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Navy Pier

See Chicago, Illinois family vacation

Navy Pier

Near North

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600 E Grand Ave # 113
Chicago, IL 60611+6335
800-595PIER

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Navy Pier Description

Extending some 3,000 feet out into Lake Michigan from downtown Chicago, Navy Pier is a kid haven and can't-miss family attraction. Kids love the carousel, Ferris wheel, live music, and eclectic entertainment such as jugglers, comedians, and contortionists. You'll also find a variety of dining options on hand, plus a family-oriented shopping mall and a children's museum.

Amusement Park

Kid Tips

Toddlers & Pre-K: The Ferris wheel and other "big kid" rides are located on the upper deck. While you can't miss the Ferris wheel, if you do hope to avoid the other off-limits temptations, keep your kids on the lower deck, and they'll probably be none the wiser. That said, the Ferris wheel is enclosed, holds up to six, and lets toddlers ride free with an adult.

School-Age Kids: Every day you'll find free entertainment that's likely to interest kids this age. Log on to NavyPier.com and check out the calendar to see what's cooking (and where!) on the day you plan to visit.

Pre-Teens & Teens: Older kids will enjoy testing their muscles on the ropes course or getting lost in the funhouse maze. Also look for Faces in Focus, caricature artists in the South Arcade shops. Your kids will get a kick out of seeing their faces cartoonishly immortalized.

Planning Notes

Take public transportation to get there. The pier can be really crowded and difficult to navigate by car, and parking is expensive. A free Navy Pier Trolley runs down Illinois Street and Grand Avenue as far as State Street.
Map out your trip ahead of time. There's so much to do, it's a good idea to come with a plan in mind.
Consider a bicycle trek. In warmer months, you can rent a bike for a ride around the lake. Bike Chicago operates a rental location at Navy Pier from April 1 to the end of October.