Field trips are the perfect way to provide learning experiences for students and many opportunities are available in Northern Illinois. The country's third-largest city, Chicago is in the northeast corner of the state and is home to some of the world's finest educational museums, aquariums and exhibits. Many of the facilities are open year-round, accept large groups and can accommodate specific learning plans for classes.
From young children to adults, there is something to learn for everyone visiting the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. The largest science museum in the Western hemisphere, the facility offers live experiences and events to showcase subjects like biology, chemistry, geology, physics and space exploration. Open every day of the year except Christmas, the museum has 14 acres full of exhibits, theaters and hands-on learning areas. The museum is on the shore of Lake Michigan and is easily accessible for travelers from around the country. Reservations are available for field trips.
Museum of Science and Industry
57th Street and Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637
773-684-1414
msichicago.org
A common educational field trip destination in Chicago, Shedd Aquarium provides students from kindergarten through seniors in high school an opportunity to experience hands-on programs within the aquatic realm. Programs focus on topics like animal behavior, ecosystems and anatomy. Live exhibits include examples of rivers, lakes and ocean life, including special areas focusing on the Amazon River, Caribbean Reef, Indo-Pacific reef and the Pacific Northwest coast. Located adjacent to Adler Planetarium and Soldier Field, home of the NFL's Chicago Bears, the aquarium sits along Lake Michigan. Reservations are available for field trips.
John G. Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
312-939-2438
sheddaquarium.org
Noted for its high quality of educational programming, the Burpee Museum of Natural History offers students of all ages a look into the evolution of animals throughout the history of the planet. Tours provide students a hands-on experience with scientific processes dealing with fossils, biology, ecosystems and geology. Workshops, exhibits and attractions like the museum's interactive dinosaur experience are also favorite learning experiences. The museum is in Rockford, Illinois, approximately an hour from Chicago's O'Hare Airport and about 40 minutes from the Illinois-Wisconsin border. Reservations are available for field trips.
Burpee Museum of Natural History
737 North Main Street
Rockford, IL 61103
815-965-3433
burpee.org
