STUDENT & YOUTH ACTIVITIES From thrilling attractions to hands-on workshops and thought-provoking museums, Chicago is filled with exciting and educational experiences for student and youth groups. TILT at 360 CHICAGO 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. 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. MUSEUM MUST-DO’S 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 improv 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 Shedd Aquarium 14 choosechicago.com/tools ABEL ARCINIEGA (ALL PHOTOS)
Chicago Travel Professionals Guide 2023: Page 14
