Navy Pier is the top tourist destination for people visiting Chicago, and I can see why - it has a lot for families with the Children's Museum, a large variety of restaurants and shops, boat tours and cruises, 3D movies, Shakespeare theater, the sparkly new Centennial Wheel, and more.
But bring your wallet. Or, if possible, someone else's wallet.
If you haven't been in a while, Navy Pier is sporting a fresh new look, which has really energized the venue and given our family more incentive to visit.
Not everything at the Pier is expensive. They do a great job of having free art installations located along the pier and within Polk Bros Park. Polk Bros Park is the entry point of Navy Pier and has a large fountain the kids love to play in (during the summer, so we didn't hit it up today). For Summer 2018, there was a huge bubble-foam machine -- straight from kids' dreams -- fingers crossed that returns in 2019!
Amazing Chicago (year-round):
This afternoon, we went to experience the Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze and their smaller activities: Time Freak and Atomic Rush.
Note: Although the website for Amazing Chicago says "this attraction is not recommended for children under 5...," what they really mean is 10. When we showed up, the cashier asked their ages and then said they shouldn't go in.
Which isn't awesome since that was our main reason for going.
However, we competed in several rounds of Time Freak and Atomic Rush and had a blast. While the kids loved this, it didn't take up much time, so is better as an "add on" aspect of your trip to the Pier, as opposed to the reason for your visit.
Chicago by Boat (Summer):
There are all types of boat options:
- Architectural Cruises - great views of the city and great information
- Cruises - dinner dates on Lake Michigan with beautiful views of the city
- Seadog - a mega fast boat with little to no information on the city
- Water Taxi - no information but an inexpensive way to get a view from the river
We did the Seadog once and were disappointed. We prefer the water taxi or any of the architectural tours.
Centennial Wheel (year round):
While the cost of the ferris wheel was an incredible shock to my ears, I later looked up prices of similar views/experiences to compare. While it still feels expensive, the cost is cheaper than tickets to the John Hancock and Willis Tower and the view (in my opinion) from the Wheel is much better.
Regardless, here was the conversation in our family after stepping out of our ride:
Kids: "Can we go on that again?"
Me: NO
Kids: "Not today, like again in our life?"
Me: Still No.
Restaurants:
Honestly, you will have a much better dining experience anywhere outside of Navy Pier and would recommend you only grab snacks or a light lunch so you can have a more economical, pleasant, and better tasting eating experience later in the day. The city is known for amazing cuisine, so don't limit yourself to the pier!
Age Recommendations: All Ages
Cost Savings:
Buying online will save a few dollars per ride.
Check online for more information on rates.
If you plan to visit the Chicago Children's Museum more than 1 time in the calendar year, consider purchasing a membership as certain levels offer free parking (WHAT?) and you will most likely make your money back within 2-3 visits.
Location/Transportation:
Public Transportation options are best via the bus as the L Stops require significant walking (and whining) if accompanied by children. Check the Navy Pier website or app for transportation options.
There is a large, covered parking area as well. The advantage to this is being able to leave your coat in the car (if during the colder months) so you don't have to drag it around with you or rent a locker.
Kid's Jury: 5 stars
They love this place and we like to go for special exhibits and events - but always have to manage expectations so we don't spend (way) too much money.
