Navy Pier

Navy Pier is Chicago's most visited attraction, and while locals sometimes dismiss it as touristy, the reality is that for families visiting Chicago, it delivers exactly the kind of big, exciting, only-in-this-city experience that kids remember. The pier extends 3,300 feet into Lake Michigan from the Streeterville neighborhood, and the combination of the Centennial Wheel, lakefront views, restaurants, performances, and carnival rides creates an atmosphere that is hard to replicate anywhere else.

The Centennial Wheel is the pier's centerpiece and the one paid attraction that is genuinely worth the money. This 200-foot Ferris wheel has enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas that offer panoramic views of the Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan, and the surrounding lakefront. The ride lasts about 15 minutes and provides the single best orientation to Chicago's geography — you can see the Willis Tower, the John Hancock Building, Millennium Park, and the entire lakefront from the top.

Riding at sunset is the ideal timing — the city transitions from daylight to illuminated skyline during your ride.

The pier's ride section has a carousel, wave swinger, and several other carnival-style rides. These are fun for kids under about 10 but are not destination-quality attractions on their own. Ride wristbands are available, but for most families, the Centennial Wheel plus one or two other rides is enough without buying the full wristband.

The Chicago Children's Museum occupies a large space at the west end of the pier and is one of the best children's museums in the Midwest. It is a separate admission from the pier itself, and for families with kids under 10, it can easily fill 2-3 hours. The museum has climbing exhibits, water play, art stations, and a tinkering lab.

If you are planning a Navy Pier day with younger children, combining the pier walk with the Children's Museum is the optimal strategy.

Summer at Navy Pier is the peak experience. Free fireworks shows launch from the end of the pier on Wednesday and Saturday nights, and watching fireworks explode over Lake Michigan with the Chicago skyline behind you is spectacular. Arrive 30 minutes early to claim a spot — the best viewing is at the east end of the pier, but the fireworks are visible from much of the lakefront.

Street performers, live music, and outdoor programming fill the pier throughout summer evenings.

The architecture boat tour departing from Navy Pier is often cited as Chicago's best tourist experience. Several companies operate tours, with the most popular being the 90-minute cruise along the Chicago River and lakefront. Guides explain the history and architecture of Chicago's iconic buildings.

This is more engaging than you might expect for kids — the boats move, the buildings are dramatic, and the stories are entertaining. Kids ages 7 and up generally enjoy the tour.

The honest truth about Navy Pier food: it is overpriced and ranges from mediocre to decent. Billy Goat Tavern has character and a connection to the Saturday Night Live Cheeseburger sketch. Giordano's serves acceptable deep-dish pizza.

But for the best food value, eat before arriving at the pier or walk a few blocks into Streeterville after your visit. Portillo's on Ontario Street (a 10-minute walk) is essential Chicago eating — their hot dogs, Italian beef, and chocolate cake shake are legendary.

Parking at Navy Pier is expensive ($25-$45 depending on duration and day). The smarter move is the free Navy Pier trolley that runs along Grand Avenue from State Street, or take a rideshare drop-off at the pier entrance. CTA buses along Grand and Illinois also serve the area.