Navy Pier – Things To Do Downtown Chicago

Navy Pier - Things To Do Downtown Chicago

Navy Pier is a staple to the City of Chicago. When you think of Chicago there are a couple of things that come to mind and Navy Pier is one of them and there’s a reason for it. There is a lot to do and see there.

It opened July 15th, 1916 and is over 3,000 feet long. It was originally named “Municipal Pier” and meant for freights. It was renamed Navy Pier to honor veterans who served in the Navy during World War I. During World War II it was used as a training base. Later was remodeled to host Chicago events and now is filled with shops, restaurants, gardens, attractions, and more. It is a great place to take the entire family.

Navy Pier is free to go in and enjoy, however, certain things cost money individually such as food and attractions.

The Ferris wheel is the most iconic out of everything Navy Pier has now. It is names Centennial Wheel and it is a must! Now on to the good stuff.

As of today’s date…

Basic Info

Official Website : navypier.org

Address : 600 E. Grand Avenue Chicago , IL 60611

Attractions

Hours :

  • Mon 11:00AM – 08:00PM
  • Tue 11:00AM – 08:00PM
  • Wed 11:00AM – 08:00PM
  • Thu 11:00AM – 08:00PM
  • Fri 11:00AM – 10:00PM
  • Sat 11:00AM – 10:00PM
  • Sun 11:00AM – 08:00PM

Play the Park (excluding VR) 1 day- unlimited $49

Play the Park (excluding VR) 2 day- unlimited $80

Play the Park (excluding VR) 3 day- unlimited $105

Centennial Wheel – $18 (11+) $15 (3-11) Free (under 3)

Carousel – $9

Drop Tower – $9

Wave Swinger – $9

Climbing Wall – $9

Light Tower – $5

VR Ride – $11

More Attractions

Amazing Chicago

Funhouse Maze

Atomic Rush Game

Time Freak Game

Maze – $13.99

Maze & Games – $15.99

Single Game – $2.00

Navy Pier Beer Garden

Includes some fun summer events featuring Tangled Roots beer.

Current Tangled Roots Menu at Navy Pier

Chicago’s Children Museum

Hours

  • Mon 10:00AM – 05:00PM
  • Tue Closed
  • Wed Closed
  • Thu 10:00AM – 05:00PM
  • Fri 10:00AM – 05:00PM
  • Sat 10:00AM – 05:00PM
  • Sun 10:00AM – 05:00PM

Three floors of fun for kids and the whole family.

Cost – $0

Chicago’s Shakespeare Theater

  • Mon Closed
  • Tue 12:00PM – 04:00PM
  • Wed 12:00PM – 04:00PM
  • Thu 12:00PM – 04:00PM
  • Fri 12:00PM – 04:00PM
  • Sat 12:00PM – 04:00PM
  • Sun Closed

They have around 600 performances a year. Prices vary per show.

East End Plaza

It is the end of the Pier, a nice place to relax and get some great pictures!

Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion

Indoor area where you can eat, shop, and more! They also host Navy Pier’s winter fest event.

Polk Bros Park

This is open to come and enjoy. It is the park at the entrance of Navy Pier that gives it MAJOR curb appeal. A gorgeous fountain, lots of grassy lawn, and a stage.

Restaurants

America’s Dog & Burger – Burgers, hot dogs, salad, and more

Billy Goat Tavern – Burgers, sandwiches, breakfast, and more

Brown Sugar Bakery – Cake slices and cupcakes

Frio Gelato – Gelato and sorbet

Garrett Popcorn – Variety of popcorn, chocolate, and more

Giordano’s – Chicago deep dish pizza and more

Harry Caray’s Tavern – BBQ style food – burgers, BBQ ribs, chicken, and more

I Dream of Falafel – Pitas, wraps, salad, and more

Kilwins Chocolates Fudge & Ice Cream – Truffles, brittle, barks, and more

Lirica – Steak, fish, nachos, street corn, chip and dip, and more

Navy Pier Beer Garden – American food, cocktail, and beer

Offshore Rooftop – Sushi, seafood, pizza, salad, sliders, tacos and more

Snow Dragon Shavery – Frozen yogurt, coconut water, and more

The Original Rainbow Cone – Ice cream and sherbert

Tiny Tavern – Burgers, salad, dessert and more

Xurro – Funnel cakes, corn, crepes, and more

Amri Juice Bar – Juices, treats, and more

Ben & Jerry’s – Ice cream sundaes, cones, cups and more

Big Bowl Chinese Express – Thai and Chinese food

Big City Chicken – Fried chicken sandwiches

Ciccio – Italian beef and more

City Cruises Odyssey Brunch Cruise – 2hr brunch buffet with mimosas

City Cruises Odyssey Prix Fixe Dinner Cruise – 2hr prix fixe plated dinner

Dippin Dots – Ice cream dots with a variety of flavors

Completely Nuts – Almonds, cashews, peanuts, pecans, and more

Frankie’s Pizza By The Slice – Pizza, Italian beef, and more

Garibay Tamales – Tamales, elotes, fruit cocktail and more

Jake’s On The Lake – Wings, burgers, and more

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bar and Grill – Burgers, steaks, nachos, margaritas, and more

McDonalds – Burgers, chicken and more

Potbelly Sandwich Shop – Sandwich, cookies, shakes, and more

Starbucks – Coffee, tea, treats, and more

Teapotbrew Bakery – Coffee, tea, pastries, and more

The Municipal – Small corner store with drinks and snacks

Shopping

Chicago Sports & Novelty

It’s Sugar

Art Now! Faces In Focus

Art-K Texture

Artesanias Zury

Best Gift Idea Ever

Bowwowz & Meowz

Build-A-Bear Workshop

Chicago Sunglass Co.

Cotacachi Handy Crafts

Dockside

Fashion Bazaar

Gold & Silver Art FX

Magnetic Attraction

Making History Chicago

Nakamol Chicago

Navy Pier Store

Oh Yes! Chicago

The Neighborhood Urban Gift Shop

This Socks!

Hotel on the Pier

Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton

Find out more by going to their website navypier.org