Chicago

Navy Pier Attractions & Things to Do Nearby

Windy City adventures await

From architecture tours on the Chicago River to window shopping on Michigan Avenue, you can absolutely make a day out of visiting the Navy Pier attractions. Here are some of our favorite attractions nearby for your next Chicago visit.

With bright lights, colorful buildings, and bustling crowds, Navy Pier is the life of the party when it comes to the Chicago tourist scene. It's one of the most-visited attractions in the Midwest! There’s so much to do here that you can spend an entire weekend at this bustling destination.

There are plenty of fun Navy Pier attractions to check out, from amusement park rides to museums and restaurants. So, if you’re looking for some great things to do in the Navy Pier area during your trip to Chicago, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including...

  • Navy Pier Centennial Wheel & Rides
  • Architecture River Cruise
  • Chicago Children’s Museum
  • 360 CHICAGO
  • And more!

Attractions, rides, and things to do at Navy Pier Centennial Wheel

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The rides of Navy Pier are the true stars of the show. Although it doesn’t boast a full amusement park, this carefully curated selection of rides makes for a delightful afternoon spent with the kids. Ride to the top of the iconic Navy Pier Centennial Wheel for excellent views of the Chicago skyline, soar in the air on a wave swinger, and take a leisurely spin around a classic carousel.

The Centennial Wheel really is the Navy Pier attraction that you absolutely must check out.

Architecture River Cruise

sightseeing-cruise-chicago-river-illinois-usa

Boarding at Navy Pier, the Chicago Architecture River Cruise is one of Chicago's most popular attractions. The city is famous for its significant architectural landmarks, from the grand Carbide & Carbon Building and the Art Deco Chicago Board of Trade Building to the stunning Aqua skyscraper.

See these distinctive buildings en route, while discovering how they came to be built in the Windy City. The varied styles have created some of the most important and long-lasting architectural trends in history. 

Classic Lake Tour

The Skyline Lake Tour is a favorite with first-time visitors. In a comprehensive 40-minute tour, learn all about the famous Chicago waterfront skyline. You’ll see all the major waterfront sights, too, from Navy Pier itself to the Lighthouse to Museum Campus. Your professional tour guide will narrate as you tour around the waterfront. The Classic Lake Tour is informative as well as entertaining, so will be a hit with the whole family.

Tall Ship Windy

For those of you who love the idea of sailing the open seas on a traditional ship, the Tall Ship Windy is a must-do. The Tall Ship Windy is a 150-foot, 4-master schooner, and is the pride of the Chicago Waterfront. It offers several sails each day, featuring themes like pirate cruises. Take to the seas with the whole family and explore Chicago!

Bike & Roll Chicago Bike Rentals

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If you love the great outdoors or don't want to skip your exercise entirely on your vacation, why not explore Chicago by bike? Rent a bike and pedal around 26 miles of lakefront trails, then head inland to Chicago's major parks. Ride north to Lincoln Park to see the zoo and Chicago History Museum, Or, ride south to Grant Park and the Museum Campus. Whichever direction you choose to roam, you’ll find something new and exciting to see on your route and keep fit at the same time.

Chicago Children’s Museum

The Chicago Children’s Museum is a top destination to inspire kids and their families. It's an educational experience like no other. The museum features tons of hands-on exhibits, free daily art classes, and live demonstrations. Be sure to check out the “Dinosaur Expedition” exhibit, where kids can explore an excavation pit full of fossils! This Navy Pier attraction is one of the most popular family things to do in the area.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

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Fans of Shakespeare – or of theater in general – should not pass up the opportunity to take in a performance at this well regarded venue. From your Shakespearean classics like Hamlet and Macbeth to innovative adaptations in foreign languages, you’ll find a wide array of performances to choose from.

Navy Pier IMAX

There is a diverse selection of shows to attend at Navy Pier, with everything from made-for-IMAX classics like the space-driven A Beautiful Planet to silver-screen movies adapted for IMAX viewing. These shows combine stellar sound quality and crystal-clear pictures.

