2023-04-24 11:47:30
From thrilling attractions to hands-on workshops and thought-provoking museums, Chicago is filled with exciting and educational experiences for student and youth groups CHICAGO STORIES Take students on a guided Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) walking tour of city skyscrapers and architectural gems. Then, book an age-specific workshop at the riverside CAC for hands-on learning involving building design, urban planning, and community development. Check out the interactive exhibits at the new lower-level museum at Skydeck Chicago in the Willis Tower. Illustrating Chicago history with a fun twist, students will learn about the city’s milestones, architecture, traditions, and culture. Then, head up to the 103rd floor, where youths will love stepping out onto The Ledge, a glass balcony extending over the edge of the building. Take in more sky-high views from the 94th-floor observation deck at 360 CHICAGO (in the former John Hancock Center), where you’ll get a downward-facing view of Michigan Avenue on the TILT thrill ride. Peek into the past at the Chicago History Museum, where groups can explore local stories through exhibits and workshops with themes such as the Great Chicago Fire and the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. At the Pullman National Historical Park, an 1800s planned industrial community for workers of the Pullman railcar company, pick up activity booklets at the Visitor Information Center. Students who complete the free Pullman Junior Ranger program while visiting receive an official badge. THEATRE & MUSIC See a performance presented by Broadway In Chicago, which offers discounted tickets, study guides, and post-show sessions with cast members to ensure an interactive and educational theatre experience. At Chicago Shakespeare Theater on the lakefront Navy Pier, plays come to life on three stages, including The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, a venue that accommodates a range of group sizes and types of shows. Specially priced student matinees include midday, full-length productions, and abridged performances. For a good laugh, visit The Second City, which offers an age-appropriate version of its unscripted, interactive impro show with special performances geared toward youths ages 5 – 12. Introduce students to musical classics at Chicago’s world-class venues. Start 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. High schoolers can attend Education Open Rehearsals, a practice run of that week’s scheduled performance, paired with a post-show session with the conductor, orchestra members, or guest performers. At the Lyric Opera of Chicago, arrange for Student Backstage Tours of the opera house from October through May, as well as discounted show tickets. MUSEUM MUST-DO’S NATURE/SCIENCE/HISTORY The Loop’s 57-acre Museum Campus features three world-class museums. The Field Museum is home to Egyptian mummies, SUE (the most complete T. rex ever discovered), and more natural history wonders. At the Shedd Aquarium, see playful penguins, friendly beluga whales, and underwater creatures from around the world. In the Adler Planetarium, students will learn about space missions and watch wow-worthy 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 in exciting ways, while the interactive Learning Labs offer hands-on science lessons made specifically for students. On the nearby University of Chicago campus, join a workshop about ancient Middle Eastern treasures housed in the Oriental Institute Museum, or take a guided tour of thought-provoking works at the Smart Museum of Art. Also in Hyde Park is The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, where students learn about African American art and culture through special programs and activities. At the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, students can explore animal habitats, nature-inspired artwork, and outdoor walking trails. Its Sustainability Center features interactive exhibits that offer useful steps to help save the environment. Enter the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, a 2,700-square-foot tropical greenhouse, and be surrounded by more than 1,000 free-flying butterflies. For grades 6 – 12, make a reservation (admission is free) at 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. See chilling collections at the Medieval Torture Museum in the Loop. Visitors are transported back in time hundreds of years to one of the darkest periods in human history with recreations of torture chambers from the Middle Ages. This intense attraction is recommended for older students. All ages will enjoy the Museum of Illusions Chicago, a visual and sensory experience where images and art installations encourage students to question their perceptions. Playful people are the guests of honor at Sloomoo Institute, where everyone is encouraged to join in the hands-on, sensory activities. Your group can make their own slime from a selection of colors, textures, and scents that include various fruits, flowers, and desserts. Eat as many ice cream treats as you can at the Museum of Ice Cream. Find out how ice cream is made and play ice cream-themed games. Group bookings are available. ART/CULTURE At the Art Institute of Chicago, arrange a private tour or design your own self-guided tour to discover everything from ancient Roman sculpture to international contemporary art and one of the world’s largest collections of 19th-century French art. Download the free mobile app for an interactive map and audio tours. For a look at modern visual art, the Museum of Contemporary Art offers private tours for grades K – 12, helping youths understand art and its context. Instill a love of literature at the American Writers Museum with a private group tour, along with exhibits and activities in the Children’s Literary Gallery. Learn about famous authors and books, writing styles, and the creative process. Step into a fantasy world at the WNDR Museum, a continually changing immersive art and technology experience that’s also a great opportunity for group selfies. On the lower level of Willis Tower, students will delight in the rainbow hues at the Color Factory Chicago, where creative collaborators have designed art installations and immersive experiences with the aim to inspire joy in life. For even more ideas, go to choosechicago.com/students. TOP PARADES CHICAGO ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE In March, see the Chicago River dyed emerald green — one of the world’s most famous St. Patrick’s Day traditions — then watch spirited Irish dancers and bagpipers march the parade route through the Loop. MEMORIAL DAY PARADE Each May, Chicago honors the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice defending the U.S. A wreath laying ceremony in Daley Plaza is followed by a parade of floats and marching bands along State Street. BUD BILLIKEN PARADE A tradition created in 1929, the Bud Billiken Parade is the largest African American parade in the U.S. Bands, floats, and student performers entertain each August along two miles of Martin Luther King Drive. CHICAGO THANKSGIVING PARADE Start the holiday season in November on historic State Street with a Thanksgiving Day morning parade of helium balloon characters, marching bands, floats, celebrities, and more. THE MAGNIFICENT MILE LIGHTS FESTIVAL The highlight of this beloved November holiday event is a dazzling evening parade led by Mickey Mouse, who magically lights the trees along North Michigan Avenue.
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