Categories: Entertainment and Attractions Restaurants Family-Friendly Tours

Navy Pier

Author: Desiree Alexis

Navy Pier Attractions

There are over a half dozen attractions at Navy Pier, guaranteed to be fun for everyone. Value combo pricing applies to most of the attractions, allowing you to enjoy each during your visit.

•     * Carousel
•     * Navy Pier Ferris Wheel Presented by McDonalds
•     * Links Miniature Golf
•     * Light Tower
•     * Wave Swinger: an Old Fashion Swing

Combo pricing:

•     * Two Rides in any combination: $9.00
•     * 3 Rides in any combination = $10.00
•     * 4 Rides in any combination = $11.00
•     * Single ticket for any ride = $5.00

 * Remote Controlled Boat require tokens
      1 token per ride/Token = $1.00
      or
      $5.00 for 6 tokens

Other Attractions at Navy Pier

•     * Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze
•     * Chicago Children's Museum
•     * IMAX Theatre
•     * Bike Chicago
•     * Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows

Here are some general descriptions of the attractions at Navy Pier and their costs.

Attractions:

Carousel
The musical carousel, located near the Ferris wheel, was inspired by the 1920s' Navy Pier. Boasting 36 hand-painted animals, the carousel is open seasonally, weather permitting.

Admission: $5, combo pricing applies (Parents may accompany child on Carousel for FREE)

Navy Pier Ferris Wheel-Presented by McDonalds
Rising over Navy Pier, the 150-foot high Navy Pier Ferris Wheel is open year-round, weather permitting. Riders can see spectacular views of Chicago's skyline and lakefront at both day and night. It's the perfect spot to give children a new perspective of their surroundings or to cuddle with a mate.

Admission: $6

Wave Swinger
Modeling an old-fashioned swing ride, the Wave Swinger glides riders over a pond and lets them experience an aerial view of the lakeside. At 14 feet in the air, riders will feel the wind in their hair and the thrill of soaring. The Wave Swinger is open seasonally, weather permitting.

Admission: $5, combo pricing applies

Links Miniature Golf
This 18-hole putt-putt has Chicago-themed fun throughout the greens. Winding around the Ferris Wheel base, the course is open seasonally, weather permitting.

Admission: $5, combo pricing applies

The Light Tower
Kids will love this attraction, which slowly takes them to the top of the tower (13-feet) and gently bounces them back down. Must be 36-inches tall if not accompanied by an adult, and loose shoes must be removed before riding. Seats up to six (4 children, 2 adults).

Remote Boats
Test your driving skills on the Remote Boats course. Tokens required. One token per ride/Token=$1, $5 for six tokens.

Other Attractions:

Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze
This attraction is, dare I say it, amazing. Visitors explore and wander through a series of mirrored mazes, all with one of three Chicago themes—Underground Chicago, Landmark Chicago and Above Chicago. The bubble hallway, spinning tunnel of lights and magical audio are just a few examples of the ways your senses will be pleased. Open year-round, the Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze is both educational and exciting.

Tickets: $7.95-$9.95 +tax; family packs and group rates available.

Chicago Children's Museum
A favorite attraction of kids and their parents, the children's museum is educational and interactive. Boasting permanent exhibits such as Dinosaur Expedition, Artabounds Gallery, and Water Ways, everyone will find their niche.
Admission: $8 for general admission, $7 for seniors
Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows
The display of 150 stained glass windows has been opened since February 2000 and is the first museum of its kind in the U.S. The variety of windows range from gothic, cathedral-style displays to modern, portrait pieces. The museum is open year-round and every Friday at 2 p.m. the curator gives intimate public tours.
Admission: Free and open to the public during Navy Pier-operating hours.


IMAX Theatre
Enjoy an unparalleled cinematic experience at Navy Pier's IMAX Theatre. At 6-stories high, IMAX has biggest screen in town showing regular feature films in 3-D! Visit the IMAX Theatre's Website: www.imax.com/chicago for scheduling, price, and additional information.

Current Hours of Operation (weather permitting)

• Sun. through Thurs: 10am-8pm
• Fri and Sat: 10am-10pm

 
General Navy Pier Information

Address: 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

Phone: (312) 595- PIER

Parking: Navy Pier has on-site parking available for 1,600 cars. Self-park rates are up to one hour, $14; one to three hours, $19; three to eight hours, $22; eight to 24 hours, $25.

Hours: November 1 through March 31

    * Mondays- Thursdays 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.
    * Fridays- Saturdays 10 a.m.- 10 p.m.
    * Sundays 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.

April 1 through the Thursday before Memorial Day

    * Sunday- Thursdays 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.
    * Fridays- Saturdays 10 a.m.- 10 p.m.

Memorial Day through Labor Day

    * Sundays- Thursdays 10 a.m.- 10 p.m.
    * Fridays- Saturdays 10 a.m.- 12 midnight

Labor Day through October 31

    * Sundays- Thursdays 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.
    * Fridays- Saturdays 10 a.m.- 10 p.m.

