Navy Pier
add photosThe Navy Pier encompasses about 50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens, shops, eateries and attractions. Take a ride on the 15-story tall McDonald's Ferris wheel. Catch a movie at the IMAX® Theatre. Visit three floors of hands-on fun at the Chicago Children's Museum inside the Family Pavilion. Experience any one of the cruise boat rides departing from Navy Pier's South Dock. Or just kick back and enjoy some entertainment at the Pepsi Skyline Stage.
44 Reviews for Navy Pier
25
00 families found this helpful
"A "one time" place"
This is one of those places that is really nice to see, but you really only need to go once in your life. It had great views and I really enjoyed the farris wheel. You could see clear across downtown Chicago. It did have some little stores to browse through and plenty of restaurants to choose from. Nice place to spend a few hours. Something everyone should see once time.
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0 families found this helpful
"So many people"
It seems like just about every family visiting Chicago goes to Navy Pier, and you can tell when you walk around. There are people everywhere! There are some interesting exhibits and fun things to do, but I recommend you eat before because the food court is crazy!
0 families found this helpful
"Cool place"
I had never been to Chicago before and I was able to go there on business. It was a great place to see. The Navy Pier was cool. There are so many attractions there and tons to do with the kids. There are many places to eat and there is even a movie theater. Worth going back.
0 families found this helpful
"Great FREE Fun"
My family really liked the NAvy Pier. It is a long strip that is in Chicago that has great stores, resturants and rides. Very interesting to see all the local people doing different things along the way to show their special skills. When we were there, there were many different kinds of street performers. My kids loved to dance with all the people that were dancing. Have good walking shoes on and a stroller for young ones. Also have your cameras ready because there are good picture oportunities with their facial expressions when they see the different sights. Also it is really cool to go towards evening so you can see the place light up.
1 family found this helpful
"Navy Pier"
Navy Pier does not have an entrance fee, but you will be hard pressed to keep from spending money once there. Besides shopping, dining, and the activities that all cost money, there is not a lot for kids to do for free. Our kids weren't that interested in the Stained Glass window section, but they did enjoy walking along the pier and looking at the boats out on the lake. Our kids did love the Build-a-bear store and some of the novelty carts that sell fun items. Some of the stores are fun to "window shop" in, but that's not always easy to explain to kids who may want to buy some of the things that they see. We did pay for the Ferris Wheel, to have the experience, and our kids loved the view!
0 families found this helpful
"LOVE Navy Pier"
Navy Pier is fun for EVERYONE. My children beg me to take all out of town guests to Navy Pier. The location is beautiful with a gorgeous view of the lake and Chicago skyline. Exciting in the summer time with a variety of outdoor vendors and activities. Indoors there is much to see between the garden area and fun shops. The children's museum includes unique activties and fun for all ages.
0 families found this helpful
"Free to get in"
This may be free to get in and look at all of the stores but trust me you will shell out money to make this enjoyable for your family. There is a huge and delightful candy store and a Build-A- Bear store that everyone seems to love. The best free things to do are in the winter when holiday lights are up and decorations are inside. Also, being able to see the fudge being made inside one of the stores is free entertainment as well especially if you follow up with a free sample piece. The movie area is great too but of course not free. We saw Happy Feet there a few years back and the huge IMAX screen was great.
0 families found this helpful
"Stained Glass for adults and ferris wheel for kids"
What a great place to visit. Something for everyone. I have been 3 times and had a ball each time. So many shops and restaurants, boats to take you on tours during the summer, ferris wheel to scare you... and stained glass exhibit for adults. Tons of parking and ease of access, so no hassle there. Too many restaurants to choose from and a movie theater. I loved it, my family loved it, will definetely go again.
'11
1 family found this helpful
"Tourist trap but fun"
Navy Pier is definitely a place where you'll see all the rest of the tourist visiting along with you. We opted to go first thing in the morning on a non-weekend day, so the crowd had not yet arrived. We started at the Children's Museum where the kiddies had a blast. They have this awesome water room, where the kids put on a little raincoat and go to town. They have everything for the artsy to the fireman, to the creative side of things. It really was an enjoyable time and a "must visit" destination for those with kids visiting Chicago. There also is a food court and shopping. Some other attractions include boat tours, a giant ferris wheel and some funhouse type attractions. Try to use public transportation as parking is steep, and to avoid the crowds don't go on a weekend afternoon!
