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.

Just the Facts

Hours: Opens at 10:00 a.m. daily; closing hours vary by season and day

Fees: Free

Recommended Time: Half day

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