CHICAGO (CBS) ― There is a silver lining to the hard times this year – holiday tourist attractions are on sale. CBS 2's Jim Williams reports families can find discounts on some of the most sought-after family fun.
It's been called the most popular tourist attraction in all of Illinois, but not even Navy Pier can rest on its laurels. It is making a special holiday offer to get more people to visit in this difficult economy.
"Navy Pier has responded to the request of many families to still have a great time but do it with a reasonable budget," said Navy Pier spokesperson Deloris Robinson.
If a family buys at least four premium tickets at $16 each to this year's Winter Wonderfest, parking at the normally pricey garage will be free.
While the big attractions like the IMAX Theatre are always popular, Navy Pier is also made up of lots of small businesses. They need big crowds passing through just to survive.
Business is down at the small shops, according to their owners. Free parking will help.
"Every dollar they don't spend on parking, they spend in the mall," Bill Pack of the Magic Masters shop said.
At the Museum of Science and Industry, where the annual Christmas Around The World exhibit is a holiday tradition, visitors can get a free adult ticket when they buy one, through December 11.
"Enjoying and learning with your family, as opposed to a shopping mall where you might have the funds or the means to spend money there," said the museum's Anne Rashford.
Even the tony Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago is offering discounts, including credits for its luxurious rooms and spa treatments. Visitors paying for two nights there will get the third night free.
"It's a great way to extend your holiday vacation here in Chicago, experience all the wonderful festive sites that the city has to offer," said Terri Hickey of the Four Seasons.
Even with the discounts, high-end hotels will still run more than $300, but that just goes to show a wide range of Chicago institutions is thinking the same way, offering deals at a time when many people are counting every dollar.
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