A closer look at Navy Pier

The popular tourist attraction offers more than just fireworks for locals

By Jennifer Gerenraich

In a city that rains dandelions and smells like chocolate, there is no better place to be in the summertime than Chicago.

So why not take advantage of being outside and take a trip to Navy Pier? If family is in town visiting and you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids, Navy Pier has a lot to offer. With rides, shopping, food and entertainment, Navy Pier can be a very enjoyable experience, complete with beautiful photo opportunities. Set along the lake, the boardwalk is filled with lights, sounds and smells of tasty treats.

The biggest lights come from the giant ferris wheel that has become one of the city’s most well-known features. For five dollars, you can experience the open air and expansive skyline views, but it’s not for those with a fear of heights.

If you prefer to stay closer to the ground, there is a carousel, miniature golf, a funhouse maze and rock climbing nearby. Each of the events cost $5 per person.

Taking advantage of all that Navy Pier has to offer can be an expensive endeavor for sure, but the fireworks are fantastic and free.

Every Wednesday and Saturday night, Navy Pier sets off a wonderful fireworks display that can also be seen from the nearby beaches and balconies. There is also live entertainment that can be seen from the various stages, including the Bud Light stage in the beer garden. If it’s your friends’ first time to the city and they are of legal drinking age, this will surely be a highlight. When you get hungry or fall down, there are plenty of places to eat.

Bubba Gump Seafood, Charlie’s Ale House and Dock Street Café are just a few of the restaurants that grace Navy Pier. Be sure to bring your patience, because you will probably face a wait to be seated, as families flock to Navy Pier in the summer. There is also a food court for your convenience.

After the rides, beer and food have put a dent in your wallet, there is plenty of shopping available if you have any money left.

Wait, we’re not done yet.

The Children’s Museum is definitely one of the Pier’s best attractions. With interactive games and life-size storybooks, it is a delight for both parents and children. Hours can be spent just trying to see all that the museum has to offer. On certain days of the week, admission is free for all children. This is a great deal for families that live within the city and have already experienced the rides.

There are a few other attractions at Navy Pier that the locals might want to take advantage of. If you like to go to the movies, the IMAX theatre has exciting films to experience up close and personal. Those who arrive ahead of time can visit The Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows. There are over 100 windows to view that date back as far as the 1870s.

Still looking for a little more adventure? Take a journey on the Time Escape, the new 3D time travel ride, which is guaranteed to excite. Some other exciting attractions for this summer are “MacHomer” at The Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and Cirque Shanghai.

As one of the top tourist attractions in the city, Navy Pier has a lot to offer visitors and local families, and it can even keep local 20-to-40-year-olds interested with all its options. Whether you frequent its boardwalk during the summer, the fireworks will definitely get your attention from somewhere along the lake.

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