0 families found this helpful
"Lots to do!"
Navy Pier is a great place to go if you only have a little bit of time in Chicago. It's right on the lake front, which is beautiful, and you'll see some awesome views of the skyline. The ferris wheel is a great way to see the city, and in the winter, there's a free skating rink. There are some fun shops, and some great places for snacks. The atrium is one of my favorite parts - lots of plants, very peaceful.
0 families found this helpful
"Shopping, dining, and rides"
This is a great place to go and do some shopping unlike a mall. The stores are different and you will find many "Chicago" type items there. They have put a Garretts Popcorn there which is a big plus for me. That place has popcorn that melts in your mouth...a must!!! The rides are fun. Our daughter loves the swings. You can mini golf there and get a view of the lake and city on the ferris wheel. they have boat rides and a Childrens Museum there as well. You can walk to the end of the pier and there is a beer garden and you can see some awesome views of the lake. It is a fun place to go.
0 families found this helpful
"Fun!"
Fun! Fun! Fun! That's all I can say! The shops are great! I love all the rides! I Have soooooo much fun going here! You get a great view of the lake & you can take boat rides too! All the games & shops there are fantastic! You'll have a blast when you go!
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"Fun!"
Fun! Fun! Fun! That's all I can say! The shops are great! I love all the rides! I Have soooooo much fun going here! You get a great view of the lake & you can take boat rides too! All the games & shops there are fantastic! You'll have a blast when you go!
0 families found this helpful
"So much to do!"
There is a little bit for everyone at Navy Pier. Food, activity, shopping and more. You can eat at Bubba Gumps, or get a birds eye view of the city from the top of the ferris wheel. Don't miss out on this pocket of fun on the lakeshore. It is a great time for the whole family.
0 families found this helpful
"FUn but bring your Wallet!"
We went to Navy Pier last August with our then 14 month old. She had a GREAT time. IT was very crowded so that was nice cool but we worked it out. THe Children's Museum was EXCELLENT; so many exhibits for little ones. We didnt know how much there would be for her to do but we were pleasantly surprised. There was many food options which is nice for a picky toddler! We would definitely recommend this for a family fun day. It is just EXPENSIVE (as is everything in the City)
0 families found this helpful
"Maybe free to get in but activities are expensive"
We went to Navy Pier with our kids in the Spring of 09 (3 and 1). We liked that we did not have to pay to get in and just had to pay per activity since the kids were too young to do too much. We did try the big Ferris Wheel and that had great views of the city. When looking at other activities I felt they were expensive though they did have some deals going on. It was fun to walk up and down the pier and enjoy the views and sights. Inside the Pier they have a great display of stained glass that is worth checking out.
0 families found this helpful
"shopping and rides"
I don't remember much about the pier except the shopping and the nearby aquarium. You could see the harbor from here but its better to get a view from the Sears Tower. We did go in the winter both times we visited so I'm sure there is more to do in the summers here. There are rides available-like a Ferris wheel, but I want to say they were closed in the winter or that weekend due to the weather. I would recommend this spot. On their website it looks like there are many events throughout the year held here, but in the winter it is dead.
0 families found this helpful
"fun for the family"
I love navy pier it is a great place to go. I like going in the summer sometimes the new navy graduates are out and you can see them in their uniform. Navy boot camp is not to far away. The food is a little expensive in navy pier I suggest you venture out and go to a restaurant not to far out
0 families found this helpful
"Winter Wonder Wow!"
Our family loves Navy Pier. We live in the suburbs of Chicago and Navy Pier is so easy to get to, parking is a piece of cake and they offer some great attractions. We especially love Winter WonderFest. Though it is not always cheap, it is worth the splurge!
0 families found this helpful
"Navy Pier"
Honestly, the Navy Pier is probably one of my favorite places to visit. There's beautiful artwork to be seen, boat rides to be taken, wonderful food to be eaten and amazing music to be heard. There just really is no end to the entertainment at the Navy Pier. It's one of those places that you could never get sick of.
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