Best Museums in Chicago for Families
The Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum of Natural History, Elmhurst History Museum, and Chicago Children’s Theater are among the best museums in Chicago for families. But there are so many other places to go that it can be hard to choose just one. If you’re unsure of what to do, read on for a list of things to do in the Windy City. Listed below are a few of the best museums in Chicago, and what you should do while you’re there.
Shedd Aquarium
If you’re looking for a fun family outing, consider the Shedd Aquarium. With thousands of aquatic animals and diverse habitats, this museum is one of Chicago’s top attractions. You can enjoy free entry to the aquarium, as well as four-D experiences and educational programs. You can also purchase All-Inclusive passes that include the aquarium and many other top Chicago attractions.
The Shedd Aquarium is a Chicago attraction that draws thousands of visitors each year. The lower level makes it easier for guests with limited mobility. There are gentle ramps for guests with limited mobility and an app that explains the different exhibits to children. For families with children with autism or sensory processing disorders, the Aquarium has a Sensory Friendly section for those with special needs. The museum has a variety of accessible, family-friendly experiences for children, including a museum sleepover.
The Shedd Aquarium is open every day between 9am and 6pm. In winter, it closes at 5pm. On weekends, the aquarium opens late. Visit the aquarium on a weekday, or check the daily calendar to find out which days are the best for you. The aquarium offers a variety of ticket schemes, including discounts for families and groups of multiple visitors. In addition to free entry, the Aquarium offers a 4-D experience for only $4.95 USD (a savings of two dollars) for regular members and those with family members.
If you are looking for a family-friendly outing in Chicago, you’ll want to visit the Shedd Aquarium. The aquarium opened its doors to the public on May 30, 1930. It was a gift from philanthropist John G. Shedd, a retail magnate who had previously benefited from the nearby Field Museum. Sadly, John G. Shedd died in 1930 before seeing the first designs, so his widow cut the ribbon at the grand opening ceremony. The Shedd Aquarium originally held five million gallons of water.
Field Museum of Natural History
The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago is one of the top museums in the world, with more than 40 million artifacts in its collection. Discover the life of dinosaurs, gemstones, and the largest Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered. Explore over four billion years of life on Earth through fascinating exhibits and interactive programs, and learn about conservation efforts in the world. You can also meet a docent who will answer your questions and give you a guided tour of the museum.
The Field Museum opened in 1894, and its collection covers more than 4.6 billion years of history. Exhibits range from ancient Egypt to Qing Dynasty China. There are even some dinosaurs on display, including the famed SUE the T.rex. The Hall of Jades features over 350 objects, including ancient Chinese jade carvings and Buddhist sculptures. You can even get up close to the famous Chicago bear, which adorns the museum’s north entrance.
The Field Museum was originally called the Columbian Museum of Chicago, and it opened in 1893. The original plan for the museum was to provide a permanent home for the specimens collected during the world’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. Organizer Frederic Ward Putnam provided a million-dollar check to fund the project. The Field Museum is considered one of the world’s top natural history museums. It is now ranked alongside the Smithsonian in Washington and the American Museum in New York.
The Field Museum is also famous for its conservation work. Its work continues to contribute to the advancement of science and the museum itself. Carl Akeley was a member of the staff and is responsible for developing methods of taxidermy. The research that he conducted is available to the public through its research library. The museum is currently involved in the creation of The Encyclopedia of Life, an online database of life. It will feature articles from experts in all these fields.
Elmhurst History Museum
The Elmhurst History Museum is an award-winning regional history museum that engages its community in its heritage. Located in the historic Glos Mansion, the museum presents changing exhibits and offers school programs and special community events. Its permanent collection includes more than 15,000 three-dimensional artifacts. A changing History Spotlight highlights a unique story of the community, such as the Glos family.
The museum celebrates the history of trolley transportation in America. Over 30 locomotives and carriages are on display, and staff members are happy to answer questions. If you’re traveling by train, you can also ride a trolley on a four-mile heritage railway. For the whole family, the museum is a great destination for a day or two! In addition, it offers picnic areas and holiday train tours.
Located in the Near North Side, the museum’s permanent collection is impressive. Among its many exhibits are a rare Chickering and Sons grand piano. Other notable items include architectural drawings and the museum’s exquisite mansion. A visit to the museum will make your Chicago vacation one to remember. The museum is closed on Mondays and Sundays, so plan your trip accordingly.
Another Chicago museum with a great collection of artifacts is the National Veterans Art Museum. This museum showcases the art created by veterans throughout history. Its collection spans from World War I to the Vietnam War and is located in Ukrainian Village. Its goal is to help visitors understand the different military engagements and their history. Over 2,500 pieces of art by more than 250 artists and creators can be found here, including comics created by veterans.
Chicago Children’s Museum
If you want to take your kids on an educational outing, a visit to the Chicago Children’s Museum is a great option. Its mission is to improve children’s lives by creating a learning environment where fun and learning come together. With three floors of exhibits, 13 permanent experiences, two to three new temporary exhibits each year, and daily programs for kids and families, the museum serves an eclectic audience. You’ll never want to miss a day at the Children’s Museum, thanks to its many events and programs for kids.
Located on Navy Pier, the Chicago Children’s Museum is a fantastic choice for families with children of all ages. The museum features amazing kids exhibits, including dinosaur bones, a babies-only play area, and a famous cloud-buster climbing structure. The museum has 15 different permanent exhibits, and daily art classes for children are free of charge. It is recommended that you bring along a sack lunch because the children’s museum has a large café.
With hands-on activities and a three-story climbing structure, children and adults can get creative in the Tinkering Lab. Guests can build boats, balance balls on water jets, and even pretend to be a chef or veterinarian. This museum is expanding to include a three-story climbing experience and energy exhibit. It also offers a teaching kitchen and art studio. The museum has several family-friendly events, including a scavenger hunt and holiday parties.
Visiting the Children’s Museum on a weekend is a great option if you’re looking for affordable family entertainment. The Museum is typically less crowded on weekends, but you may want to consider going on a weekday if possible. Also, be aware that the museum offers discounts for members. If you’re a parent looking for an affordable family outing, the Museum also offers discounts on parking. You can also take advantage of a free day.
Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago has a collection of more than 3,500 works spanning eight centuries. This collection includes a rare group of 15th-century paintings, masterpieces of European sculpture, and an important display of 17th and 18th-century works. Notable highlights of this collection include 33 works by Claude Monet and several high-class works by Cezanne and Toulouse-Lautrec. The collection is constantly evolving, and it continues to expand its scope and impact.
Originally, the museum was housed in two buildings. The current east and west buildings were connected by a skyway. The gallery space on the lower level used to be Gunsaulus Hall. Today, the space is home to the Alsdorf Galleries, which highlight Indian, Southeast Asian, and Himalayan art. This addition was designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano and incorporates the same window screening as the new Modern Wing.
In 1893, the city of Chicago held the World Columbian Exposition. The purpose of the fair was to showcase the rebuilt city. The Art Institute moved to a new location, known as “World’s Congresses” hall, which was designed by Shepley, Rutan, and Coolidge. The building’s exterior is distinguished by two bronze lions, one for each of the four major world religions.
The art institute’s collection includes European decorative arts, as well as American and Asian works. Its collection includes nearly 25,000 works, representing over five thousand years of artistic expression. In addition to its collection of paintings and sculptures, the Institute also has a comprehensive collection of decorative arts, including porcelain, ivory, porcelain, and works on paper. A large section of the Art Institute features the famous Arthur Rubloff Paperweight Collection, which features 1,544 pieces.