What to Do at Navy Pier: A Guide to Chicago’s Iconic Lakefront Attraction
Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most iconic and popular attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year. Located on Lake Michigan, this 50-acre pier offers a wide range of activities, entertainment options, and stunning views of the city skyline. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Navy Pier has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the top things to do at Navy Pier, from thrill rides to family-friendly activities, and provide you with a comprehensive guide to make the most of your visit.
What to Do at Navy Pier: Top Attractions
Navy Pier is home to a variety of attractions that cater to different interests and ages. Here are some of the top things to do at Navy Pier:
- The Centennial Wheel: Take a ride on this 196-foot tall Ferris wheel, which offers breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan. Book your tickets in advance to avoid long wait times.
- The Polk Bros Park: This new park is a must-visit, featuring a beautiful lawn, walking paths, and stunning views of the lake. Check out the park’s events calendar for live music, yoga classes, and other activities.
- The Crystal Gardens: Explore this seven-story tall botanical garden, featuring over 80 species of plants and a stunning glass ceiling. Take a guided tour to learn more about the garden’s history and maintenance.
- The Chicago Shakespeare Theater: Catch a performance at this renowned theater company, which produces classic and contemporary plays. Check out their schedule for upcoming shows.
- The Navy Pier IMAX Theatre: Catch a movie at this state-of-the-art theater, featuring a massive IMAX screen and surround sound. Check out their schedule for showtimes and movie listings.
Family-Friendly Activities
Navy Pier is a great destination for families, with a range of activities and attractions that cater to kids of all ages. Here are some family-friendly activities to consider:
- The Navy Pier Carousel: Take a ride on this beautiful, hand-carved carousel, featuring 72 horses and other animals. Rides are $3 per person.
- The Chicago Children’s Museum: Explore this interactive museum, featuring play areas, art projects, and educational exhibits. Admission is $14 per person.
- The Navy Pier Fireworks: Catch a fireworks display on select evenings, featuring stunning views of the city skyline. Check out the schedule for upcoming fireworks displays.
- The Navy Pier Boat Cruises: Take a cruise around Lake Michigan, offering stunning views of the city and its landmarks. Book your tickets in advance to ensure availability.
Dining and Shopping
Navy Pier offers a range of dining and shopping options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. Here are some highlights:
- The Billy Goat Tavern: Try a classic Chicago-style hot dog or burger at this iconic tavern, made famous by the TV show "Saturday Night Live." Open daily from 11am-10pm.
- The Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse: Enjoy a delicious Italian-inspired meal at this upscale restaurant, featuring steaks, seafood, and pasta dishes. Reservations recommended.
- The Navy Pier Gift Shop: Find unique souvenirs and gifts at this shop, featuring Navy Pier-themed items, Chicago-themed items, and more. Open daily from 10am-10pm.
- The Polk Bros Park Food Carts: Grab a quick bite or snack at one of the many food carts located throughout the park. Open daily from 11am-8pm.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your visit to Navy Pier:
- Plan ahead: Book your tickets and reservations in advance to avoid long wait times and ensure availability.
- Dress for the weather: Navy Pier is an outdoor attraction, so be sure to dress appropriately for the weather.
- Bring sunscreen and water: Protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated with sunscreen and water.
- Take advantage of free activities: Navy Pier offers many free activities, including the park and the fireworks display.
- Consider a package deal: Navy Pier offers package deals that include admission to multiple attractions and activities. Check out their website for more information.
Conclusion
Navy Pier is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Chicago. With its stunning views, thrilling attractions, and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone at this iconic lakefront attraction. By following this guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your visit and experience all that Navy Pier has to offer. So why wait? Book your tickets and start planning your visit today!
Navy Pier At-a-Glance
Here’s a quick summary of what to do at Navy Pier:
- Top Attractions: The Centennial Wheel, The Polk Bros Park, The Crystal Gardens, The Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and The Navy Pier IMAX Theatre
- Family-Friendly Activities: The Navy Pier Carousel, The Chicago Children’s Museum, The Navy Pier Fireworks, and The Navy Pier Boat Cruises
- Dining and Shopping: The Billy Goat Tavern, The Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse, The Navy Pier Gift Shop, and The Polk Bros Park Food Carts
- Tips and Tricks: Plan ahead, dress for the weather, bring sunscreen and water, take advantage of free activities, and consider a package deal
Navy Pier Hours and Admission
Here are the hours and admission prices for Navy Pier:
- Hours: Navy Pier is open daily from 10am-10pm, with extended hours during peak season.
- Admission: Admission to Navy Pier is free, but some attractions and activities may require a ticket or reservation.
Getting to Navy Pier
Here are some ways to get to Navy Pier:
- By Car: Navy Pier is located at 600 E. Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611. Parking is available in the Navy Pier Parking Garage.
- By Public Transportation: Take the CTA’s Red Line to the Grand Station, then walk west to Navy Pier.
- By Water Taxi: Take a water taxi from various locations around the city to Navy Pier.
- By Bike: Navy Pier is accessible by bike via the Lakefront Trail.
Conclusion
Navy Pier is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Chicago. With its stunning views, thrilling attractions, and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone at this iconic lakefront attraction. By following this guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your visit and experience all that Navy Pier has to offer. So why wait? Book your tickets and start planning your visit today!
