NAVY PIER
Ride the Ferris wheel. See a show. Take a tour, and so much more.
You can't truly experience Chicago without a trip to Navy Pier. This 50-acre playground of entertainment, museums, activities, restaurants, and shops is the perfect place for some family fun time.
First on the list is a trip to Pier Park for a ride on the 150-foot Ferris wheel, which offers great city and Lake Michigan views. Also check out the whimsical musical carousel, Wave Swinger lift-and-twirl ride, miniature golf course, remote control boats, and more.
Next, grab the kids and go explore educational wonders at the Chicago Children's Museum. Discover dozens of lively interactive exhibits such as BIG Backyard, Dinosaur Expedition, Inventing Lab, and the Kovler Family Climbing Schooner. Then get lost in Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze where you'll be entertained by the Mirror Maze, Spinning Tunnel, and more.
See a blockbuster on Chicago's largest movie screen at the IMAX Theater. Or take a dynamic high-speed motion thrill ride to Antarctica, the moon and more on the Transporter FX.
Every winter Navy Pier becomes a winter wonderland during Winter WonderFest's 170,000 square feet of fun that includes rides, ice skating, and more. On New Year's, Navy Pier creates quite the family affair with fireworks.
Spring is synonymous with flowers in Chicago and the Chicago Flower and Garden Show has your ticket to wash the winter blahs away.
During the summer months, take a boat, bike, and even a Segway tour, all of which launch from Navy Pier, and many other places throughout the city for that matter. Hear the city's hottest bands at the free admission Beer Garden from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and be dazzled by fireworks displays on Wednesday and Saturday nights.
The fall is also packed with Pier activities, including Oktoberfest celebrations, Halloween activities, and fireworks. Plus, the combined SOFA and Intuit Show of Folk & Outsider Art fairs will give you a reason to buy an extra suitcase. So will the Chicago Toy & Game Fair where you can discover the newest toys in all the land.
Of course, after all these adventures, you're going to be hungry. Grab a bite at Bubba Gump's Shrimp Co., Harry Caray's Tavern, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, or one of Navy Pier's other fun and filling eateries.
