I know I’ve already said this, but the Children’s Museum is the main reason to visit Navy Pier (that is huge praise!). It also happens to be the second-most visited kids’ museum in the country. The entire three-floor building is like a giant playground that also happens to be educational. With 15 permanent exhibits and a number of revolving activities, kids can dig for dinosaur bones, build their own skyscraper, construct a fort under a tree house, take a quick art lesson, climb three floors of ship rigging and get sweaty—and maybe even smarter—while doing so. The museum even has a fun-filled space designated for kids who aren’t yet steady on their feet. And in 2013, CCM opened a new permanent exhibit called the Tinkering Lab, which, inspired by the maker movement, seeks to draw in older kids in the 9 to 13 range. Kids can design, hack, experiment, and try their hand at power tools in this supervised creative space. Allow 2 to 3 hours, plus an additional hour to explore the Ferris wheel and other rides and games on Navy Pier.
Chicago› Attraction
Chicago Children’s Museum
Navy Pier, 700 E Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
Our Rating
Hours
Daily 10am–5pm (Thurs until 8pm). Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Transportation
Bus: 29, 65, 66, or 124. Subway/El: Red Line to Grand; transfer to city bus or Navy Pier’s free trolley bus (Memorial Day through Labor Day)
Phone
312/527-1000
Prices
Admission $14.95 adults and children, $13.95 seniors, kids under 1 are free. Free for ages 15 and under the first Sun of every month. Thurs 4pm–8pm: 4 people can enter for the price of 1.
Web site
Chicago Children’s Museum

Map
Navy Pier, 700 E Grand Ave. Chicago IL 60611 ChicagoNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.