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Navy Pier: Attractions

Author: Molly Ryan & Sarah Hyde

Categories: Navy Pier



The Navy Pier IMAX Theater is only one option for high-intensity entertainment at Navy Pier: try the Ferris wheel and the rest of the rides at Pier Park.

Have a ball at one of the two kid-friendly museums, take a leisurely or fast-paced boat ride, or watch one of the award-winning performances--all on the same pier!


Navy Pier Attractions 

As the Midwest’s number one tourist destination, Navy Pier never fails to satisfy its visitors with a constant influx of mind-blowing attractions and performances. If you prefer indoor activities Navy Pier has the largest IMAX theatre in Chicago, souvenir shops, and two fun-filled family museums.

For those craving the outdoors, enjoy the rides at Pier Park, the weekly fireworks show, and the mini golf course. No matter what your cup of tea, Navy Pier will have everyone in the family begging to stay longer.

Pier Park at Navy Pier

The rides at Pier Park are without a question the most recognizable attractions at Navy Pier.

A great place to begin your time at Navy Pier is at the 150-foot Ferris wheel, modeled after the first Ferris wheel presented at the 1893 World’s Fair. It towers over the dock and delights riders with majestic views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.

For a more fast-paced ride, take a swing on the always popular Wave Swinger. The swings take riders on a thrilling adventure 14-feet above the ground as they fly by all of the beautiful sights of the city.

Young children will delight in the Musical Carousel at Pier Park, which features 36 fantastic hand-painted animals.

Finally, the park also has an 18-hole miniature golf course, a remote-controlled boat pond and the Light Tower Ride which bounces young children up and down the 13-foot tower.

Theaters at Navy Pier

Navy Pier’s own IMAX Theater blows the traditional movie theater out of the water. Standing at a whopping six-stories, it is Chicago’s largest flat movie screen. Enjoy movies in 2D or 3D at this impressive theater.

NAVY PIER IMAX THEATER

For a variety of theater productions year-round, head to Navy Pier’s Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The newly refurbished theater features two stages and seven-stories. 

CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER

The Museums at Navy Pier

The Chicago Children’s Museum allows young children to develop important life skills in an imaginative and educational environment. The three story museum features exhibits the whole family will enjoy on their trip to the pier.

CHICAGO CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

Besides the children’s museum, kids will absolutely love Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze. This 15 minute walk through an upturned, dizzying view of the history of Chicago will have everyone in the family literally tumbling over with laughter.

AMAZING CHICAGO'S FUNHOUSE MAZE

A more artistic excursion can be found at the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows. 150 classic and contemporary stained glass windows (including 13 original Tiffany windows) flood a rainbow of colors into the rooms.

Summer at Navy Pier 

During the summer, visit Navy Pier on a Wednesday or a Saturday night and be treated to an explosive fireworks show. Bright, colorful flashes of light flying through the sky attract crowds of tourists, families, romantics, and everyone in between.  

The Beer Garden is the perfect place to people watch and enjoy an ice-cold brew. It is home to the Bud Light Stage which features live music on the weekends in the summer.

THE BEER GARDEN

The Pepsi Skyline Stage is an open-air pavilion that puts on amazing shows every summer. This year Cirque Shanghai is on the menu.

For children's shows at Navy Pier the Family Pavilion Stage and Dock Street Stage are summer hits. Best of all shows at these two stages are absolutely free! Expect interactive, kid-friendly shows. Past acts have included jugglers, magicians and Navy Pier's mascot Patch the Pirate Dog.

Boats & Bikes at Navy Pier 

In the summer months Navy Pier is home to countless boat and bike tours. For amazing views of the city from Lake Michigan Navy Pier has tours for the daredevil in all of us and the inner scaredy-cat as well.

For sight-seeing tours jump on The Tall Ship Windy, a gorgeous four-mast schooner or a Shoreline Sightseeing boat for a 60-minute architecture tour.

TALL SHIP WINDY

For a high-speed ride on Lake Michigan, Seadog Speedboats offer exhilarating thrills for the whole family. Running April through October chose from Seadog I, II, IV or Extreme for 360 degree turns and soaking wet fun! 

SEADOG SPEEDBOATS

Dinner boat tours Spirit of Chicago, The Odyssey and Mystic Blue also dock at Navy Pier. To be wined and dined in the coolest atmosphere possible these boats are the ticket. Some cruises run year-long.

Navy Pier is also the resting place of many boats and yachts available for private charter.

Check out Navy Pier's website for up-to-date information, schedules, hours and tickets.

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Fado Irish Pub
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Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze
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Anita Dee Yacht Charters
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Anita Dee yacht charters are available for anyone looking for a Chicago boat tour experience for a private event--or whatever reason.

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Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Chicago's well-known Shakespeare Theatre located on the fabulous Navy Pier has stunning auditoriums and a wide variety of performances.

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Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

Navy Pier, one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago and the country, is visited by almost nine million visitors per year. From dining to shopping, boat tours to countless entertainment options, Navy Pier in Chicago is a must-stop for a wide range of visitors--Chicago residents already know and love it!Watch our latest video offering and take a quick, two-minute narrated tour through the highlights at Navy Pier, stern to bow.

Navy Pier IMAX Theatre
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Unparalleled cinematic experience in the heart of Navy Pier.

Seadog Speedboat Rides
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Tall Ship Windy
600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

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John Hancock Observatory
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Bike Chicago Rental & Tours
239 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601

Bicycle rental, bicycle tours, segway tours, and in-line skate rentals make Bike Chicago a key attraction in the city. Bike Chicago has five locations scattered throughout the Chicago area, which is convenient for tourists and locals alike. 

Bobby's Bike Hike
465 N McClurg Court, Chicago, IL 60611

Guided bike tours, (bicycles provided), that are definitely family friendly. Tours are designed for riders of all ages and fitness levels. A great way to learn about Chicago’s past, as well as insight into current events around the city. Bike rentals are also available for riders looking to explore the nearby Lakefront Bike Path. 

Seadog Speedboat Rides
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Take a thrilling cruise along the Chicago lakefront in a high-powered vessel from Seadog Speedboat Rides.

Shoreline Sightseeing
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Shoreline Sightseeing offers a range of boat tours showcasing Chicago's spectacular skyline and colorful history.

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