Chicago Navy Pier Things To Do

The city of Chicago is a bustling metropolis with a wide range of exciting activities and attractions to explore. One of the most iconic destinations in the city is Navy Pier, a lakefront attraction that offers something for everyone. From thrilling rides and entertainment options to cultural exhibits and stunning views of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Chicago.

Navy Pier has a rich history dating back to 1916, when it was first built as a shipping and recreation facility. Over the years, it has undergone numerous transformations, including a major renovation in the 1990s that turned it into the thriving entertainment complex it is today. With over 50 acres of space, Navy Pier is home to a wide range of attractions, including museums, theaters, restaurants, and shops. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or just looking for a fun day out with the family, Navy Pier has something to offer.

For those looking for an adrenaline rush, Navy Pier is home to a number of thrilling rides and attractions. The Centennial Wheel, a 196-foot tall Ferris wheel, offers breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan. The Pier Park area also features a number of other rides, including a carousel, a swing ride, and a funhouse. In addition to these thrill rides, Navy Pier also hosts a number of entertainment options, including live music and theater performances. The Chicago Shakespeare Theater and the Chicago Children's Museum are just two of the many cultural institutions that call Navy Pier home.

Introduction to Navy Pier

Navy Pier is also a great destination for families, with a number of kid-friendly attractions and activities. The Chicago Children's Museum features a number of interactive exhibits and play areas, including a mini-grocery store, a construction zone, and a dinosaur dig site. The Pier Park area also features a number of rides and games that are perfect for kids, including a carousel, a funhouse, and a number of arcade games. In addition to these attractions, Navy Pier also hosts a number of family-friendly events and activities throughout the year, including fireworks displays, outdoor concerts, and cultural festivals.

Things to Do at Navy Pier

Some of the top things to do at Navy Pier include:

Taking a ride on the Centennial Wheel for breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan
Exploring the Chicago Children's Museum and its many interactive exhibits
Catching a show at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater or one of the other many theaters on the pier
Visiting the Polk Bros Park and Performance Lawns for outdoor concerts and events
Shopping and dining at one of the many restaurants and stores on the pier
Taking a stroll along the lakefront and enjoying the beautiful views of the city and Lake Michigan

Centennial Wheel

The Centennial Wheel is one of the most iconic attractions at Navy Pier, offering breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan. The 196-foot tall Ferris wheel features enclosed gondolas that can hold up to 8 people, and offers stunning views of the city skyline and the lake. The Centennial Wheel is open year-round, and offers a unique perspective on the city and its many attractions.

Chicago Children's Museum

The Chicago Children's Museum is a must-visit destination for families, featuring a number of interactive exhibits and play areas. The museum includes a mini-grocery store, a construction zone, and a dinosaur dig site, among many other exhibits. The museum is designed for kids of all ages, and offers a fun and educational experience that is sure to delight.

Attractions and Exhibits

In addition to its many attractions and exhibits, Navy Pier is also home to a number of restaurants and shops. The pier features a wide range of dining options, from casual eateries and snack stands to fine dining restaurants. Some of the top restaurants at Navy Pier include:

Billy Goat Tavern: a casual restaurant and bar that is famous for its cheeseburgers and other American classics
Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse: a fine dining restaurant that serves up classic Italian dishes and premium steaks
The Gage: a contemporary American restaurant that offers stunning views of the city and Lake Michigan
Xoco: a casual Mexican restaurant from celebrity chef Rick Bayless

Shopping and Dining

Navy Pier is also a great destination for shopping, with a number of unique stores and boutiques. The pier features a wide range of shops, from souvenir stores and gift shops to clothing stores and specialty boutiques. Some of the top stores at Navy Pier include: * Navy Pier Gifts: a souvenir store that offers a wide range of Navy Pier-themed items, including t-shirts, hats, and souvenirs * The Chicago Sports Hall of Fame: a store that celebrates the city's rich sports history, with a wide range of sports-themed items and memorabilia * Sweet Home Chicago: a gift shop that offers a wide range of Chicago-themed items, including food, clothing, and souvenirs

Events and Activities

Navy Pier hosts a number of events and activities throughout the year, including fireworks displays, outdoor concerts, and cultural festivals. Some of the top events at Navy Pier include:

The Chicago Air and Water Show: a annual event that features a wide range of military and civilian aircraft, as well as boats and other watercraft
The Chicago Jazz Festival: a annual event that celebrates the city's rich jazz heritage, with performances by some of the top jazz musicians in the world
The Taste of Chicago: a annual event that celebrates the city's diverse culinary scene, with food and drink from some of the top restaurants and chefs in the city
The Chicago Fireworks Display: a annual event that features a stunning display of fireworks over Lake Michigan

Cultural Festivals

Navy Pier is also home to a number of cultural festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating the city's diverse cultural heritage. Some of the top cultural festivals at Navy Pier include: * The Chicago Festival of the Arts: a annual event that celebrates the city's vibrant arts scene, with performances and exhibits by some of the top artists in the city * The Chicago Blues Festival: a annual event that celebrates the city's rich blues heritage, with performances by some of the top blues musicians in the world * The Chicago Latin Festival: a annual event that celebrates the city's diverse Latin American community, with music, dance, and food from some of the top Latin American countries

Getting to Navy Pier

Navy Pier is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, and is easily accessible by car, bus, or train. The pier is located at 600 E. Grand Avenue, and is within walking distance of many of the city's top attractions and hotels. Some of the top ways to get to Navy Pier include:

By car: Navy Pier is located just off of Lake Shore Drive, and is easily accessible from many of the city's major highways
By bus: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers a number of bus routes that stop at Navy Pier, including the #290 and #293 buses
By train: The CTA's Red Line train stops at the Grand/Red Line station, which is just a short walk from Navy Pier
By boat: Navy Pier is also accessible by boat, with a number of docks and slips available for rent

Parking and Transportation

Navy Pier offers a number of parking options, including a large parking garage and a number of surface lots. The pier also offers a number of transportation options, including taxis, Uber, and Lyft. Some of the top parking options at Navy Pier include: * The Navy Pier Parking Garage: a large parking garage that offers convenient parking for visitors to the pier * The East Garage: a surface parking lot that offers parking for visitors to the pier * The West Garage: a surface parking lot that offers parking for visitors to the pier

Navy Pier Image Gallery

What are the hours of operation for Navy Pier?

Navy Pier is open 365 days a year, from 10am to 8pm. However, hours may vary depending on the time of year and special events.

How much does it cost to visit Navy Pier?

Admission to Navy Pier is free, although some attractions and exhibits may have a fee. Parking fees also apply.

What are some of the top attractions at Navy Pier?

Some of the top attractions at Navy Pier include the Centennial Wheel, the Chicago Children's Museum, and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The pier is also home to a number of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.

How do I get to Navy Pier?

Navy Pier is located at 600 E. Grand Avenue, and is easily accessible by car, bus, or train. The pier is also within walking distance of many of the city's top attractions and hotels.

What are some of the top events at Navy Pier?

Some of the top events at Navy Pier include the Chicago Air and Water Show, the Chicago Jazz Festival, and the Taste of Chicago. The pier also hosts a number of cultural festivals and events throughout the year.

We hope you've enjoyed this comprehensive guide to Navy Pier, one of Chicago's top attractions. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or just looking for a fun day out with the family, Navy Pier has something to offer. With its stunning views of Lake Michigan, wide range of attractions and exhibits, and exciting events and activities, Navy Pier is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Chicago. So why not start planning your trip today, and experience all that Navy Pier has to offer? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below, and don't forget to share this article with your friends and family on social media.