Navy Pier is one of the most famous locations from which to enjoy a day on the shores of Lake Michigan. The 50-acre grounds feature parks, gardens, restaurants, shops and attractions including a 15-story Ferris wheel that offers stellar views of the city below. There is no admission fee to Navy Pier itself, although tickets are required for rides and some other attractions. The Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows is open free of charge to visitors and boasts a collection of 150 stained glass windows in Navy Pier's Festival Hall. Visitors can enjoy fireworks displays twice a week during the summer.
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
800-595-7437
navypier.com
Located in downtown Chicago, Millennium Park is home to public art displays, green spaces and an outdoor pavilion that hosts free musical performances. Splash in the water spray from the interactive Crown Fountain, snap a photo of the city's skyline in the reflection of the mirrored Cloud Gate sculpture and stroll through the Lurie Garden. There is no admission fee to the park. Maps and brochures are available at the Millennium Park welcome center to help you make the most of your visit.
Millennium Park
201 E. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60602
312-742-1168
millenniumpark.org
Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry boasts hundreds of interactive exhibits and 35,000 artifacts focused on topics like aviation, the planet Earth and the human body. Visitors can descend to the bottom of a coal mine shaft in one of the museum's most popular exhibits. General admission is free on several dates each month.
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60637
773-684-1414
msichicago.org
