Educational Places and Activities in Chicago
A Learning Experience
This city is home to some of the most recognized landmarks and historical attractions in the United States. And, the city is also home to some of the most interesting museums in the world, too. Chicago is rife with history, and it is a must-see destination for adults and children alike who are looking to educate, enlighten, and inspire themselves with the world-class museums and culture that Chicago has to offer.Adler Planetarium
1300 South Lake Shore Drive, South Loop, Chicago, Illinois, 60605
Shedd Aquarium
1200 South Lake Shore Drive, South Loop, Chicago, Illinois, 60605
Planning a trip to Chicago? You might also be interested in Christmas in Chicago and Explore the Asian Culture in Chicago.
The Field Museum of Natural History
1400 South Lake Shore Drive, South Loop, Chicago, Illinois, 60605
International Museum of Surgical Science
This unique museum is run by The International College of Surgeons and has a number of interesting exhibits including photographs, sculptures, medical equipment, skeletons, medical specimens, and a library with more than 5,000 rare medical texts.
1524 North Lake Shore Drive, Gold Coast, Chicago, Illinois, 60611
National Museum of Mexican Art
The National Museum of Mexican Art highlights Mexican, Latino, and Chicano art and culture. This is the only Latino museum that's accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
1852 West 19th Street, Pilsen, Chicago, Illinois, 60608
Ukrainian National Museum
Located in the historical Ukrainian Village neighborhood, this museum houses a number of Ukrainian artifacts, artwork, musical instruments, and folk costumes.
2241 West Superior Street, Ukrainian Village, Chicago, Illinois, 60612
Pilsen
The Pilsen neighborhood is in the Lower West Side of Chicago and it was historically made up of predominantly Czech immigrants but today it has a large Latino population, lots of great music venues, and a number of a great restaurants. The neighborhood also has impressive murals. There are street vendors who sell tacos as well as the National Museum of Mexican Art.
1235 West 21st Street, Lower West Side, Chicago, Illinois, 60608
Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue, Loop, Chicago, Illinois, 60604
Interested in more travel advice for Chicago? Check out The Best Local Sites in Chicago and The Best Things to do in Chicago.
Greektown
Head to Greektown for a lively nightlife scene and excellent restaurants. It's part of the Near West Side community area and this unique neighborhood brings locals and tourists together in a fun setting.
Greektown, Chicago, Illinois, 60607
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Money Museum
This free museum will teach you all about money. You can keep your hard earned cash while you learn all about historical currencies, how the Federal Reserve works, and more. It's a fascinating and unique museum for anybody with or without money.
230 S LaSalle St., Loop, Chicago, IL, 60604
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S Lake Shore Dr., Hyde Park, Chicago, IL, 60637
Fox River Trolley Museum
This railroad museum is located in South Elgin, and it has a special focus on trolleys, street cars, and other commuter trains. Visitors can board and see a variety of historic trolley and passenger trains from various periods in history. It's also possible to take a ride on their tracks in one of the historic trains. With seasonal events throughout the year and during the holidays, this is a fun place to visit for the while family.
365 S La Fox St, South Elgin, Illinois
Chicago History Museum
This fascinating museum has exhibits that educate visitors on the history of the city and it's unique personality. With information on everything from Abraham Lincoln to Chicago-style hot dogs, this museum offers a bit of insight into how Chicago became Chicago. There are old photographs, vintage vehicles, and plenty to explore.
1601 N Clark St., Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL, 60614
Dearborn Observatory
Located at Northwestern University, the Dearborn Observatory has an 18.5 ft. telescope which allows visitors to gaze at the night sky like never before. They often have public nights on Friday evenings which are open to the public.
2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois, 60208
If you're looking for more information about Chicago, read A Train Lover's Guide to Chicago and An Art Lover's Guide to Chicago.
Chicago Children’s Museum
The Chicago Children's Museum is a world class kid's museum located at Navy Pier. With a Tinkering Lab, WaterWay playground, and the Treehouse Trails, kids can play, build, explore and immerse themselves in a world of imagination. These exhibits are perfect for young kids whose imagination guides their play, and exploration is how they learn.
700 E Grand Ave, Streeterville, Chicago, IL, 60611
American Writers Museum
180 North Michigan Ave, Loop, Chicago, IL, 60601
Great Lakes Aquarium
The Great Lakes Aquarium is about 2.5 hours from Chicago and it features a number of habitats and animals from around the world. There are 205 different species of fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. This is also one of the few aquariums in the country that focuses almost exclusively on freshwater ecosystems. Many of the habitats are based on those found in the Great Lakes.
353 Harbor Dr #100, Duluth, MN, 55802
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark St, Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL, 60614
Bronzeville Children’s Museum
Bronzeville Children’s Museum is the first African American children’s museum in the United States. This unique museum takes visitors on a guided tour through a number of hands-on, interactive exhibits. There are a variety of kid-friendly exhibits including "You Are What You Eat", and the African American Inventors tour. This museum is great for kids between the ages of 3 and 9.
9301 S Stony Island Ave, Bronzeville, Chicago, IL, 60617
Chicago Architecture Center
Located in the impressive Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s skyscraper at One Illinois Center, this museum has exhibits on the many skyscrapers of Chicago. Located right by the Chicago Riverwalk, they offer a number of walking, bus and boat tours as well.
111 E Wacker Dr,, South Shore, Chicago, IL, 60601
If you're looking for more information about Chicago, read How to Spend One Day in Chicago and Planetariums Near Chicago.
Herbert Trackman Planetarium, Joliet
Located at Joliet Junior College in the western suburbs of Chicago, this planetarium puts on shows in their 30 ft. dome which educate and entertain the public about all things astronomical. Students, school groups, and the general public attend the shows which are scheduled throughout the year.
1215 Houbolt Road, F-Building, Joliet, Illinois, 60431
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum offers educational exhibits on the natural world. There are exhibits that cover a number of habitats including the prairies and river ecosystems. There's also an outdoor nature trail (1/3 mile) and a butterfly room.
2430 N Cannon Dr, Lincoln Park, Chicago, 60614
U-46 Planetarium, Elgin
The U-46 Planetarium is run by the Elgin public school system. Operating since 1963, the building is actually registered as a historic place which still provides educational and entertaining astronomy shows to local students and the general public.
355 E Chicago St, Elgin, Illinois, 60120
Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield Zoo, or the Chicago Zoological Park, is located just outside of Chicago in the suburb of Brookfield. It has about 450 species and 216 acres of land. This was the first zoo in the country to house both Giant Pandas and an indoor dolphin exhibit. There's also a unique indoor rainforest simulation.
8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL, 60513
How much does it cost?
Prices for activities, things to do, and tours range from $34 to $133. The average cost for a tour or tickets is $53. A few of the best options are below.
Where to Stay in Chicago
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Interested in more travel advice for Chicago? Check out The Best Art Museums in Chicago and The Best Children's Museums in Chicago.
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