Crystal Gardens

This stunning, one-acre indoor botanical garden is a gorgeous setting any time of year. The six-story glass atrium contains some of the most beautiful natural scenes in Chicago. It features more than 80 palm trees, verdant foliage, and picturesque fountains. Be sure to bring your camera!

Attractions & things to do around Navy Pier 360 CHICAGO

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If you’re in search of a unique perspective on Chicago, look no further than 360 CHICAGO. It's a premier observation deck that provides views from an astonishing 94 stories above ground level. The sunny observation space provides amazing panoramic views of the Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan, and the city below.

The interactive exhibit has been redesigned and offers enlightening historical learning as you travel to the top. Located on the Magnificent Mile, 360 CHICAGO is also a convenient stop on a busy day of explorations.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the top art museums in the city. It is particularly renowned for its creative and cutting-edge collections of the most recent developments in contemporary art. Often focusing on the work of living artists, you’ll see exhibits that won’t be found anywhere else, full of unique sculptures and collections of cartoons. Their frequent rotating exhibits also make it an easy place to visit again and again. You're bound to find art to fall in love with.

Historic Water Tower & Pumping Station

Chicago water tower

The second-oldest water tower in the US, the historic Chicago Water Tower is a charming piece of old architecture in the middle of a bustling and colorful modern district. Today, it’s an art gallery featuring the work of local artists and a nice break from the rush of Michigan Avenue. Don’t forget to also check out the nearby shopping mall that shares its name.

Michigan Avenue/Magnificent Mile

Anyone who wants the true Chicago experience should at least walk a few blocks along Michigan Avenue. Featuring everything from high-end couture to Target, there’s something for every shopping budget in this neighborhood. Whether or not you want to buy anything, it’s worth it just for the creatively decorated windows and people watching.

Save on admission to Navy Pier attractions

There you have it - a few great recommendations for great Navy Pier attractions and things to do nearby during your trip to Chicago. Admission to many of these top Chicago attractions and activities and more are included on the Go City® Chicago pass.