Navy Pier Restaurants

Navy Pier's restaurants and other dining options offer plenty to satisfy everyone's taste buds. If you're looking for a fun, family-friendly atmosphere or a candlelit, romantic dinner for two, Navy Pier offers both. A variety of foods can be found just by walking along the pier's dock.

•     * Billy Goat Tavern
•     * Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
•     * Charlie's Ale House
•     * Capi's Italian Kitchen
•     * Dock Street Café
•     * Haagen-Dazs
•     * Joe's Be-Bop Café

Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Bus Co. Stop
The yellow star line is the main and only line for Navy Pier and it begins at the Metra Union then Ogilvie Station, followed by Macy’s at State St. then the Navy Pier grounds. 

Check out places of interest near Navy Pier:

Billy Goat Tavern
430 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

For the perfect cheezborger, cheezborger, butt in to the Billy Goat Tavern. Here you can grab a drink with your crew or savor the taste from the visible grill with the kids.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
700 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

Down home southern cooking themed after the movie “Forrest Gump” is available, offering, you guessed it, shrimp, shrimp and more shrimp. Other options include baby back ribs and other seafood. Kids meals are also available.

Capi's Italian Kitchen
700 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

For wide-ranging, authentic Italian food served at Navy Pier in Chicago, Capi's Italian Kitchen gives families the chance to fine-dine without reservations. Wood-stone cooked pizzas (create your own!) and fresh panini sandwiches are offered here, along with salads, pasta, and seafood.

Charlie's Ale House
600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Best known for its selection of 70 different beers, Charlie's expands its seating to over 150 guests during spring and summer months with its outdoor café.
Contact: (312) 595- 1440

Cheesecake Factory
875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

With 50 different cheesecake and sweet options, skip the meal and go right for dessert. Try an original cheesecake or take a chance with a slice of Godiva chocolate, dulce de leche carmel and pumpkin pecan cheesecake. Meal options include pizza, seafood, steaks, salads and more.

David Burke's Primehouse
616 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611

Nestled inside the St. James Hotel on the corner of Rush and Ontario streets, this contemporary Chicago steakhouse not only serves mouth-watering steaks, but offers patrons tastey appetizers and unique seafood creations as well.

Dock Street Café
700 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

This casual snack bar features a menu full of All-American favorites.

ESPN Zone
43 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611

ESPN Zone mixes the fun of an arcade with the excitement of a sporting event, serving deliciously fun food.

Gino's East
162 E Superior, Chicago, IL 60611

This is the original location of Gino's East, the now-famous Chicago-style pizza restaurant chain.

Haagen-Dazs
800 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

To satisfy your sweet tooth, stop by for their signature ice cream, baked goods and even some fresh deli salads and sandwiches. The Navy Pier location is modeled after Haagen Dazs' international flagship stores in London and Paris. Indoor seating available, outdoor weather-permitting.

Horseshoe Hammond Casino
777 Casino Dr, Hammond, IN 46320

Already the premier gambling facility in the Midwest, the Horseshoe Hammond Casino has stepped it up a notch with a serious expansion happening summer of 2008. Choose from a wide range of tables and slots, plus entertainment and dining options here.

 

Jack Binion's Steakhouse
777 Casino Dr, Hammond, IN 46320

Jack Binion's Steakhouse, located inside the Horseshoe Hammond Casino, offers gamblers and non-gamblers alike a fine dining experience feature choice cuts of prime rib, steak and veal, as well as an opulent variety of fresh seafood. 

 

Joe's Be-Bop Café
700 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

Live jazz and southern cuisine. 

P.J. Clarke's
1204 N. State Pkwy., Chicago, IL 60610

This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths.

P.J. Clarke's
302 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611

This American spot, which is conveniently located near Navy Pier, is a spin-off of the popular Gold Coast original.

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

Ruth's Chris Steak House
431 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

All the steak house accoutrements are in supply here, but it's the pat of butter on the steak at the end that sells it to steak house aficionadoes. Chicago steak gets solid treatment here.

 

Sixteen
401 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Located on the16th floor of Chicago's new Trump International Hotel & Tower, Sixteen offers gorgeous city views and the modern American Cuisine of Chef Frank Brunacci.

 

Spirit of Chicago
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Take in breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline aboard this luxury liner. Afternoon or evening, experience the city from the waters of Lake Michigan in a social setting.

Build-A-Bear Workshop
700 East Grand Avenue,, Chicago, IL 60611

Create your own custom teddy bear at this kid-friendly store.

Garrett Popcorn Shop
4 East Madison Ave., Chicago, IL 60602

Since 1949, Chicagoans have been enjoying Garrett Popcorn, Carmel Corn, and Cheese Corn. The popcorn is hot-air popped using no oils or fats.

