Navy Pier is the place to be for endless amounts of fun and entertainment this spring break. Families can take in Pier attractions including the world-class Chicago Children’s Museum and immersive, 4-D Flyover in Chicago, catch a show at the renowned Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and engage in a daily-changing schedule of free, interactive events, performances, and kid-friendly activities.
Interactive Workshops in the Family Pavilion
From Monday, March 24, through Friday, March 28, Navy Pier’s Family Pavilion will feature interactive workshops for all ages, including storytelling through dance, drum circles, Latin dance parties, hip-hop lessons with Culture Shock Chicago, and much more. This free programming will run from Noon to 6 p.m. daily.
Creative Sessions in Culture Corner
Navy Pier’s Culture Corner will offer an eclectic array of opportunities for families to express their artistic flare through free, hands-on creative clinics. Topics will range from sustainable fashion to printmaking, and custom sneaker decorating. March 24 through March 28, Noon to 6 p.m.
‘Do Some Good’ & Butterflies at The Landing Staircase
Visitors can give back through The Salvation Army’s "Do Some Good" initiative and engage in conservation-focused, butterfly-themed activities with curators of The Butterfly House. March 24 through March 28, Noon to 6 p.m., at The Landing Staircase.
‘Playful by Nature’ at Chicago Children’s Museum
Chicago Children’s Museum is bringing back its popular Spring Break Weeks of Play with a celebration of the wonders of the natural world. From March 24 through April 6, young guests are invited to experience live animal encounters with Lucca’s BioHub and Dave DiNaso’s Traveling Word of Reptiles. Youngsters can engage their senses with Insect Asylum's Touch Lab and participate in art-making inspired by living things that flutter and fly. The museum will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during this time.
‘Sunny Afternoon’ at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Based on the music of The Kinks, “Sunday Afternoon” is a rock-and-roll tour through the souring triumphs and devastating lows of the iconic band. The story of the band’s atmospheric rise to fame is told through their own prolific catalog of hit songs, including “You Really Got Me,” “Lola,” and “All Day and All of the Night”– all performed live onstage by the actors. With an original story, music, and lyrics by The Kinks’ legendary Ray Davies, this award-winning musical is making its North American Premiere after taking London’s West End by storm. March 21 through April 27.
The Centennial Wheel
The exclamation mark on any visit to Navy Pier is a ride on the magnificent Centennial Wheel. One of Chicago’s most iconic attractions, the Centennial Wheel soars to heights of nearly 200 feet, providing unparalleled, 360-degree views of the skyline and Lake Michigan from the comfort of climate-controlled gondolas.
Chicago Stars F.C. Skills Workshops
Families can join Chicago Stars F.C. for two days of free skill workshops with the pros in Navy Pier’s Polk Bros Park. Open to players of all levels, these interactive sessions will focus on developing fundamental techniques, teamwork, and having fun on the field. Thursday, March 27, and Friday, March 28, Noon to 2 p.m.
Pop-A-Shot and BINGO
Coca-Cola’s March Madness activation will bring basketball excitement with Pop-A-Shot and samples of Coca-Cola Orange Cream. Chef Art Smith’s Reunion restaurant will host daily Spring into BINGO sessions.
Sable Staycation
For a truly memorable spring break experience, and a front row seat to all Navy Pier has to offer, families can book a stay at Sable on the Pier, one of Chicago’s most extraordinary hotel destinations. Sable provides a unique blend of elegance and comfort, and spectacular lake views that have to be seen to be believed.
Park & Dine Deal
During March and April, guests dining at one of Navy Pier’s participating restaurants will receive a discounted parking rate of $20 for up to two-and-a-half hours. Participating restaurants include Bar Sol Mariscos, Billy Goat Tavern, Chef Art Smith’s Reunion, Giordano’s, Harry Caray’s Tavern, Lirica, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, and Offshore Rooftop.
Navy Pier is open to the public, free of charge, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
All activities and dates are subject to change. Programming schedules are updated regularly at navypier.org.
ABOUT NAVY PIER
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top nonprofit tourism destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and typically welcoming nearly 9 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities, and more. The Pier celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 with the unveiling of the iconic Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. Today, Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing Pier-wide redevelopment efforts – including Sable, a 223-room Hilton hotel, new restaurant and retail partnerships, and thrilling new attractions such as Flyover Chicago. The Pier is proud to present free, year-round cultural programming designed to inspire, educate, and connect communities across the city and globe. Click here to donate to Navy Pier, a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit NavyPier.org.