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Blog

Things to do in Hyde Park, Chicago

In the market for some fun in Chicago? Then look no further than Hyde Park! This fantastic area of the city is full of things to do, so pick your poison and enjoy your visit! These are the best things to do in Hyde Park, Chicago! Including: Museum of Science and Industry Go to a park Smart Museum of Art The beach The theater and more! Museum of Science and Industry Kick your trip to Hyde Park, Chicago off with some sweet knowledge. Head over to the Museum of Science and Industry and learn all about science and industry! This 14-acre behemoth of learning is the largest science museum in the US, and lets visitors get to grips with a boat-load of exhibits. See the cutting-edge laser projection in the Giant Dome Theater. Enter the Numbers in Nature Mirror Maze and use the power of math to escape. Explore a German submarine from the Second World War. And even control a 40-foot indoor tornado. All through the power of science and learning. Perfect for big and little kids alike, the Museum of Science and Industry is sure to scratch that curiosity itch, and is easily one of the best things to do in Hyde Park when you visit Chicago! Frederick C. Robie House Created by world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright as the future of horizontal design, Robie House is an artifact of its time. Built for the wealthy Robie family, they sadly had to leave the abode after just over a year due to familial gambling debts. However, their loss is your gain, as you can now explore this beautifully-designed building yourself! Take a tour of the landmark, and learn all about the building's history, and the inspiration for its design. Parks, parks, and more parks Since we're talking about Hyde Park, we'd be remiss not to mention some parks. There are plenty of places to stroll through nature or lay on some sweet green grass in the area. Midway Plaisance Park offers a mile of green goodness, and great views of the city too. Head there in the colder months, and you might even find a makeshift ice rink set up so you can carve some sick powder, or whatever you do at an ice rink. Since the park is supported by the neighboring University of Chicago, you can be sure that it's well taken care of. And, lucky you, you may even see the occasional hacky sack tournament or other studenty goings-on. Or, if you're looking for more activities, check our Jackson Park. There, you'll find a gym to pump some sweet iron, as well as tennis and basketball courts for all your ball-related needs. On top of all the action, you'll also discover hundreds of species of birds, trees, and perhaps even bees. Make sure to check out the Osaka Garden before you leave. It's the epitome of peaceful. And, finally, head to Burnham Park and go to Promontory Point. This lookout point is a great place to relax in the shadow of the city's beautiful skyline. Plus, they put on a number of events there, such as movies and performances. So go there, admire this beautiful place, and have some fun while you're at it! Smart Museum of Art Do you want to get smart? Of course you do! We have just the ticket - the Smart Museum of Art! Part of the University of Chicago's campus, you'll find a world of art from throughout time. A must-visit exhibit is the Asian Collection, which features paintings and sculptures from thousands of years of Asian history. Learn all about the techniques and materials artists used to create their masterpieces throughout millennia. Then, refuel at the Smart Cafe with some delicious bites and refreshing drinks on offer! Eat! All this walking around and looking at things can sure make you hungry. So, where better to squash that hunger than at one of the area's many amazing restaurants! There are plenty of cuisines to choose from, so no matter your taste, you'll find something to snack on! Feeling bougie? Head to Chez Moi and check out the French takes on delicious seafood dishes. Itching for some Italian? Check out Piccolo Mondo or Francesca's for some authentic dining. In the market for some fantastic pizza pie? Look no further than Giordano's. Some say it's the best deep dish in the city. Go to the theater Are you feeling fancy? Do you want a little culture in your life? Go visit Court Theater. Another part of the University of Chicago's campus, Court Theater features amateur and professional performances from a variety of groups. With around 20 performances going on every year, you're sure to find something mind-opening on show. Even the critics agree, with the WSJ voting it the most consistently excellent theater company in the country! Hit the beach Next up on the list, let's check out the golden sands of the beach. 57 Street Beach is just a stone's throw from the Museum of Science and Industry, and offers visitors sand, sun, and sea in equal measure. Take a towel and relax, dare to dip in the ocean, or simply stroll along the shore for the perfect relaxing end to your Hyde Park visit. Easily one of the best things to do in Chicago! The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago And finally, we end our adventure back at the uni, baby, where you'll find The Oriental Institute. This museum slash learning center is focused on the history of the great ancient civilizations of the past, including Mesopotamia, Persia, and Egypt. Inside, you'll find over 300,000 artifacts, including scrolls, tablets, and other wonders excavated from the earth. While commonly used as a great place of study for students, there's nothing stopping curiously-minded people from wandering in and around the amazing artifacts on show. You can even pick up a keepsake from the institute's shop, if you want to show your support, and show off your trip to your colleagues. And that's our list of the best things to do in Hyde Park when you visit Chicago! In the market for more city fun? Check out Chinatown, or see what's going on at Lincoln Park!
Dom Bewley
chicago in march
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Chicago in March