The Shops at North Bridge
520 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Anchored by Nordstrom, Westfield North Bridge shopping center—conveniently located along the Magnificent Mile—offers a variety of specialty shops. From A/X Armani Exchange and Kenneth Cole to The LEGO® Store and Sephora

Alumni Club
871 E. Algonquin Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173

Tons of big screen TVs and cold beer.

Odyssey Cruises
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60611

A luxurious cruising vessel, the Odyssey has recently undergone a spectacular renovation. The two- or three- hour trips offer lunch, weekend brunch, dinner, moonlight jazz cruises, live entertainment, and magnificent skyline views.

P.J. Clarke's
1204 N. State Pkwy., Chicago, IL 60610

This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths.

P.J. Clarke's
302 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611

This American spot, which is conveniently located near Navy Pier, is a spin-off of the popular Gold Coast original.

The Redhead Piano Bar
16 W. Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60610

Top-notch piano players make The Redhead Piano Bar a sought-after venue when it comes to sophisticated live music in Chicago. Gather around the piano, or head toward the back of the room for more intimate conversation.

Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60611

Spend 15 minutes navigating through a series of mirror mazes and twisting tunnels set in a Chicago landscape. Tickets $7.95-$9.95 +tax; family packs and group rates available.

Chicago Line Cruises
455 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611

Premier boat-based tour service offering cruises focused on architecture, history, or private charters, serving complimentary coffee and muffins.  Group rates available, and tickets available online.

 

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.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60604

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is the heartbeat of Chicago. The CSO has numerous concerts and special events throughout the year. See the full list at their website. Tickets range from $10 to $200.

Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Co.
401 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60609

Daily tours of Chicago in San Fransisco-style trolleys and London-style buses, narrated by expert guides, are offered here. Take Chicago trolley tours as a worry-free way to get around the city of Chicago; it's "Hop On Hop Off".

 

ESPN Zone
43 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611

ESPN Zone mixes the fun of an arcade with the excitement of a sporting event, serving deliciously fun food.

Horseshoe Hammond Casino
777 Casino Dr, Hammond, IN 46320

Already the premier gambling facility in the Midwest, the Horseshoe Hammond Casino has stepped it up a notch with a serious expansion happening summer of 2008. Choose from a wide range of tables and slots, plus entertainment and dining options here.

 

Jack Binion's Steakhouse
777 Casino Dr, Hammond, IN 46320

Jack Binion's Steakhouse, located inside the Horseshoe Hammond Casino, offers gamblers and non-gamblers alike a fine dining experience feature choice cuts of prime rib, steak and veal, as well as an opulent variety of fresh seafood. 

 

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.

 

Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637

The Museum of Science and Industry, one of the most beloved and visited museums in the world, has origins that are tied to two great World's Fairs and to civic spirit and imagination of Chicago businessman Julius Rosenwald. 

Mystic Blue Cruises
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Mystic Blue Cruises operates in Chicago on Lake Michigan, offering two-hour lunch, 90-minute mid-day skyline, three-hour dinner and two-hour moonlight cruises. Year-round, weather permitting. Tickets $30-$150. Private charters for 20 or more passengers.

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!

Odyssey Cruises
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60611

A luxurious cruising vessel, the Odyssey has recently undergone a spectacular renovation. The two- or three- hour trips offer lunch, weekend brunch, dinner, moonlight jazz cruises, live entertainment, and magnificent skyline views.

Odyssey Cruises
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60611

Break free of the land and see the storied skyline of Chicago from out on Lake Michigan with a boat tour on the Odyssey. A Chicago tradition, this pleasant diversion works for business and pleasure, with the entire family or as a romantic exploit; a top Chicago boat tour.

 

 

Ravinia Festival
418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035

A lineup of pop, classical, folk, jazz and other musical performances under the stars or an open-air pavilion. Concerts March through Sept.

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.

Spirit of Chicago
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Take in breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline aboard this luxury liner. Afternoon or evening, experience the city from the waters of Lake Michigan in a social setting.

Wendella Sightseeing Boats
400 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Located on the Magnificent Mile, Wendella Boats are guided by expert staff.

 

Residence Inn/SpringHill Suites Downtown Chicago River North
410 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

This newly constructed hotel carries a Chicago baseball theme, with the north half of the hotel being Cubs-themed; the south half being White Sox-themed. The separate-but-connected lobbies are built for socializing, while efficient, affordable rooms are the real draw.

 

Chicago Line Cruises
455 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611

Premier boat-based tour service offering cruises focused on architecture, history, or private charters, serving complimentary coffee and muffins.  Group rates available, and tickets available online.

 

Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Co.
401 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60609

Daily tours of Chicago in San Fransisco-style trolleys and London-style buses, narrated by expert guides, are offered here. Take Chicago trolley tours as a worry-free way to get around the city of Chicago; it's "Hop On Hop Off".

 

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.