It can feel a bit like a tourist trap, but Chicago’s Navy Pier has some treasures tucked amid the caricature artists and Lemon Shake-up stands. There’s a carousel, boats-a-plenty to watch in the harbor, and a new-and-improved Ferris wheel (with 10-person gondolas featuring TV screens and speakers), plus free fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday night.
There is also a rotating array of free, live performance inside: magicians, acrobats and the like.
