Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze
Rating
Family of 4
Approximately $50-70 for a family of 4 (check website for current pricing).
Duration
45-75 minutes
Best Ages
Best for ages 4-12
About
Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze has been a Navy Pier staple — the kind of attraction that's been drawing families to Chicago's lakefront for years. The concept is straightforward: a series of mirrored corridors, distorted rooms, and funhouse elements that kids navigate with genuine excitement. For the 4-12 crowd, it hits the mark.
Located at 600 E Grand Ave, right on Navy Pier, the maze is part of a broader pier visit rather than a standalone destination. Plan your trip to include the free outdoor pier areas — the gardens, the lakefront promenade, the view of Lake Michigan — and the funhouse becomes one piece of a good half-day rather than a pricey hour by itself.
The rating (4.1 from 325 reviews) reflects a solid, if not exceptional, experience. Families who come with the right expectations — a fun, moderately priced attraction that keeps kids engaged for about an hour — consistently enjoy it. Those expecting a full-day amusement park experience may feel it's over too quickly.
Check Groupon before buying tickets — this attraction appears there regularly with meaningful discounts. Navy Pier parking is notoriously expensive ($10-25 depending on duration); taking the CTA saves a noticeable amount on a family trip. The attraction is indoor and fully climate-controlled, making it a reasonable rainy day choice.
Strollers are very difficult inside the maze — if you have a toddler, carry them or leave the stroller at the entrance. The maze experience isn't well-suited for children under 4, who won't understand the navigation and may become frustrated.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
No
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
Not Available
Setting
Indoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons or early weekend mornings. Navy Pier is a tourist hub — arrive early or late to avoid peak crowds.
Wait Times
Walk-in wait is minimal on weekdays. Navy Pier weekends can add a short queue — buy tickets at the window.
Nearby Food
Navy Pier has multiple dining options including food courts, Giordano's (Chicago deep dish), and casual spots along the pier. The Chicago Riverwalk is a short cab or rideshare away for more dining variety.
Why Kids Love It
The funhouse maze concept works well for the 4-12 age range — kids navigate mirrored corridors, distorted rooms, and puzzle-style passages that feel genuinely surprising. It's the kind of attraction that elementary schoolers will talk about after. Parents appreciate that it's quick enough to not overstay its welcome.
What Parents Say
“It was totally a fun experience for my 13 year olds. Not sure you’d get your money’s worth for older kids. Make sure you buy all 4 tickets it’s worth the...”
Pro Tips from Parents
- Check Groupon before buying — this attraction often has significant discounts.
- Combine with Navy Pier's free outdoor areas (the gardens, the lakefront) for a fuller half-day.
- Kids under 4 won't engage with the maze format — better suited to ages 4+.
- The funhouse is small — don't expect more than an hour of entertainment.
- Navy Pier parking is expensive; consider using CTA Bus 29 or 65 to save money.
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Layers (indoor but Navy Pier can be cold near the lake)
- Cash or card for tickets
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
Approximately $50-70 for a family of 4 (check website for current pricing).
Navy Pier parking adds $10-25 depending on duration.
Factor in Navy Pier food costs if you make a full day of it.
Tips to Save
- Check Groupon for discounts — this attraction frequently appears with 20-30% off.
- Navy Pier itself has free outdoor areas that make the trip more worthwhile.
- Pair with the free outdoor Navy Pier areas to justify the drive.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 11AM-9PM
- Monday
- 11AM-8PM
- Sunday
- 11AM-8PM
- Tuesday
- 11AM-8PM
- Saturday
- 11AM-9PM
- Thursday
- 11AM-8PM
- Wednesday
- 11AM-8PM