The Navy Pier opened its doors in 1916 and went through much iteration during its lifetime. But non have been as successful as that of a public gathering place filled with rides, cinemas and restaurants making a day out on the pier the perfect place to have fun and relax.
The current form of the Navy Pier comprises a variety of shops, restaurants and fun filled attractions. The family pavilion comprises the fun filled Chicago Children’s Museum which spans 50,000 square feet. The museum tries to bring together learning and playing to help develop children’s basic skills in a fun filled environment with a variety of interactive projects from building water dams, flying machines and skyscrapers. It is also home to the stunning 440 seat Imax theatre playing enhanced 2D and 3D films that make visitors feel as if they are part of the action. The family pavilion houses a wide variety of restaurants serving a varied choice of delicacies to quell the international palette.
The south arcade is found east of the family pavilion and houses attractions such as Amazing Chicago, a true Chicago style funhouse puzzle maze filled with historical fact and unique design to ensure that guests enjoy every moment while they get lost in the maze. The arcade is also home to the famous Tony Award wining Chicago Shakespeare Theatre that etched Shakespeare and a love for his plays deeply into the heart of Chicago. The modern seven storey theatre is home to celebrated regional plays and famous theatre groups that come from around the world to perform there.
Looking to getaway from the daily grind? Then escape to the sky for panoramic views of the Chicago cityscape and the pristine Lake Michigan through the Navy Pier ‘AeroBallon’. This state of the art suspended air balloon rises 350 feet above the pier to give breathtaking views.
The Navy Pier is a fun day out for friends and family, be it enjoying the rides or taking in some food by the lake. There are numerous places to stay in the vast city that is Chicago, but the historic landmark Chicago hotel the Millenium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago is situated near the famed Landmark Mile within easy reach of shopping, restaurants and corporate hubs. This stylish downtown Chicago hotel is located close to the Navy Pier.