Categories: Navy Pier

Navy Pier: Attractions

Author: Molly Ryan

As one of Chicago’s most popular tourist destinations, Navy Pier never fails to satisfy its visitors with a constant influx of mind-blowing attractions and performances. Whether you prefer the indoor activities (such as the largest IMAX theatre in Chicago, shopping at souvenir shops, and the two fun-filled family museums) or embracing the outdoors (at the rides at Pier Park, the weekly fireworks show, and the mini golf course), Navy Pier will have everyone in the family begging to stay longer.

The rides at Pier Park are without a question the most recognizable attractions at Navy Pier. The 150-foot Ferris wheel modeled after the first Ferris wheel presented at the 1893 World’s Fair 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. This ride is way more advanced than the traditional school-yard favorite. 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.

Navy Pier focuses many of its attractions to a crowd under the age of 10. 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 that the whole family will enjoy on their trip to the pier. 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. 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.

Of course, the sizeable IMAX theatre always attracts a host of movie-goers at Navy Pier. Seating 440 people and offering super-cool 3-D movies to help enhance the viewing experience, the theatre is the place to go for a fun time rain or shine. However, if it is nice outside, have the family hop aboard one of the many sightseeing boat cruises or a bike tour by Bike Chicago. Feel the breeze of Lake Michigan flow through your hair as you see Chicago in all of its glory from a respectable distance.

A great way to take a break from all of the action at Navy Pier is to sit down and see one of the many kid-friendly performances. After shopping for souvenirs and knick-knacks at the bundle of clothing, jewelry, toy and specialty stores, sit down and watch pirates, jokers, magicians, and stuffed animals entertain the youngsters while the adults relax with a steaming cup of Starbucks coffee. Performances geared to a more adult crowd can be found at the Bud Light Stage at the Navy Pier Beer Garden, which features local bands, the Pepsi Skyline Stage (Cirque Shanghai—a group of astonishing contortionists-- performs in the summer), and the Tony award-winning Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.

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.

Check out places of interest near Navy Pier: Attractions:

Aria Restaurant
200 N. Columbus Dr., Chicago, IL 60601

A top Chicago restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine at The Fairmont Chicago hotel, Aria has proven that it's here to stay. Currently under the leadership of chef de cuisine Leon Gunn, the kitchen here serves a menu that's bursting with cultural influences from around the world.

Fado Irish Pub
100 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

The mother of all Irish pubs in Chicago, Fado treats Guinness as a religion and has the feel of last-century Ireland--except when the European football games are on.

Rainforest Cafe
605 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Kids love this restaurant. The menu contains a mish-mash of fusion fare, but the real attraction to this scene is the tropical fauna and animals feigning life through mechanistic motions.

Riva
700 E. Grand Avenue , Chicago, IL 60611

For a chic atmosphere and fine dining, Navy Pier guests should visit RIVA. Visitors can dine on specialty steak, seafood and pasta while viewing Chicago's epic skyline. If casual dining is desired, guests can choose RIVA Café below the main restaurant for great food without the candlelight.
Contact: (312) 644- RIVA

Weber Grill Restaurant
539 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

For a relax atmosphere filled with the smells of a great barbeque, eat at Weber’s Grill. The open kitchen shows the chefs cooking your order over an open flame on actual Weber grills.

Fado Irish Pub
100 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

The mother of all Irish pubs in Chicago, Fado treats Guinness as a religion and has the feel of last-century Ireland--except when the European football games are on.

Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze
600 E. Grand Ave., Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60611

Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze, located on Navy Pier, is  an interactive experience in every sense of the word. Squeezing, stomping and spinning until you are doubled over laughing and delightfully dizzy is the name of the game here--as is finding your way out!

 

 

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.

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. 

Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Chicago's well-known Shakespeare Theatre located on the fabulous Navy Pier offers classic and contemporary takes on the famous Bard's works.

John Hancock Center Observatory
875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60661

See Chicago from the top of the Hancock Building in the heart of downtown. The John Hancock Center Observatory offers Chicago views at their finest.

Lincoln Park Zoo
2200 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago, IL 60614

Lincoln Park Zoo, located in Chicago, is among the oldest zoological gardens in the country (established in 1868) and is also among the most modern. Generations of Chicago kids and visitors to the city alike take the time to stand face to face with apes and even go palm-to-palm with them through the glass. Human-to-animal interaction is mixed with the heavily scientific- and research-based initiatives here.

Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60610

Millennium Park has become Chicago’s newest main stage attraction. Aligned with the city’s emphasis on architectural innovation, this 24.5-acre phenomenon integrates historical significance with contemporary style from a number of international players. It is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the north and Monroe Street to the south.

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 years. 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.

Seadog Speedboat Rides
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Take a thrilling cruise along the Chicago lakefront in a high-powered vessel from Seadog Speedboat Rides. Take either a 30-minute lakefront cruise or a 75-minute river architectural cruise on the 130-passenger speedboat. Lakefront cruise: every half hour.

Shoreline Sightseeing
474 N.Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60611

Chidago's largest boat touring company offers "Architecture Cruises" from Navy Pier, plus Skyline Boat Tours and Water Taxis. Special fireworks cruises are scheduled seasonally!

Weekend service April and November-daily service from 10:00 am May - October. On Chicago's waterways since 1939. Group rates; buy tickets online or by phone at no additional fee.

Comfort Inn
15 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611

Right in the middle of the bustling Mag Mile, this affordable hotel takes care of the basics and leaves you free to roam one of the busiest streets in the country.

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. 

Shoreline Sightseeing
474 N.Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60611

Chidago's largest boat touring company offers "Architecture Cruises" from Navy Pier, plus Skyline Boat Tours and Water Taxis. Special fireworks cruises are scheduled seasonally!

Weekend service April and November-daily service from 10:00 am May - October. On Chicago's waterways since 1939. Group rates; buy tickets online or by phone at no additional fee.