By Cate Rushton
Whether your students are in preschool or high school, there are many field trip possibilities in the city of
Chicago. You can visit Sue the T-rex or Monet's water lilies. No matter where you go, fun and educational opportunities abound.
When taking children of any age to these or other field trip destinations, make sure to call ahead and check on requirements and reservations for school groups. Some venues offer special rates (sometimes free) or will have specific time frames for tours. Also, check the website before you go-- many of these field trip hotspots offer great educational materials that you can download before climbing into the bus.
Adler Planetarium
The planetarium was founded in 1930 by Max Adler and has been offering educational and research opportunities for kids and adults of all ages ever since.
There are many exhibits to see here and new ones come to town often. Check out the permanent exhibits, as well. They include CyberSpace, an interactive exhibit that uses computers; Milky Way Galaxy, where you can take a 3D tour; Our Solar System, a huge space mobile and an opportunity to drive a rover on Mars; a history of cosmology at From The Night Sky To The Big Bang; Shoot For The Moon, where you can check out the Gemini 12 spacecraft; Space Visualization Laboratory, your window to ongoing laboratory work with space scientists; and Universe In Your Hands, a look at medieval views of the Universe.
Enjoy a star show in one of their theaters: Universe Theater, Definiti Space Theater or Sky Theater. Showings vary; some are in 3D.
1300 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
312-922-STAR
Field Museum of Natural History
Located near the Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum of Natural History is a one-of-a kind experience. The museum, built in 1893, was founded with the intent to offer "accumulation and dissemination of knowledge, and the preservation and exhibition of objects illustrating art, archaeology, science and history," according to its website. Today it is obvious that these lofty goals are met with the museum's extensive collections of artifacts from many cultures all over the world.
You can visit animals of all kinds in various permanent exhibits. From Bird Habitats, to The Lions of Tsavo, to Mammals of Africa and many more; there's something for everyone. And, don't forget the museum's most famous resident: Sue, the largest, most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton on display anywhere in the world.
Check out the working Fossil Laboratory where you can watch fossils emerge right in front of your eyes.
Learn about various cultures, including Ancient Egypt, Eskimos, Africa, and the Pawnee Native American tribe, just to name a few.
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605-2496
(312) 922-9410
Chicago Children's Museum
The children's museum is a great field trip for little ones. Its many interactive exhibits are geared toward children ages one through 10. This museum playground is designed to provide learning opportunities through play. Visit this museum any day of the week and you'll find kids begging their parents for, "just five more minutes!"
Kids Town is one of the most popular spots in the museum. It's designed for kids 5 and under and offers tons of play in the little neighborhood that includes a grocery store, bus and auto shop.
At WaterWays you might find the adults having just as much fun as the kids. Grab a slicker and play in the huge "river" where you can build a dam, navigate boats and learn about the power of water with water wheels, pumps and pipes. You might want to save this exhibit for last; even with the slicker, you're bound to get pretty wet.
Treehouse Trails is a step into nature where you can climb a tree, ride in a canoe, or catch a fish. This huge treehouse also offers a little garden and a log cabin.
My Museum allows you to make your mark, at least temporarily. Here, you can have your photo taken in the photo booth and add it to the museum's collage. You can also make and display your artwork for everyone to enjoy.
These are just a few of the permanent exhibits in the three-story museum. There are many others, and also temporary exhibits that will intrigue and educate your little ones.
700 E. Grand Avenue, #127
Chicago, IL 60611
(312)527-1000
John G. Shedd Aquarium
Completed in 1930, the John G. Shedd Aquarium houses a diverse array of marine creatures - over 32,500 of them! You can check out various species of sharks, eels, turtles, rays, sea otters, tons of fish in all sizes, colors and temperments and many other animals.
The Wild Reef features over 500 species of sharks, and they're swimming in front of you and even above you! A safe, entertaining and educational way to get up close and personal with sharks.
Oceanarium Reimagined showcases Beluga whales, dolphins, sea otters and sea lions. Oh - and tons of fish!
At Caribbean Reef you can watch while a diver feeds some of the animals, and answers your questions - all while inside the tank! Check with the museum for feeding times - you don't want to miss it!
Waters of the World takes you to 90 different spots and shows you the habitats and inhabitants of each.
Check out the Amazon and its array of (sometimes deadly) creatures. This exhibit includes piranahs, crocs and spiders, as well as anacondas.
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
312-939-2438
Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute was founded as an art school and a museum in 1879, just eight years after the great Chicago fire. Now, the museum displays over 5,000 works of art in all genres, exposing kids to the wonder and beauty of artistic expression.
The museum's collections include pieces from all over the world, both past and present. Offerings include African Art, Ancient Greek Art, Indian, European, American and Asian art, and many other cultural offerings. Every medium is available for perusal including painting, sculpture, photography, jewelry, and textiles.
The museum, whose mission includes education, offers special student tours.
111 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60603-6404
(312) 443-3600
Resources
About the Author:
Cate Rushton has been a freelance writer since 1999, specializing in wildlife and outdoor activities. Her published works also cover relationships, gardening and travel on various websites. Rushton holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Utah.
