Navy Pier Pulls Out All the Stops to be Chicago’s Can’t-Miss Spring Break Destination
CHICAGO—Navy Pier is the place to be for endless amounts of fun and entertainment this spring break. Families can enjoy the Pier’s newest attraction, the immersive, 4-D Flyover Chicago, the wildly popular Circusville experience at Chicago Children’s Museum, and a daily-changing schedule of free, interactive events, demonstrations, performances, kid-friendly activities, artisan markets, and much more.
Flyover Chicago
Opening earlier this month to rave reviews, Navy Pier’s newest, year-round attraction uses leading-edge drone technology and impressive aerial photography to showcase Chicago from perspectives never seen before. The immersive, three-act experience culminates in an exhilarating flying journey that takes audiences from 13,000 feet above the skyline, diving down skyscrapers and skimming sidewalks, floating through fireworks, airshows, and the city’s most iconic landmarks, to connect with the people, stories, architecture, and culture that make Chicago truly spectacular. For additional information, visit www.ExperienceFlyover.com/Chicago
Circusville at Chicago Children’s Museum
This circ-tacular experience introduces littles to life under the big top for over-the-top play. Children can choose to be the star of the show, take on the role of ticket taker, acrobat, hot dog vendor, and more. In Circusville, every role lets littles express themselves, unleash their imaginations, explore their skills, embrace new challenges, and shine. Chicago Children’s Museum will have extended hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, March 22 through April 7. For additional information, visit www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/circusville.
Global Connection Series: Holi Celebration
With live performances by Bollywood Groove, Chitrahar Dance, Surabhi Ensemble, Funkadesi, and Natya Dance Theatre, among others, this free event has grown to be Chicago’s preeminent celebration of the Hindu “Festival of Colors.” Entertainment and interactive programming will take place in the Aon Grand Ballroom from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 23. Guests are also invited to take part in the spirited tradition of colored powder throwing and enjoy DJs in the Pier’s outdoor Beer Garden. Sponsored in part by the Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities and Patel Brothers, this is the final event in Navy Pier’s 2024 Global Connection Series, presented by ComEd.
Free STEAM Workshops
From March 25 through March 30, Navy Pier will offer a daily (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) roster of free family-friendly workshops and other interactive activities. Offerings range from jump rope games to drum circles, guided meditation, portrait drawing, UX design, beatboxing, youth yoga, and much more. For a full schedule of programming, visit www.navypier.org/spring-break-2024/.
Women’s Makers Market
In commemoration of Women’s History Month, Navy Pier is showcasing the work of talented, local women artists and makers every Saturday throughout the month of March. Visiting families can peruse an eclectic assortment of hand-crafted creations, one-of-a-kind jewelry, apparel, artwork, literature, accessories, soaps, and other unique wares for sale. A professional artist from Women’s Live Artist Studio will offer a free paper flower making workshop from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 23. Navy Pier’s Women’s Makers Market is sponsored by Allstate.
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.
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 newest and 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. Throughout March and April, Sable guests can enjoy discounted tickets to Flyover Chicago with an overnight stay. For additional information, visit www.sablehotel.com.
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, Offshore Rooftop, and Windy City Ribs.
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 artists 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 8 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, Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. In 2021, Navy Pier continued to usher in its second century with ongoing Pier-wide redevelopment efforts—including Sable, a 223-room Hilton hotel, new restaurants and partnerships, and thrilling additions to Pier Park. The Pier is proud to provide free, year-round arts and 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.
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