field museum chicago field trips

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Plan Your Visit

Museum hours.

Museum open daily, 9am-5pm, last entry 4pm

Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

Museum is located at 1400 S. Dusable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605

Field All-Access Pass and admission to 4 more top Chicago attractions at a 48% discount

Basic admission plus all ticketed exhibitions

Basic admission plus choice of one ticketed experience

Includes general admission exhibitions

Ticketed exhibitions

Special offers, members discover more.

Save 10 percent off the cost of membership when you join online today using promo code: MEMTEN

Membership includes opportunities to go behind the scenes at our Annual Members’ Nights

Member tickets

Reserve your free tickets to the museum by verifying your membership and booking tickets online or at the museum.

Chicago CityPASS

Save 48 percent on admission to Chicago’s top 5 attractions—including our All-Access Pass. With one easy purchase you can visit the attractions at your own pace, in any order, over a 9-day period.

Go City® - Chicago

Save up to 55 percent on admission to several Chicago-area attractions, including the Field Museum, with a single pass. With Go City® you can visit top attractions and hidden gems, all on your schedule.

Free Admission Days

Basic Admission to the museum is free every Wednesday in 2024 for Illinois residents. Tickets for Free Wednesdays are only available to Illinois residents on-site and cannot be reserved in advance. Please ask a Visitor Services staff member for the special offer and show your Illinois proof of residency. You cannot take advantage of Free Days when buying tickets online.

Health and Safety

In accordance with the City of Chicago’s updated guidelines, the Field Museum no longer requires proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or masks for museum visitors. Some exceptions may apply for museum events. If you have registered for an event, your event organizer will communicate any specific requirements. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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A Comprehensive Guide to Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History

TripSavvy / Cory Giguere

Field Museum

The Field Museum of Natural History is not just one of the top attractions in Chicago, but it's one of the highest-rated natural history museums in the world. The museum has a whopping collection of over 24 million specimens, showing off biological, anthropological, natural, and historical items from all over the world. Some items date back to the first human civilizations thousands of years ago, while others are much, much older.

Located on the lakefront in an area known as Museum Campus , the Field Museum is right next door to other Chicago favorites like the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. The museum is perhaps best known for its dinosaur exhibits, including two particularly impressive specimens, but that's just a small part of what you can see here. Other permanent and temporary exhibitions dive into ancient cultures, animal biology, and the importance of conservation, promising an interactive and educational day for visitors of all ages.

Tips for Visiting

The Field Museum is one of Chicago's most popular museums , so you'll want to plan out your visit to avoid the biggest crowds and make sure you see everything you want. The museum is least busy when it first opens, so consider getting an early start if you want to walk in without worrying about lines. The most popular exhibit is "Inside Ancient Egypt," so start there if you arrive in the morning.

The museum's total exhibit space is nearly half a million square feet, so know going into your visit that seeing everything in one day isn't realistic. If it's your first time, read over all of the permanent and temporary exhibitions and choose the ones that are most interesting to you, prioritizing those before exploring the rest. A few exhibits are ticketed events that you have to pay for in addition to the basic admission price, so consider whether or not you want to see those before you get to the ticket window.

You could easily spend days exploring all there is to see in the Field Museum, but you should plan to spend about three hours there. If you have young kids who get antsy walking around a museum, the PlayLab is an interactive area designed specifically to energize museum-fatigued children.

Buying Tickets

The tickets are broken down into three categories depending on which exhibits you want to see.

• Basic Admission : The least expensive option which allows entry into the general admission exhibits.
• Discovery Pass : The Discovery Pass includes general admission exhibits as well as entry into either a 3D movie or one of the three special exhibitions.
• All-Access Pass : If you want to see everything, the All-Access Pass includes general admission exhibits, a 3D movie, and entry into all three of the special exhibitions.

Ticket prices for adults range from $18 to $40 depending on which ticket type you choose and where you live (there's a discount on tickets for Illinois and Chicago residents). Children, students, and visitors aged 65 years and older also get discounts, regardless if they are Illinois or out-of-state residents.

What to See

If you don't prioritize what you want to see before you get to the museum, you might miss out on something incredible that you didn't know was there. If you're going with your family or a group, make sure each person chooses their top exhibit so you can make sure to start with those. If you have more time and energy after that, there's plenty more to explore.

General Admission Exhibits

No matter which ticket you buy, the general admission tickets are open to all museum visitors.

