Educational Excursions near Chicago, IL

You Are Here:   Home > Automatic Appliance Parts Blog > Educational Excursions near Chicago, IL

*** Please be aware that Norridge is the only shipping facility. Inventory on-hand at all other branches is unavailable for immediate shipment. ***
 

It is important to help young minds grow, develop, and absorb new information and skills, even during the summer. Some of the best learning happens outside of the traditional school environment. So, as you make your summer plans, try to include quality bonding experiences for you and your loved ones. Keep in mind that we forge the strongest bonds and lasting memories while participating in new experiences. Read on to learn about our list of educational excursions near Chicago, Illinois.

Field Museum

The Field Museum is a testament to the beautiful natural wonders of the earth. It serves as the central location to Museum Campus where you'll also gain access to Shedd Aquarium. The Field Museum is a great place to visit with the budding paleontologist in your life. As part of its central mission to understand, protect, and celebrate nature and culture, the museum has a vast collection of dinosaur skeletons and rare gems to display.

One of the current exhibits you can expect to see when you visit is the Cyrus Tang Hall of China. This highly informative and colorful exhibit invites visitors to challenge their current ideas about China and learn about a rich culture and people. There are 350 objects on display from carved stone lions, intricate textiles, and cherished ceramics. View a golden silk robe from the Qing Dynasty or a 19th-century mask depicting Yang Ren, a character who appeared in theatrical performances.

To experience Field Museum visit during their regular business hours, daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They will only admit guests until 4 p.m., so head down early so you have plenty of time to peruse the halls of this wonderful museum. You must check out SUE, their complete T-rex skeleton. Standard adult admission rates begin at $26 and go up to $40 for the All-Access Pass, which includes access to all three exhibits and a 3D movie. Please check their website for updates regarding regulations and mask policy.

Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium serves as a living museum where you can visit with and learn about many species. It is at 1200 Lake Shore Drive in the heart of Chicago with summer hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Explore the world's oceans, lakes, rivers, and reefs in one visit. Learn about beluga whales, bluegills, rockhopper penguins, rockfish, alligators, and an alligator snapping turtle! Adult general admission ranges from $19.95 to $39.95 while children 3-11 years entrance fees are from $14.95 for Chicago residents to $29.95 for general admission visiting youth. Shedd members and children under three get in free.

Make sure to plan ahead and make the most of your visit. You should purchase tickets in advance to avoid lines, easily find the dates you are looking for, and and know what days are sold out. Review your options for an up-close experience with the animals with programs like the Stingray Touch and Stingray Feeding, or the Sea Star Touch and Sturgeon Touch, weather permitting. These guided experiences sell out quickly, and are limited. Check their website for special discount rates and a schedule of free days, where the price of admission is waived for visitors.

Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is downtown Chicago's number one museum for good reason. Aspiring artists, novice photographers, or anyone who is interested, will enjoy a visit to the Art Institute. It is an excellent example of Chicago culture and the city's grandest museum. Flanked by two bronze lions, the museum has become a symbol of Chicago's storied past and a hallmark to the future.

Currently on display you'll find The Obama Portraits. As the couple's first date, it is fitting that the Institute is the first stop on a five-city tour organized by the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. The portraits were created by ground-breaking artists, Wiley and Sherald, the first African-American artists to be commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery. President Obama is fittingly featured with a backdrop of chrysanthemums, Chicago's official flower, while the former first lady is sitting before a light blue background, pensively gazing at the viewer.

Other exhibits to check out while there include Joseph E. Yoakum: What I Saw, Landscape and Light: The Tiffany Window at The Art Institute of Chicago, and Jo Ratcliffe: DRIVES. They are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays and open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays. After you leave, take a stroll through Millennium Park next door for the perfect Chicago experience.

Chicago History Museum

At the Chicago History Museum you'll see the tapestry of Chicago's history unfold before your eyes. Founded in 1856, it is the city's oldest cultural institution. The museum brings Chicago's history to life using over 22 million artifacts and exhibits that have been carefully curated and preserved. There are also several interactive programming options with family adventures and afternoon dates so families can experience and learn together while making long-lasting memories. They offer several exhibits that celebrate Chicago's struggles and triumphs.

Check out City on Fire: Chicago 1897, Chicago: Crossroads of America, and Millions of Moments: The Chicago Sun-Times Photo Collection. These exhibits tell the story of Chicago's past in a unique and compelling way through pictures, first-hand accounts, and various other artifacts. The museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. General admission is $17 for senior citizens and students. Adults are $19. For Illinois children under 18 years, admission is free. Buy tickets online to avoid long lines.

Museum of Science and Industry

For future scientists and engineers, the Museum of Science and Industry is a must-visit destination. Exhibits cover a range of topics and offer a little something for everyone.

You'll interesting exhibits such as Marvel: Universe of Superheroes. This exhibition celebrates the Marvel Universe with over 300 artifacts from original artwork, interactive displays, and costumes and props from some of Marvel's most celebrated feature films. Get an up-close opportunity to examine some set-worn costumes, such as the Black Panther suit. Use the opportunity to snap a selfie with life-size models of Black Panther, Spiderman, or Ms. Marvel. Wear your favorite Marvel gear to get the perfect profile picture for your social media.

Automatic Appliance Parts Corporation has just shared our list of worthwhile educational excursions near Chicago. Let us know if we missed your favorite spot so we can add your suggestions to our list. Contact us for your appliance needs.