Ghosts of Chicago Family Friendly Ghost Tour

If you’re on the hunt for a unique way to experience Chicago after dark, the Ghosts of Chicago Family-Friendly Ghost Tour might catch your eye. Designed to blend sightseeing with spooky tales, this approximately 90-minute walk takes you past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks while sharing ghost stories that are suitable for all ages.

What really drew us in are a couple of standout features: first, the tour’s focus on family-friendly stories makes it accessible for kids and relaxed for adults alike. Second, the fact that it combines a historic city tour with ghostly tales means you’re not just walking around aimlessly—you’re learning, experiencing a bit of Chicago’s darker side, and having fun.

A key consideration is that, based on some reviews, the experience can be quite hit or miss when it comes to storytelling quality and punctuality. Some guides have been praised for their knowledge, while others have faced criticism for being late or delivering less-than-spooky stories. So, if you’re someone who’s looking for a deeply chilling experience, this might not be what you expect.

This tour is best suited for families or groups wanting a casual, engaging ghostly adventure that doesn’t go overboard into the truly terrifying. It’s also ideal if you prefer a walk that combines sightseeing with storytelling rather than a dark, eerie experience.

Key Points

• Balanced mix: Combines sightseeing with ghost stories, making it engaging without being frightening.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for all ages, with stories that are designed to be appropriate for children.
• Flexible pace: About 90 minutes long, making it manageable for most schedules.
• Central meeting point: Starts at Millennium Monument, easy to find in downtown Chicago.
• Variable guide quality: Guide knowledge and punctuality can vary, so reviews suggest some inconsistency.
• Affordable price: At $29.99 per person, it offers a reasonably priced way to explore some haunted spots.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Flying Dragon Sculpture & the Devil Baby of Hull-House

Your journey begins at the Flying Dragon sculpture by Alexander Calder, a striking modern piece that adds a bit of visual interest right away. Here, your guide shares the story of the Devil Baby of Hull-House, a local legend that sets the spooky tone for the walk.

This stop is quick—only around 11 minutes—but it’s a good introduction to how Chicago’s art and legends intertwine. The sculpture itself is free to see, and the story about the Devil Baby, though more folklore than verified history, adds a playful ghostly element.

Stop 2: Chicago Stock Exchange Arch & H.H. Holmes

Next, you’ll visit a remnant of the Chicago Stock Exchange Building. This site is particularly interesting because it ties into the story of America’s first serial killer, H.H. Holmes. The guide will tell you about his dark deeds and how the building’s history adds a chilling layer to the city’s past.

This stop, also about 11 minutes long, offers a glimpse into Chicago’s darker history—an essential for those interested in macabre stories linked to real-life figures.

Stop 3: Abraham Lincoln & Lincoln Park’s Burial Ground

At the Lincoln statue, the tour touches on Lincoln Park’s origins as a burial ground—a fact many might not know. It’s fascinating to think about how the land has transformed from a resting place to a bustling park. The ghost stories connected to Lincoln and the park add a historical twist, making this stop both educational and atmospheric.

Stop 4: Congress Triangle Garden & Haunted Hotel

Here, you’ll see the Congress Plaza Hotel, known as one of the most haunted hotels in the country. Your guide will share stories about ghostly encounters and how the hotel inspired Stephen King to write a story.

This part of the tour blends Chicago’s ghost stories with its architecture, offering a good reason to linger and imagine the hotel’s spooky reputation.

Stop 5: The Spearman Sculpture & Fort Dearborn Massacre

This sculpture captures the Indigenous spirit of the land’s original inhabitants. The story here revolves around the Fort Dearborn Massacre, a pivotal event that lends a haunting context to the land you’re walking on.

It’s a poignant reminder that the land’s history is layered and complex, with ghost stories adding a supernatural touch to historical tragedies.

Stop 6: Artists and Automobiles & John Dillinger

Moving into the era of gangsters and outlaws, your guide will tell stories about John Dillinger, one of America’s most notorious criminals. This stop is a bit more lively, with tales of crime and the mob that played a significant role in Chicago’s history.

Stop 7: Buckingham Fountain & the Eastland Disaster

Your final stop is at the Buckingham Fountain, where the guide shares the story of the Eastland Disaster, a tragic shipwreck in the Chicago River that caused numerous fatalities. It’s a somber but important piece of the city’s history, wrapped in ghostly lore.

What’s Included and Practical Details

This tour is straightforward—a mobile ticket grants access to the entire experience, which starts at 6:30 pm from the Millennium Monument. The route covers several iconic landmarks, with each stop lasting about 11 minutes, enough time to hear the story and soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

The group size is capped at 30, which is pretty standard and helps keep the experience intimate. The tour’s price at $29.99 per person offers good value considering the mix of sightseeing and storytelling. However, as some reviews note, the guide’s quality can vary, so your experience may depend heavily on who is leading that night.

The Real Deal: What Travelers Are Saying

Reviews paint a nuanced picture. Many appreciated the knowledgeable guides and found the stories interesting. One reviewer raved about a guide named Joe, describing him as “great” and highlighting the engaging storytelling. Conversely, some had less positive experiences, citing guides who arrived late, or whose stories weren’t particularly spooky, with one reviewer saying it was “not scary or ghostly at all.”

A couple of travelers experienced last-minute cancellations, which understandably dampened expectations. It’s worth noting that the tour can be canceled due to weather or low attendance, with a full refund offered if that happens.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best for families or casual travelers wanting a relaxed, fun ghost walk that combines sightseeing with folklore. If you enjoy local legends and a bit of history but aren’t seeking extreme scares, you’ll likely find this engaging. It’s also suitable for those interested in Chicago’s architecture and historic landmarks, with a supernatural twist.

However, if you’re after a truly chilling, spine-tingling ghost tour or expect guides to be perfectly punctual and professional, this might not fully meet those expectations.

Final Thoughts

The Ghosts of Chicago Family-Friendly Ghost Tour offers a budget-friendly, engaging way to explore some of the city’s most iconic landmarks while enjoying some ghost stories along the way. Its appeal lies in its family-friendly approach and the chance to see Chicago’s historic sites through a spooky lens.

While the storytelling quality and punctuality can vary, those with flexible expectations will likely find it a charming addition to their evening plans. It’s a fun, lighthearted way to experience Chicago’s haunted history without the over-the-top scare factor.

If you’re traveling with kids or simply want a relaxed ghostly walk that combines history, architecture, and local legends, this tour could be a good fit. Just keep in mind to check the weather and be prepared for some variability in guide performance.

FAQ: Your Quick Guide to the Ghosts of Chicago Tour

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, the stories are designed to be suitable for all ages, making it a good option for families or those looking for a more relaxed ghost walk.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the Millennium Monument at 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, and the start time is 6:30 pm.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, covering multiple landmarks and stories.

What’s the price?
It costs $29.99 per person, which is reasonable for a guided city walk with historical stories.

Can I cancel if I change my plans?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Less than 24 hours, and no refund is offered.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

Is the tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, it’s near public transit, making it easy to reach the meeting point.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What are the group size limits?
The maximum group size is 30 travelers.

Will I get a guide with good stories?
Guide quality varies, but many reviews praise knowledgeable guides. It’s worth reading recent reviews before booking.

This tour offers a fun, accessible way to see Chicago through a slightly spooky lens. Perfect for those who want a lighthearted ghost story experience mixed with some sightseeing—just keep your expectations in check regarding guide consistency!