Navy Pier extends into Lake Michigan from Chicago’s Near North Side, with lake and skyline views along its waterfront walk. The free-to-enter pier brings together the Centennial Wheel, boat cruises, gardens, rides, theaters, shops and places to eat. Families can add the Chicago Children’s Museum, where play-based exhibits include a dinosaur dig and a hands-on art studio. You can spend a few hours strolling and watching boats, or build a fuller visit around a ride, a show or a cruise.
A pier built for work and recreation
Navy Pier opened in 1916 as a working pier for shipping and recreation. Its design was part of Daniel Burnham and Edward H. Bennett’s plan for Chicago. Over the years, the site also housed military and civil defense groups and served as a naval training center. The University of Illinois had a Chicago campus here before the pier became a visitor destination.
A major redesign led to its reopening in 1995. Later changes added public plazas and performance spaces, with further additions for the pier’s centennial in 2016, including Polk Bros Park, the Family Pavilion and the Welcome Pavilion. Today, the pier combines cultural venues and public areas with rides, shops and dining.
Rides, shows and lake views
The Centennial Wheel is the pier’s signature ride. Its enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas rise nearly 200 feet, with views across the lakefront and toward Chicago’s skyline. The wheel was inspired by the Ferris wheel introduced at Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair. Ride tickets cost extra, while you can walk along the pier without paying an admission fee.
Other options include carnival-style rides, an IMAX theater and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The pier also has the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows, with more than 150 pieces, including 11 Tiffany windows. For a different view of the city, book a boat tour or cruise departing from the waterfront. Flyover uses a large screen and motion seats to simulate a flight over Chicago.
A family visit to the Children’s Museum
The Chicago Children’s Museum is designed around play and hands-on activities for babies, toddlers and older children. Exhibits include Dinosaur Expedition, where children can dig for pretend fossils, and Cloud Buster, a structure with tunnels to climb through. The Tinkering Lab introduces science, technology, engineering, art and math through making and testing; an art studio has space for painting, drawing and sewing.
The museum began in 1982, founded by the Junior League of Chicago in response to cuts in arts programming. Its first home was in two hallways of the building now known as the Chicago Cultural Center. If you plan to visit more than once, check whether a museum pass or membership suits your plans.
Free events and seasonal fireworks
Navy Pier’s public areas give you room to walk by the lake, take in the skyline and look for outdoor art installations. Free programming runs throughout the year and can include live music and cultural festivals. In summer, fireworks are scheduled on Wednesday and Saturday evenings between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Confirm event details before you go, since the schedule applies to that season.
The pier can fill a half-day or longer if you add a museum, ride, performance or cruise. Some activities are free, but tickets are required for rides and several indoor attractions. If you want to ride the wheel or see a show, check ticket availability in advance. You can also keep the visit simple: walk the waterfront and enjoy the lake views without booking an attraction.
FAQ
Is Navy Pier free to enter?
Yes. You can walk around the pier for free. Rides, shows, movies and some other attractions require paid tickets.
How long should I spend at Navy Pier?
Allow 2 to 3 hours for a walk and a few stops. Add more time if you plan to visit the Children’s Museum, ride the wheel, see a show or take a cruise.
When are the Navy Pier fireworks?
The summer fireworks take place on Wednesday and Saturday evenings between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
What can children do at Navy Pier?
Children can explore the Chicago Children’s Museum, ride amusement attractions and see the lakefront. The museum has hands-on exhibits, including a dinosaur dig, a climbing structure and an art studio.
