NAVY PIER

2016 marks the 100th birthday of Navy Pier and there are lots of FREE activities being offered this year and every year. While there are wonderful places to enjoy along the Pier that are not free, for example, The Chicago Shakespeare Theater, The Skyline Theater, IMAX Movie Theater, shops and restaurants, cruises and amusement rides, there is also lots do to for FREE, 

To kick off the birthday celebration, on July 15, 2016 Eli’s Cheesecake is serving a slice of their cheesecake to the first 1,000 visitors that day.
 
On a nice day (or they would say any time of year) Navy Pier is the place to see and be seen. You get breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline from anywhere on the Pier.  It is also a great place for people watching. It is the #1 tourist attraction in the Midwest.

I have to admit the summer months and weekends and holidays are when you will find the most going on. For example that is when you are likely to see entertainers strolling the Pier throughout the day musical groups performing for FREE.

Navy Pier is home to the Chicago Children’s Museum. Every Thursday night admission is FREE from 5PM (17:00) to 8PM (20:00)
 
Want to get in shape? Then take advantage of the FREE exercise classes. For example try the bi-weekly  Rush Hour Fitness classes held every other Tuesday and 6pm (18:00) starting July 17, 2016 and the Stroller Derby exercise every Wednesday morning  at 9AM are  both offered for FREE.
 
All summer long you can see fireworks displays on Wednesday nights at 9:30 (21:30) and Saturday nights at 10:15 (22:15). The show is coordinated with music.

---

Wander through the Crystal Gardens a six-story glass atrium that “holds over 80 live palm trees, lush foliage, hanging twinkle lights and dancing leapfrog fountains".
 
The Driehaus Gallery of Stained Glass houses priceless pieces by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The gallery opens at 10AM daily and is always FREE.
 
The new Polk Brothers Plaza near the entrance to the Pier is an interactive water park. Children should wear their swimsuits and bring a change of clothes.

Just off to the right of the front of the Pier is a statue Captain at the Helm. He is dedicated to all the mariners in Chicago's history. It offers a nice photo op.

---

Inside the Pier look for the posters with pictures and information about the Pier’s history. You will learn the Pier was used to train soldiers during World War I and allied pilots during World War II. Afterwards the Chicago campus of the University of Illinois was housed there.
 
For those in the Military you can meet a USO volunteer on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. All Active Duty and Reservists and their families with valid military I.D. will receive special offers and discounts for attractions at Navy Pier as well as a Navy Pier Coupon Book
 
This year the Tall Ships Festival will be here again from July 27-31, 2016. While there is a fee to board and tour the ships, you can view the ships from the dock for FREE.
 
Holidays are a great time to visit the Pier for family entertainment. For example the days leading up to Halloween (October 31) offer an opportunity for safe, family fun for FREE.

During the summer months you can enjoy live music at the Miller Lite Beer Garden Thursday through Sunday. You can find the list of performers and schedule online.

At the far east end of the Pier is a statue honoring Bob Newhart a local who became a TV star and comedian. He is one of the Statue Stories Chicago.  Nearby is an 8-ton anchor from  the third Naval ship to be named "Chicago". This anchor was used on a WWII heavy cruiser. The anchor is dedicated to the men and women who have served in the US armed forces.  Take a look at the walkway around the anchor you will see plaques honoring each of the arms of the US military.
 
​Getting to and from the Pier can also be FREE. There is FREE trolley service running along Illinois Street to the Pier and to Grand Avenue from the Pier. The trolley runs between the Pier and State Street from the CTA Red Line subway station. The trolleys start running at 10AM each day during the summer.

Getting around the Pier has also gotten easier. A courtesy shuttle is being offered from the front of the Pier to 2 stops along the Pier. One of the shuttles is more accessible for those who need it.

Periodically there are other FREE events. For example, July 14-15, 2016 you can enjoy a 75-minute "mash-up" performance of Shakespeare's most memorable characters and celebrated play.

There is FREE WIFI at certain locations along the Pier.

Just this week it was announced Michelle Boone from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events will be taking a position at Navy Pier. I hope the newly created Chief Program and Civic Engagement Officer will be spearheading even more FREE activities at Navy Pier. Stay tuned.

NOTE: An new "escort policy" is enforced on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Patrons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

No matter your age there Navy Pier should be part of your visit to Chicago and enjoy all there is that is FREE FOR ALL!


All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the website to get the most up-to-date information.
 
Want to receive announcements of new posts? Just leave your email address and I will notify you of new posts on http://www.ChicagoFreeForAll.com
  
If you know of a free event in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com
 
Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (see 1/1/2016 post) at www.chicagogreeter.com
 
Until then I hope to see you in Chicago!

---