All You Need To Know: Navy Pier
Known as Chicago's lakefront playground, Navy Pier is home to some of the most exciting attractions and entertainment in the city. This 50-acre landmark attracts more than 8.6 visitors annually featuring rides, restaurants, exhibitions, entertainment, shops, cruises, gardens and much, much more.
Quick Facts
Address: 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611
Phone: (312) 595-PIER or (800) 595-PIER
Website: www.navypier.com
Fireworks
Here in Chicago, fireworks aren't just for Independence Day. Navy Pier puts on a beautiful display of fireworks that are synchronized to seven different soundtracks Memorial Day through Labor Day. Watch the spectacular show on Wednesdays at 9:30pm and Saturdays at 10:15pm. Fireworks are also displayed for special holidays such as New Year's Eve, St. Patrick's Day (because let's face it no one celebrates St. Patty's Day like Chicago) and of course, the Fourth of July.
Rides & Attractions
Pier Park
Located on the upper deck of Navy Pier, the park features a 150-foot Ferris Wheel ($6), Musical Carousel ($5), Wave Swinger ($5), 18 Hole Miniature Golf Course ($5), Remote Control Boats ($2) and Light Tower Ride ($5).
Chicago Children's Museum
700 E. Grand Ave., (312)527-1000, www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org
Looking for something to do with the kids? Play and learning connect at Navy Pier's family-oriented museum. Open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm, and Thursday evenings from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Admission is $10 for adults/children and $9 for seniors.
*Note: Thanks to Kraft, FREE admission is available on Thursday evenings from 5:00pm to 8:00pm and Target sponsors FREE First Sunday's for children 15 & under.
AeroBalloon
If you aren't afraid of heights, take a ride on Navy Pier's AeroBalloon. This 18-passenger ride soars 350 feet above ground offering fantastic panoramic views of the Chicago Skyline and Lake Michigan. Open during summer and early fall seasons only.
Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze
600 E. Grand Ave., (888) 893-7300, www.amazingchicago.com
Right in the middle of Navy Pier, you'll find a 4000 square foot maze that has a variety of sensory experiences, from a spinning tunnel and mirror maze, to an area where you can "stomp out the Chicago Fire." Hours are Sunday-Thursday 10:00am to 8:00pm and Friday-Saturday 10:00am to 10:00pm. Ticket prices are $10.95/adults, $9.95/children (5-12) and seniors, and FREE for children 4 & under.
Bike and Roll Chicago
Rent skates or bikes by the hour, day or week. Rentals include locks, maps and safety gear. For pricing and more information call (888) 245-3929 or visit www.bikechicago.com.
Entertainment
Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
800 E. Grand Ave., (312) 595-5600, www.chicagoshakes.com
At Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, you'll enjoy classics by William Shakespeare from Henry IV and Hamlet, to Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet. The 510-seat, Tony Award-winning theatre is open year-round. Ticket prices vary.
IMAX Theater
600 E. Grand Ave., (312) 595-5629, archive.imax.com/chicago
There's nothing quite like watching a blockbuster on the big screen, a six-story tall big screen that is. Both 2D and 3D pictures are enhanced, so check out that movie you've been dying to see, whether it be a cartoon animation or an action packed thriller.
Performance Stages
Navy Pier also features four stages for musical and theatrical performances: Bud Light Stage in the Beer Garden, Pepsi Skyline (home to Cirque Shanghai Cloud 9 for years), Family Pavilion and Dock Street Stage. Check the calendar of events for upcoming performances.
Dining
Navy Pier offers a variety of different cuisines and restaurants. Here are a few selections right on the pier:
Billy Goat Tavern & Grill
(312) 670-8789
www.billygoattavern.com
Bubba Gump
(312) 252-4867
www.bubbagump.com
Capi's Italian Kitchen
(312) 276-0641
www.eatatcapis.com
Dock Street Café
(312) 595-5590
Haagen-Dazs Café
(312) 467-9200
www.haagendazs.com
Harry Caray's Tavern
(312) 527-9700
www.harrycaraystavern.com
Riva
(312) 644-7482
www.rivanavypier.com
Samantha McCarthy is an editor and freelance writer in downtown Chicago.
