Navy Pier

Navy Pier, on the lakefront at 600 E. Grand Ave., originally served as a recreational pier with freight and passenger ship docking facilities upon its opening in 1916. Today the restored pier is home to retail shops, restaurants, a children's museum, the Centennial Wheel that stands nearly 200 feet tall, a carousel, a mirror maze, a 1-acre indoor botanical garden, an IMAX Theater, the Tony award-winning Chicago Shakespeare Theater, an outdoor ice-skating rink and other family attractions.

Visitors can see fireworks during the summer and on special occasions. Various cruise ships depart from the pier’s dock for sightseeing and architectural tours.

Food is available. Time: Allow 4 hours minimum.