The Oriental Institute is a sometimes-overlooked treasure with an amazing collection of artifacts from ancient cultures. It’s closed on holidays. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5 for adults. It hosts a number of special exhibits and events throughout the year, including a film each Sunday afternoon and the current special exhibit.
Save money at five of Chicago’s most popular destinations! Chicago CityPASS is a booklet of admission tickets to 5 must-see tourist attractions in Chicago. You’ll save 53% compared to regular box office prices. You’ll also save time with easy access at most attractions, no waiting in lines! Once you have your CityPASS booklet, skip the line and head straight for the entrance. Visit the attractions in any order you choose. Booklets are good for nine consecutive days. Purchase at any Chicago attraction or at http://www.citypass.com/chicago. Passes good for Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck at Willis Tower, The Field Museum, your choice of either Museum of Science & Industry or 360 Chicago, and your choice of wither the Adler Planetarium or Art Institute.
Chicago’s premier Hop On Hop Off ® city sightseeing tours with 13 stops in our classic red & green Trolleys and fun-filled Double Decker buses. They also offer private group transportation for special events such as weddings, parties, and corporate outings.
Stops:
Skydeck Chicago
Michigan Avenue Bridge
Art Institute / Millennium Park
Hilton Chicago / Grant Park
Adler Planetarium
Field Museum / Shedd Aquarium
Maggie Daley Park / Millennium Park
Sheraton Grand Hotel
Navy Pier
The Magnificent Mile
Water Tower
360 Chicago at John Hancock Center
Hard Rock / River North
The Grainger Sky Theatre is fabulous, and exhibits include the kid-friendly “Planet Explorers” and much more! Check out the Adler’s 3-D movies as well.
Celebrating American writers, their works, and influence on the history of the United States with innovative and dynamic state-of-the-art exhibitions, events, and compelling programming.
There’s always something going on here, whether it’s a new exhibition or a fun event. Note that the museum offers Target Free Thursday Evenings with free general admission from 5-8 p.m. every Thursday evening. Admission costs are: adults cost $23, Chicago residents with proof pay $18 and students/seniors pay $17. Kids under 14 are free; special exhibitions are now free with the price of admission. Also, check the museum schedule for daily gallery talks on popular artists and exhibits. Tours, social get-togethers, family events, workshops, classes, performances and other related events are also available.
This very important museum focuses on the life, culture and history of black Americans. Year-round, the museum features many activities for kids and adults, including lectures, performances and more. Admission is free on Sundays.
The Field is a fantastic place for families to learn about dinosaurs, ancient cultures, bugs and all sorts of fascinating bits of natural history.
Get a cutting-edge art education at the MCA, one of the largest facilities in the nation devoted to the innovation of modern artists. There’s always something going on, so beat the cold and come on in. The museum offers Target Free Tuesdays all day long every week, and is closed on Mondays.
Learn about science in exciting, interactive ways! General admission costs $18. Don’t miss some of the great permanent exhibits, including the kid-friendly Idea Factory, Earth Revealed, Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle, the U-505 Submarine, “YOU! The Experience,” exploring our health and well-being in a personal and interactive way, and “Science Storms,” which recreates lightning, fire, tornados, avalanches, tsunamis, sunlight and gravity.
This Lincoln Park museum features many activities, including animal feedings, science workshops and butterfly releases, and features a permanent butterfly exhibit with 75 different species from around the world. Come for the fun! Thursdays are “suggested donation” days. Check the daily schedule for walks, family programs and more every single day.
Founded by Colonel J. N. Pritzker, Illinois Army National Guard, the museum and library houses an extensive collection of books and related military history material including thousands of artifacts, maps, letters, and manuscripts.
Click here for a virtual visit http://www.pritzkermilitary.org/visit/virtual-tour/
Home to belugas, dolphins, otters, turtles, fish and much more, the Shedd is a great place to be year-round. Check the daily schedule for Wild Reef dives, Caribbean Reef dives, and special events.General admission costs $8, and does not give you access to the Oceanarium or Wild Reef. A Shedd Pass, which provides admission to those, costs $28.95.
Celebrating the life of Willie Dixon. Tours offered daily.