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To ensure the well-being of guests, many museums have health and safety practices in place. Group planners should check in advance with individual attractions for policies and protocols. From top attractions to hands-on workshops, Chicago is filled with exciting and educational experiences for all ages. CHICAGO STORIES Bring students on a guided walking tour of Chicago’s iconic skyscrapers and architectural gems with the Chicago Architecture Center, and book an age-specific workshop for hands-on learning based on building design, urban planning, and community development. Then, take in sky-high views of the cityscape from the observation deck at 360 CHICAGO, located on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Center, and get a downward-facing view from the exciting TILT thrill ride. Go even higher — to the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower — at Skydeck Chicago, where youths will love stepping out onto The Ledge, a glass balcony extending over the edge of the building. Peek into the past with a trip to the Chicago History Museum, where youth groups can explore local stories through exhibits and in-depth workshops with themes such as the Great Chicago Fire and the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. At the Pullman National Monument — an 1800s planned industrial community and Chicago’s only national park — join a scheduled ranger tour and pick up activity-based booklets at the Visitor Information Center so students can complete the free Pullman Junior Ranger program (30–60 minutes) and receive an official badge. THEATRE & MUSIC Introduce your group to orchestral masterpieces and operatic wonders at world-class venues, starting with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Center, which offers discounted tickets and several performance options. For grades K–8, CSO School Concerts feature the full orchestra in Orchestra Hall, with performances geared to specific age ranges. High school students can attend Education Open Rehearsals, a 2.5-hour practice run of that week’s scheduled performance, paired with a post-show Q&A session with the conductor, orchestra members, or guest performers. Meanwhile, the Lyric Opera of Chicago offers Student Backstage Tours of the opera house from October through May, as well as discounted show tickets. Bring your group to watch a memorable musical production with Broadway in Chicago, where discounted tickets, study guides, and post-show Q&A sessions with cast members ensure an interactive and educational experience. At Chicago Shakespeare Theater on the lakefront Navy Pier, the Bard’s iconic plays come to life on three stages, including The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, an innovative venue that seamlessly shifts to accommodate a range of group sizes and types of shows. Specially priced student matinees include midday, full-length productions and abridged performances. For a rollicking good time, don’t miss a performance by The Second City, which offers an age-appropriate version of its unscripted, interactive improv show with special performances geared toward youths ages 5–12. MUSEUM MUST-DO’S Nature/Science/History Nestled on the shore of Lake Michigan, the 57-acre Museum Campus is home to three world-class museums: the Field Museum, where ancient Egyptian mummies, Máximo the Titanosaur (the largest dinosaur ever discovered), SUE the T. rex, and hundreds of precious gemstones are on display; the Shedd Aquarium, home to playful penguins, eye-catching jellyfish, friendly beluga whales, and underwater creatures from around the world; and the Adler Planetarium, where students can learn about space missions and watch immersive sky shows in two domed theatres. At the Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park, more than 800 exhibits introduce science, technology, engineering, and math topics in exciting ways, while the interactive Learning Labs put analytical skills to the test through hands-on science lessons made specifically for students. On the nearby University of Chicago campus, join a workshop that delves into the ancient Middle Eastern treasures housed in the Oriental Institute Museum, or take a guided tour of the thought-provoking works on show at the Smart Museum of Art. Also in Hyde Park is the DuSable Museum of African American History, where students learn about African American art and culture through special programs and activities. Immerse your group in the natural world at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, where students can explore larger-than-life animal habitats, nature-inspired artwork, outdoor walking trails, and the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, a 2,700-square-foot tropical greenhouse filled with more than 1,000 free-flying butterflies. For grades 6–12, make a reservation (admission is free) to the Money Museum to learn about the Federal Reserve System, interest rates, circulation, and counterfeit currency. Everyone will go home with a free souvenir — a bag of shredded money. Art/Culture At the Art Institute of Chicago, arrange a private docent-led tour or design your own self-guided tour to explore everything from ancient Roman sculpture to international contemporary art, as well as one of the world’s largest collections of 19th-century French art. Download the free mobile app for a location-aware interactive map and audio tours in four languages. For modern visual art, the Museum of Contemporary Art offers private tours for grades K–12, helping youths understand contemporary art and its context. At the wndr museum, a continually changing immersive art and technology art museum, step into a fantasy world through awe-inspiring experiences. Instill a love of literature at the American Writers Museum with a private group tour and exhibits and activities in the Children’s Literary Gallery. You’ll learn about famous authors and books, writing styles, and the creative process. For even more ideas, go to choosechicago.com/students.
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