Museum of Science and Industry

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Museum of Science and Industry

Photo: Knarfol at de.wikipedia · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

🎨 Museum · Chicago

4 hours · $$ · Check website for reservations

age fit
0–1 yr
★ 2.0
1–3 yrs
★ 4.0
3–5 yrs
★ 4.0
5–10 yrs
★ 5.0
  • 🚗
    About 45 min drive
    From Naperville · Parking: Museum underground garage about $22; 10-minute walk from the Metra Electric 55th-56th-57th station; bus 6 / 10
  • 🍼
    Stroller-friendly
    Flat surfaces — bring the stroller
  • 🌳
    Lots of shade
    Rain-OK · Fine on cold days · Handles heat
  • ⏱️
    Typical visit: 4 hours
    Best seasons: Winter · Fall · Spring · Summer

A palace left from the 1893 World's Fair and one of the largest science museums in the country: climb down into the real U-505 submarine, take the elevator into the coal mine, see the tornado in Science Storms and the giant Chicago railroad model, and let kids under 10 loose in the Idea Factory's water and block play area.

💡 Tips
Admission is about $26/adult, $15/child (check the website); the submarine, coal mine, and other experiences cost extra, and Illinois residents get free days. Pick up a timed ticket for the Idea Factory at the entrance. Christmas Around the World, with dozens of decorated trees, runs November to January and is well worth it.

What this place offers

✓science museum
✓submarine
✓coal mine
✓toddler area
✓model trains
✓huge
✓restrooms

Featured in these guides

This weekend's weather in Chicago

Forecast at the destination itself (coast and hills often differ from home)

☀️
Sat 10/17
Sunny · 36–58°F · 5% rain
☀️
Sun 10/18
Sunny · 48–63°F · 0% rain

Location

Chicago, Illinois

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