• Griffin Halls of Evolving Planet : Learn about over 4 billion years of natural history, showing the evolution from the earliest single-celled organisms to the diverse life that we have on Earth today. The star of this exhibit is undoubtedly Sue, one of the largest and the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex specimens in the world and named after the explorer who made the discovery.
• Máximo the Titanosaur : The word "titanosaur" gives an idea of what you're going to see: the biggest dinosaur ever discovered. It's a cast of a fossil found in the Patagonia region of Argentina, meaning these aren't the actual bones. But it gives the most visually impressive display of one of the planet's most massive creatures.
• Inside Ancient Egypt : Ancient Egyptian exhibits usually focus on the dead—meaning mummies. And while you'll definitely learn a lot about the entire mummification process in this enlightening room, you'll also get a look at daily life for Ancient Egyptians by stepping into a recreated Egyptian market and reading hieroglyphics.
• Grainger Hall of Gems : Diamonds are everyone's best friend in the Hall of Gems. This exhibition is older than the museum itself, dating back to when Tiffany's lent some of their most precious jewels to the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. Today, it has over 600 different gemstones, ranging from rare diamonds, rubies, 600-year-old Chinese jade, and the largest topaz on public display in the world.
• PlayLab : This mecca for hands-on exploration inspires young ones to go a little deeper when it comes to science and anthropology. Best for children ages 2–6, they can explore a Pueblo home, wear an Illinois-specific animal costume, test out their paleontology chops by digging for dinosaur bones, and test out wooden instruments. The PlayLab also has special days reserved for children with special needs , staffed with educators that understand how to meet the needs of each individual.

Special Exhibits

In order to see one of the special exhibits, you'll either need to purchase the Discovery Pass or the All-Acess Pass. The latter allows entry into as many of the special exhibits as you like, while the Discover Pass is good for entry into any one of your choosing.

• Titanosaur 3D: The Story of Máximo : If seeing the life-size display of Máximo leaves you wanting for more of this massive sauropod, go back 100 million years with this 3D movie that shows the entire life of a dinosaur like Max. Seeing the skeleton is one thing, but seeing how Máximo was born, what he ate, and where he lived adds so much more to the story and is a must-see for dinosaur fans.
• Underground Adventure : This exhibit is dirt—literally. Visitors are shrunk down in this immersive experience to experience life underneath the soil from the perspective of an ant. Learn about burrowing animals, ant colonies, root systems, and more in one of the world's most diverse, interesting, and underrated ecosystems.
• Cyrus Tang Hall of China : Take a look back through the history of China, which dates back thousands of years and covers numerous diverse cultures. The oldest artifacts on display date back to the Neolithic Period, helping to tell the story of one of the world's oldest civilizations.
• Apsáalooke Women and Warriors : The Apsáalooke people, or Crow, are one of the Indigenous tribes of the U.S. Northern Plains. This exhibit, curated by an Apsáalooke member, shows the culture that's been passed down generations, from traditional beading artistry to powerful battle tools.

Money Saving Tips

• Discounts for tickets at the Field Museum are included with the purchase of a Go Chicago Card or the Chicago CityPASS . If you're planning to visit several attractions around Chi-Town, using either one of these cards could save a lot of money.
• Save money on parking by using public transit to get to the Field Museum. The Museum Campus stop on Chicago's metro system—called the L—is within easy walking distance to the Field Museum and the other nearby attractions.
• Another option for getting to the museum is to use Divvy Bike . You can pick up a bike at one of the stations all around time and ride it directly to Museum Campus (there's a Divvy Bike station conveniently located right in front of the museum entrance).
• There is a restaurant in the museum featuring locally sourced food if you get hungry, although the menu is pricey. To save some money, visitors are also allowed to bring their own water bottles and snacks into the museum, just make sure you eat at one of the designated tables on the ground floor.
• If you're an Illinois resident, there are Free Museum Days scheduled throughout the year, sometimes as often as once a week.

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Masks required in Abakanowicz Research Center; optional for rest of Museum MORE

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Virtual Student Workshops

Gallery tour videos, field trips at chm.

Field trips to the Chicago History Museum enable students to interact with artifacts, documents, works of art, interactives, learning stations, and more. See, hear, experience, and even touch history to develop an understanding of the past and how it informs our present.

Get field trip planning tips, along with on-site student worksheets and answers to your frequently asked questions here .

Learn More about COVID-19 Protocols Read more

Learn More about Field Trips for Different Age Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i make a field trip reservation.

To schedule your trip, complete our  online form . Reservations are not accepted via telephone.

How far in advance should I schedule my field trip?

