by calling 312-322-1131. Each vessel in the Chicago’s First Lady fleet is also available for private charter excursions complete with food and beverage including private docent-led tours.

Happy Planning!

Selena Fragassi
Editor
Illinois Meetings + Events

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