The Chicago Children's Museum offers numerous activities for kids in its permanent and special exhibits. The Waterway exhibit lets kids learn about water as a resource, while shooting water in the air and at each other. They can dig for dinosaur bones in a simulated dig site at the Dinosaur Expedition. Younger children can climb a magic tree and explore a cave at The Treehouse Trail. There is also an art studio and an invention lab among many other activities.
Since 1999 the Chicago Shakespeare Theater has provided a venue for plays from Shakespeare and other playwrights. The round theater is reminiscent of Shakespeare's London Globe Theater with the stage surrounded by seats on three sides. The 510-seat theater is open 48 weeks a year and offers discounted tickets for groups and students. An old English-style pub is in the lobby for pre- or post-show drinks, as well as a bookstore if you feel the need to take home some of the words you've heard.
The IMAX Theater offers a large screen, digital surround sound, high-resolution viewing experience superior to what is available in regular theaters. The Navy Pier IMAX Theater runs current films as well as documentaries which benefit from this format. Some movies are also shown in 3-D. The theater is open every day and tickets are $17 for adults, $13 for children and $14 for seniors over the age of 62, as of January 2011.
The Beer Garden is an outdoor music venue at Navy Pier. During the summer months visitors hear live bands play all types of music including, r&b, country, jazz, reggae and rock. The Beer Garden is on the water and offers exceptional views of Lake Michigan with no entrance fee. Of course, beer is available for purchase, as is food; fireworks are displayed on Wednesday and Saturday nights.
