The Beginner’s Guide to Chicago
Adler Planetarium (www.adlerplanetarium.org) Check out countless displays and endless information about the universe. You should also consider watching a show in one of the famous planetarium theaters!
Hours: 9:30am-4:30 pm
Open late the first Friday of every month (subject to a different price)
Admission: Adults- $16.00
Seniors- $15.00
Kids- $14.00
Art Institute of Chicago (www.artic.edu) One of the most popular museums among Chicagoans and tourists alike, the Art Institute seems to offer something for everyone. You might end up spending hours browsing through all of the rooms of art, photographs and special exhibits.
Hours: M-W, F 10:30am-4:30pm
Thurs 10:30am-8:00pm
S & S 10:00am-5:00pm
Admission: Adults- $12.00
Kids, Students, Seniors- $7.00
(Hint: Tuesdays are FREE!)
Chicago Cultural Center (www.chicagoculturalcenter.org) Learn all about different cultural events going around Chicago. Many of the events take place at the Cultural Center, and it is a great start for getting a feel for Chicago. Hear a concert or browse through art exhibits at any of the several events that they can have going on at one time. You can also see the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome in one of the halls. Also located here is a branch of the Chicago Tourism Bureau where you can pick up maps and learn about different tours that are offered through the organization.
Hours: M-Th 10:00am-7:00 pm
F 10:00am-6:00 pm
Sat 10:00am-5:00 pm
Sun 11:00am-5:00pm
Admission: FREE (inquire about different programs)
Field Museum (www.fieldmuseum.org) Come and check out of the world’s greatest natural history museum. Particularly interesting to young and old alike are the displays of real dinosaur bones!
Phone: 312.922.9410
Hours: Everyday 9:00am-5:00pm
Admission: Adults- $19.00
Seniors and Students- $14.00
Kids- $9.00
John Hancock Observatory (www.hancock-observatory.com) The amazing view from this observatory can allow you to see up to four states!
Phone: 888.875. VIEW (8439)
Hours: 9:00am-11:00pm
Admission: Adults- $9.75
Seniors- $7.50
Kids- $6.00
Lincoln Park Zoo (www.lpzoo.com) Wander among the elephants, giraffes and rhinos of Chicago, all for free! If you visit Chicago in the winter, make sure to check out “Zoo Lights,” the amazing display of Chistmas lights throughout the zoo.
Phone: 312.742.2283
Hours (Zoo grounds): 9:00am-6:00pm (7:00pm in summer, 5:00pm in winter)
(Buildings and Farms): 10:00am-5:00pm (6:30 pm in summer, 4:30 pm in winter)
Admission: FREE!
Millenium Park (www.milleniumpark.org) Home to several interesting exhibits, Millenium Park is a great place to explore. Come and see the infamous “Bean” that everyone is talking about! You can find the Millenium Park Welcome Center at: 201 E. Randolph St.
Phone: 312.742.1168
Hours: 6:00am-11:00 pm
Admission: FREE!
Museum of Contemporary Art (www.mcachicago.org) You can never be bored at the MCA Chicago. Come and see what artists are thinking up these days. They offer free daily tours; check the web site for times.
Phone: 312.280.2660
Hours: M Closed
T 10:00am- 8:00pm (Hint: Free admission from 5:00-8:00 on Tuesdays!)
W-Sun 10:00am-5:00pm
Admissions: Adults- $10.00
Students, Seniors- $6.00
Under 12- Free
Navy Pier(www.navypier.com) Come check out a play at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, ride on the great Ferris Wheel or go through the Funhouse Maze. Plenty to do and see for the whole family!
Hours: (Fall) Sun-Th 10:00am-8:00pm (Winter) M-Th 10:00am-8:00pm (Summer) Sun- Th 10:00am-10:00pm
F & Sat 10:00am-10:00pm F & Sat 10:00am-8:00pm F & Sat 10:00am-12:00pm
Admission: Free, but individual rides, shows and restaurants charge individual prices.
Notebaert Nature Museum (www.chias.org) Learn all about climate, environments and insects. A favorite of most visitors is the amazing butterfly haven.
Phone: 773.755.5510
Hours: M-F 9:00am-4:30 pm
S & S 10:00-5:00 pm
Admission: Adults- $7.00
Seniors- $5.00
Kids- $4.00
Sears Tower Skydeck (www.the-skydeck.com) Visit the skydeck and see Chicago from its highest point!Phone: 312.875.9696
Hours: (May- October) 10:00am-10:00pm
(October-April) 10:00am-8:00 pm)
Admission: Adults- $11.95
Seniors- $9.95
Kids- $8.50
Shedd Aquarium (www.sheddaquarium.com) Come and witness for yourself different sealife environments from around the world. Here you can see hundreds of different species of fish that you have never seen in real life.
Phone: 312.939.2438
Hours: (Winter Weekdays) 9:00am-5:00pm
(Summer, Holidays and Weekends) 9:00am-6:00pm
Admission: Adults- $23.00
Seniors and Child- $16.00
Other Helpful Information
*Check out the following two sites: www.choosechicago.com and www.cityofchicago.com . They can give you plenty of helpful information about the city.
*If you are interested in receiving a free copy of “The Chicago Offical Visitors Guide,” please call: 800.226.6632.
*Remember to always bring your student cards with you, as they often provide discounts on admission.
*Prices listed reflect general admission prices; special exhibits, events and shows may cost extra.
*The city offers two different tourist cards that can help greatly reduce the costs of museum visits, as well as provide discounts on restaurants, shopping and tours. Check out www.chicagotraveler.com/chicago-attractions-card-comparison.htm to learn about the Go Chicago and Chicago City Pass cards and to figure out which one works best for you.
Chicago is an amazing city with a lot to offer. Come and check it out for yourself and don’t be surprised if you leave saying, “Second to what?!”
Chicago is an amazing city with a lot to offer. Come and check it out for yourself and don’t be surprised if you leave saying, “Second to what?!”
