If you've learned anything from this Web site, it's that there are thousands of great things to do in this great city. If we ever heard you say, "Man, I'm bored," we'd have to use our advanced html skills to create a virtual hand to slap you to your knees. That said, we know it's inevitable that you will, in fact, be bored at some point, and you won't want to put any effort into going on an adventure. That's where Navy Pier comes in.
Navy Pier is a great place to go when you've exhausted all of your really exciting entertainment ideas, but you still want to go into the city. For starters, they have some pretty interesting shopping options (and what can be more fun than the prospect of wasting money?). There are always a multitude of temporary events that should spark your interest, and the fixed attractions aren't so bad either.
The giant Ferris wheel provides the best land view of Chicago for under $5, and during the warmer months, the best view of the weekly fireworks shows. The food is pretty decent (everything from the "McDonalds of the Future" to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.), and there is even a snazzy little jazz cafe. There are countless no-name, but fun, bands who play the Skyline Stage, and often dance lessons--swing, salsa, the macarena...whatever annoying dance your girlfriend wants you to try--precede the music. So go...have a good time. But be sure to check its Web site for the latest events. You wouldn't want to miss those Macarena lessons, would you? (Alexander Stacey)
- IMAX Theatre
- Family Pavilion
- Chicago Children's Museum
- Skyline Stage
- Crystal Gardens: a 32,000-square-foot Indoor Botanical Park
- 15-Story Ferris Wheel and Musical Carousel
- Seasonal Ice Skating Rink and Reflecting Pool
- Dockside Street Entertainment Area with Outdoor stages, Retail and Concessions
- Restaurants, Food Court, Shops, Beer Garden
- Skyline Stage
- Parks and Promenades
- Festival Hall Exposition Center
- Grand Ballroom
- Diner and Cruise Boats
- Pier Trolleys that stop at each attraction, making a loop around the Pier
