Navy Pier Attractions & Things to Do Nearby

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.

By Katie Sagal
Chicago

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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What are the best museums in Chicago and why?

A major cultural hub, Chicago won’t let you down when it comes to its museums. Lovers of nature documentaries need look no further than the Field Museum or Shedd Aquarium, with Chicago Botanic Garden and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum completing this section of the best museums in Chicago. Art lovers have their pick of the masterpieces with the Art Institute of Chicago joining the Museum of Contemporary Art and Streeterville’s independent art spaces to total more galleries than anywhere outside of New York. Architecture buffs are spoilt for choice too, with Chicago the birthplace of the skyscraper and home to master designer Frank Lloyd Wright, adding further to the list. Then there’s the awesome range of children’s and family museums. If all these options have your head in a spin, take a look at our pick of the best museums in Chicago. The best natural history museums in Chicago One of the world’s best natural history collections, the Field Museum could have you enthralled for days, though even a couple of hours is enough to take in the highlights, from the impossible-to-miss titanosaur skeleton – the largest dinosaur remains ever discovered at 122 feet long and 28 ft high – to some of the tiniest creatures to ever walk the Earth. Shedd Aquarium just next door fulfils a similar role for the world’s marine habitats. Blending its 1930s origins with state-of-the-art displays, its tanks and vivariums are awash with the color of the oceans. The warm tropical waters of the Caribbean’s reefs are celebrated just as much as the cool waters of the Pacific northwest and the Great Lakes. Between May and September visitors can feel the rough skin of rays in the touch tank, whilst all year round sea turtles, sharks, beluga whales and jellyfish are sure to entertain. The award-winning Chicago Botanic Garden actually comprises 25 different display gardens within four habitats. A ‘living museum’ and conservation center, more than a million visitors pass through its turnstiles in an average year, taking in its six miles of lake shoreline and nine islands. These range from the naturalistic form of the English Garden to the perfectly-manicured planting of the Japanese Garden. Part of Lincoln Park, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum focusses on the flora and fauna of the Chicago region, however its butterfly house contains a mix of 200 different types of native and exotic butterflies. The best art museums in Chicago Guarded by its famous bronze lions, few museums can match the sheer size of the permanent collection at the Art Institute of Chicago. Tucked into the green spaces of downtown, its 300,000 objects include a collection of impressionist artworks rivaling the Musée d’Orsay in Paris with six of Claude Monet’s waterlily paintings and Vincent van Gogh’s Bedroom in Arles. More modern works include those by Pablo Picasso, Edward Hopper and Andy Warhol. Hot on its tails is the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, which focuses on works from the later twentieth century and early twenty-first. Although only founded in 1967, the MCA has a reputation of spotting the hottest new talent through its series of curated exhibitions. Meaning there’s always something new to see, keep an eye out for Jeff Koons’ Rabbit and Magritte’s The Wonders of Nature dotted about the incredible modern architecture. Chicago also has an impressive number of smaller galleries, represented perfectly by Hyde Park Art Center and the Woman Made Gallery. However, it’s no exaggeration to say Chicago has dozens of independent galleries, with the Streeterville neighborhood the best place to head for art lovers. The best architecture museums in Chicago One of the most architecturally innovative cities in America, Chicago saw the construction of the first steel-framed skyscraper, was home to leading light Frank Lloyd Wright and the once-tallest building in the world. That first skyscraper – the ten-story Home Insurance Building – is now long gone. It was demolished in 1931. However, there remain several examples of Frank Lloyd Wright’s unique ‘organic architecture’ which aimed to unite man and the environment, doing away with internal walls to allow light to flood into his structures. His home and studio of ten years stands as it did in 1909, with guided tours providing an insight into his way of working and raising his six children. Not far away you’ll also find Robie House, one of just a handful of homes designed by Wright which are open to the public. Chicago Architecture Center’s Chicago Gallery helps reveal how the city became such an architectural wonderland, with its 3D city model featuring over 4000 individual structures. But one of the best places to take in the skyline is from one of its tallest structures. The Willis Tower may have lost its crown as the tallest building in the world, but remains an impressive place to take in the views all the same. The best children’s museums in Chicago If you’re traveling as a family, Chicago won’t let you down. It has a fine pick of child-friendly museums, which are frankly still unmissable even without a youngster in tow. The obvious place to start is the Chicago Children’s Museum on Navy Pier. Suitable for little ones of all ages, this hands-on exploration space has plenty to keep the kids entertained, from an art studio to zones specially created for safe play. The Museum of Science and Industry may not sound the most exciting of places, but this is a situation when names can be deceiving. Where else could you find a functioning model of your heart, explore a captured World War Two submarine or discover the future of energy? With three levels of exhibition space, you won’t be disappointed. But to head beyond Earth, would-be astronauts will need to lock on to the Adler Planetarium. Another must-see museum in Chicago, there’s three full-sized auditoriums to choose between hosting various shows, as well as important artefacts including the Gemini 12 space capsule and antique scientific instruments that demonstrate how our understanding of space has changed over the ages. Save when visiting Chicago’s best museums With such an array of stunning museums, costs can soon mount up. However, travel with Go City and this never becomes a problem. Our passes include incredible savings on many of the best museums in Chicago in addition to a wide-range of other attractions you won’t want to miss.
Ian Packham
things
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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 skyline
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Should I buy Go City’s Chicago pass or get individual tickets?

Let’s cut to the chase: the Chicago pass generally works out cheaper, handier and more fun than buying attraction tickets individually. Read on to find out why!
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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