One of the oldest and still the best attractions in the Chicago area is the Museum of Science and Industry. Located on the far south side of the city the Museum is worth the drive and it is so easy to spend the entire day there and not see everything. This is the place that you eagerly wanted your parents to take you when you were a kid. The wonders and exhibits inside were enough to captivate your imagination for days afterwards and very little has changed over the years. In fact, with the invention of new technology the MSI has only gotten better.
There is enough here to amuse even the smallest child. You can tour a real German U-Boat captured during World War Two. You can visit a simulated coal mine that gives you the real experience of traveling down below the earth and into tons of rock. You can view one of the largest model train sets in the world, or view the ever-popular baby chick hatchery. There are also special exhibits at different times of the year. During Christmas they always have the Christmas trees from around the world. Last year they had the popular “Body Slices “exhibit. This year they are exhibiting works, drawing and models of various Leonardo Da Vinci inventions. Plus, there is still the Omnimax movie experience to dazzle the senses.
The great thing about the museum is that it is entirely self-contained. You don’t have to leave the museum campus to find something to eat when the little ones get restless and hungry. Their food-court is enormous. There’s the main restaurant on the ground floor known as “The Brain Food Café” which is part of the “Brain Food Court.” The Café offers salads and sandwiches and even serves breakfast. There’s “Finnegan’s Ice Cream Parlor” which is right near the Mining exhibit. The food court also offers everything you may want to eat like pizza, sandwiches, salads, stir-fry and grilled foods of all kinds.
You can even bring your own food and find a place to eat in the “Great Hall.” There are special places for school groups to eat available as well.
No matter how hard you try, you will likely find yourself wanting to view more. The Museum of Science and Industry has been one of the most popular attractions in Chicago for a reason. It’s great family fun.
The Museum of Science and Industry 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60637 www.msichicago.org . Hours: April 24-May 26 Monday through Saturday: 9:30 a.m. -4:00 p m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. May 27 – September 4: Monday through Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. September 5 – November 16 Monday through Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. November 17 – November 19 Monday through Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. November 20 – November 23 Monday through Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. November 24 – November 26 Friday through Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. November 27 – December 17 Monday through Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. December 18 – December 29 Monday through Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed December 25, Christmas Day.
Admission: Museum Admission is $11.00 for adults and non-Chicago Residents, $10.00 for Chicago residents. Children 3-11 $7.00 for non-Chicago Residents, $6.25 for Chicago residents. Seniors (65+) $9.50 for non-Chicago Residents, $8.75 for Chicago Residents. Some exhibits cost extra. For further information on prices visit their website or call 773-684-1414.
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