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
Published: July 18, 2024
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

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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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And right next to Palmisano Park is McGuane Park, which has a host of facilities for the athletic types reading this. Head there, and you'll find a big indoor pool, a gym, baseball fields, tennis courts, and even a playground for the little ones! Art for you Do you like art? Do you like supporting the local scene? Do you want original pieces that your friends and family will envy forevermore? Well, head down to the Bridgeport Art Center! Myriad artists work there throughout the year, creating exciting pieces. However, every three weeks, they open the space to the public and let visitors explore their works, and even buy them if they want. So, if you're in the market for some unique art, head down there and beat the competition with your money. Market Life Looking for a little fresh produce for your Airbnb, or simply looking for something tasty to munch on? Just outside the Bridgeport Art Center, you'll find the Farmers Market, right in the adjacent parking lot! Head there on Saturday between 7-11 am, and you'll find a wealth of fresh, locally-sourced produce that'll make your dishes delightful. Get your eat on If you prefer your meals cooked by great chefs and served by excellent staff, then no matter. Bridgeport has some amazing restaurants to sate your hunger. If you like birds of the quacking variety, then go check out the Duck Inn. This cozy, retro eatery puts a DuckTales twist on American favorites. Duck hot dogs, rotisserie duck, alongside non-duck-related greatness like pasta and fried chicken. No matter your cravings, trust they'll be fulfilled at the Duck Inn; it's one of the best things to do in Bridgeport when you visit Chicago! Or, if you're in the mood for some Asian deliciousness, hit up A Place by Damao. This traditional Asian cuisine from the Szechuan province of China, pairs national classics like dumplings, noodles, and braised duck, with different levels of spice. 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