The long winter may be coming to an end, but there's still a chill in the windy city. March in Chicago can be cold, but boy, can it be fun. Don't believe us? How dare you. We will not stand by this insolence. Let us show you why you are wrong. Read on, and discover just why Chicago in March can be a magical time to visit the city! Featuring: St Patrick's Day Museums The aquarium Ice skating Art galleries and more! Chicago in March: What to Expect May is when temperatures will start to climb. Generally, you'll find tops of around 45°F, or 7°C, and dips of around 28°F, or -2°C. So, it's going to be cold. Pack some big warm coats, hats, and boots. This is compounded by rainfall and some snow too. So, maybe make sure that warm jacket is waterproof too! Chicago in March: What to Do St Patrick's Day Let's kick things off with the luck of the Irish. Of course, we're talking about St Patrick's Day! One of the many times when people get together, eat, drink, and be merry. While it falls on the 17th of the month, Chicago dedicates around a fortnight to the St Paddy's celebrations. It starts with the Chicago River turning green, because of course it does. And, between the bars and restaurants flying the green flag, the festivities culminate with the Downtown St Patrick's Day Parade and the South Side Parade, where everyone shares the love and the laughs. St Paddy's is a busy time of year in Chicago, so expect crowds all over the shop. However, if you can get past all that, you're in for a grand old time! Museums As the weather can be unkind this time of year, why not step inside and warm yourself with the fire of history and learning? Chicago has plenty of fantastic museums you should visit. The Field Museum has the world's most famous Tyrannosaurus Rex housed within. Dare you face the beast? It also contains plenty of historical artifacts from Ancient Egypt and China, so go see what all the fuss is about! Or, swap history for science at the Museum of Science and Industry. It's the US' largest science museum, and you'll find a huge amount of fun and intrigue inside. Control a tornado, see your heartbeat on a giant 3D-modeled heart, and explore the history of scientific breakthroughs and discoveries. If, however, you want to learn more about the city itself, head on over to the Chicago History Museum! Learn about Chicago's history on the national and international stage, read about the Great Fire that tore through the city in the 19th century, and all about one of the country's best presidents, Abraham Lincoln. All that and much more awaits you, so go there and enjoy the learning. Shedd Aquarium Another indoor adventure worth experiencing is at the Shedd Aquarium. Through its doors, you'll find another world of underwater wonder. Come face to face with exciting creatures like sharks, stingrays, and fish you've never seen before. At the Waters of the World exhibition, you'll discover the diverse ecosystems that call the ocean home throughout the world. Plunge into the Caribbean Reef, and meet the sea turtles, sharks, and eels that call it home. In Amazon Rising, you'll learn about the species that live in the river, and how seasonal climate shifts affect their lives. And, for the little ones, the Polar Play Zone lets kids live out their polar fantasies by zipping up a penguin suit and living a day in the life of their favorite birds! Ice skating As winter makes way for spring, the city's waters inevitably begin to thaw. However, if temperatures don't pick up too much, it's the perfect time to check out Chicago's excellent ice skating! Makeshift rinks pop up all over the city, so take your pick. There's the Maggie Daley Park skating ribbon, a huge ribbon-shaped course that gives you plenty of space to stretch your skates, pirouette, or frantically try and stay upright as your weak legs struggle to find balance. Alternatively, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is a more popular choice, as it's closer to the city's action. It's right by Cloud Gate, locally known as The Bean. If you don't know it by name, you've probably seen it. It's a giant, metallic, bean-shaped sculpture that's been featured in many films and TV shows. Why not capture the perfect snap of The Bean, as you fall down right in front of it? It is worth noting that you should check ahead before you visit any outdoor icerink in Chicago, as warmer temperatures may shut them down early. See some art If skating sounds too cold, or bold, for you, retreat to the warmth and safety inside, and get some culture in you. Chicago is a city full of art, so go see it. At the Art Institute of Chicago, you'll find one of the world's most renowned museums. Featuring inspiring works from the past and present, you're sure to find something amazing inside. While they have a number of mainstay exhibitions, they also have a seasonal rotation of awe-inspiring exhibits, so be sure to check what's on before venturing forth. Alternatively, check out the Museum of Contemporary Art. Out with the old and in with the new is the mantra here. See works from the 20th century all the way to today, with over 2,500 pieces on display. Much like many modern art institutions, you'll find a mix of media here, from film to canvas and sculpture too. And, this museum also doubles as a performing arts venue, with a massive amphitheater featuring acts from across the globe! When you've had enough art for one day, or you want to give your legs a rest, go grab a bite to eat at the museum's onsite restaurant, Marisol. Check out the Planetarium And finally, for the scientifically-minded and cosmos-curious, we end today's list with the perfect answer to Chicago's cold March. The Adler Planetarium helps visitors travel time and space itself, as they learn about the big black we see in the night sky. Through interactive exhibits, you'll explore the greatest hits of our galaxy, all 91 billion light-years of it, and get hands-on with replica space technology used today. Chicago's Night Sky is a massive exhibit that showcases how we as humans have related to the night sky throughout history. The Universe: A Walk Through Space and Time gives you insight into the beginning of everything, and how galaxies have changed throughout the history of the universe. And for the little ones, there's Planet Explorers, which gives them the chance to understand space in fun and unique ways. And that's what you need to know about Chicago in March!
Dom Bewley

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