Centennial Wheel
About
Soaring 200 feet above Navy Pier, this modern Ferris wheel offers kids breathtaking 360-degree views of Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan from climate-controlled gondolas. The ride takes about 15 minutes for three full rotations, giving families plenty of time to spot landmarks, take photos, and enjoy the bird's-eye perspective of the city. Even kids nervous about heights feel comfortable in the enclosed, temperature-controlled gondolas that seat up to eight people.
Highlights
- ✓Spotting famous landmarks like Willis Tower, John Hancock Building, and Buckingham Fountain from above
- ✓The thrill of reaching the top and seeing how far Lake Michigan extends
- ✓Climate-controlled comfort means perfect views regardless of weather
Pro Tips
- 1.Buy tickets online in advance to save money and skip the ticket booth line,especially crucial on summer weekends
- 2.Ride at sunset or after dark (Friday/Saturday nights) for spectacular city lights,kids find this more magical than daytime
- 3.If you have a nervous child, request a gondola with just your family rather than sharing with strangers
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons or evenings; sunset rides are spectacular but book ahead. Avoid summer weekend afternoons when wait times can exceed an hour.
What to Know
Extensive dining options throughout Navy Pier including Harry Caray's Tavern, Giordano's pizza, and food court options Navy Pier self-park garage ($30-40 depending on season); street parking nearly impossible; consider water taxi from Michigan Avenue or public transit Clean public restrooms located throughout Navy Pier; family restrooms with changing tables available Strollers must be folded and held during the ride; stroller parking available at the base Wheelchair-accessible gondolas available; staff assists with boarding; notify attendant when purchasing tickets
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with extended hours Friday/Saturday. Winter rides offer unique snowy city views without crowds. July 4th and summer weekends are extremely busy,arrive early or book online. Navy Pier hosts festivals throughout summer making it extra festive but more crowded.
Nearby Eats
Navy Pier has 20+ dining options from fast food to sit-down restaurants. Giordano's for deep-dish pizza, Bubba Gump Shrimp, and Ben & Jerry's are kid favorites within walking distance.
More Activities Near Chicago
Navy Pier
Navy Pier is Chicago's ultimate family entertainment destination, spanning 50 acres along Lake Michigan with attractions for all ages. From the iconic 200-foot Centennial Wheel offering breathtaking city views to the charming vintage carousel, plus interactive museums, boat cruises, and seasonal festivals, there's enough here to fill an entire day of family fun.
Skydeck Chicago
Skydeck Chicago puts you on top of the world at the Willis Tower, where kids can stand on The Ledge,clear glass boxes that extend out from the 103rd floor, letting them see straight down to the streets below. It's an exhilarating experience that combines breathtaking views of the entire city with the thrill of feeling like you're floating in mid-air.
360 CHICAGO
360 CHICAGO offers stunning views from the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center, featuring the thrilling TILT experience where kids can lean out over Michigan Avenue in a slowly tilting glass and steel platform. The observation deck provides interactive touchscreens to identify landmarks, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offer spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline.
Tall Ship Windy
Set sail on Lake Michigan aboard this authentic 148-foot tall ship for an unforgettable hands-on sailing adventure. Kids can help hoist the sails, take the helm, and learn maritime skills from the crew while experiencing what life was like aboard historic sailing vessels. It's an educational and thrilling experience that gets children off screens and into real-world adventure on the water.