Please schedule your visit at least three weeks in advance. Spaces fill quickly, so please make your reservations early. Consult a school calendar in advance that indicates holidays, in-services, report card days, and school events.

How will I know if my reservation is confirmed?

Your visit is not guaranteed until you have received a confirmation letter via the email provided.

Can I make a lunchroom reservation?

Request a lunchroom reservation using the reservation form. Space is limited. The lunchroom is available for students up to grade 8, we will accommodate high school students as available. Students should bring their own lunches and beverages; storage will be provided.

Can I select my entrance or exit time?

Yes, you should choose both your entrance and exit times. Visits begin at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday and at 12:00 noon on Sunday. Visits can last from one hour to three hours. The museum closes at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. We will do our best to accommodate your requested times, but we cannot guarantee them.

What is the maximum group size?

Maximum group size is 50. We ask you to subdivide your students into groups of 10 prior to your visit.

How many chaperones do you require?

We require one adult for every ten students for grades 3 through 12. For groups in grades pre-K through grade 2, we require one adult for every five children.

What activities can I do before and after my field trip?

There are an array of activities based on the M useum’s collection and developed in collaboration with educators to choose from . Take a look at our classroom resources page .

What are the Museum's gallery rules?

The following are not allowed in our galleries: backpacks, food, drinks (including water bottles), chewing gum, and pens.  These rules apply to students, teachers, and chaperones alike. Storage for coats and lunches is provided. While masks are recommended and appreciated, they are no longer required.

Can we visit the Museum store during our field trip?

Yes, 10 students with a chaperone are welcome to visit the store at a time. The Museum store opens at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday and at 12:00 noon on Sunday. The store closes at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

What are your COVID-19 safety guidelines?

Student groups are not required to show proof of vaccination. While masks are recommended and appreciated, they are no longer required. We recommend you follow your district and school guidelines regarding masking when planning for your Museum visit. Please familiarize yourself with our COVID-19 safety guidelines in advance of your visit.

My question isn't answered here. How do I contact you?

Please use our  contact form  or call Jessica Bandera, Field Trip Coordinator , at (312) 799-2273.

I’m part of a partner university or college, how can I arrange a visit for my group?

Please fill out the University Partner Group Form to book your visit. A member of the Visitor Services team will confirm your request and reach out via email with further details regarding your visit.

Learn About Virtual Student Workshops

Bring the Museum to your students with our virtual student workshop experiences!

Museum staff facilitate these interactive programs using your video conferencing platform or our Zoom account. Workshop fees cover pre- and post-program resources, a short informational meeting in advance with workshop facilitators, and workshop facilitation. Workshops can be delivered to a range of teaching situations including full remote, in person, and a mix of both.

Learn About Gallery Tour Videos

Enjoy the Museum anytime and anywhere!

Our gallery tour videos can serve as a virtual visit to the Chicago History Museum, or as a pre- or post-visit tool. Our videos explore stories based on the Chicago: Crossroads of America  and  City on Fire: Chicago 1871  exhibitions.

Why wait? Save time and avoid lines with advance tickets .

Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Providing unique experiences designed to spark scientific inquiry and creativity since 1933.

Museum hours Open today from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Museum hours Open tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

5700 s. dusable lake shore drive chicago, il 60637.

Plan a visit

Virtual Field Trips

Take a Museum field trip without leaving your classroom.

When you can't come to MSI, take a virtual field trip with us instead. Participate in a facilitated Learning Lab livestream, or take a live virtual tour of some of our most popular exhibits. And check out our free online STEM learning tools for new ways to engage.  

Virtual Field Trip offerings

Live from the heart.

Go live into the operating room to watch heart surgery and learn about careers.

Virtual Crime Lab

Solve a crime with fingerprint analysis, chromatography, white powder analysis and more.

Virtual Mars 2040

Learn how NASA plans to get the first manned mission to Mars by the year 2040.

Virtual MedLab: Diabetes

Learn about vital signs and medical examinations while you analyze data to diagnose and understand diabetes.

Virtual Weather Wise

Explore atmospheric phenomena and learn how scientists predict weather.

Chicago Bears | Chicago’s Soldier Field: A timeline of events…

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Chicago bears | chicago’s soldier field: a timeline of events since 1924, including hosting the world’s athletes, congregations, politicians and performers.

Name changed to Soldier Field on Armistice (now Veterans) Day. Yet, the Tribune decides to call it Soldiers’ Field in its pages.

June 21-23, 1926

Approximately 300,000 people — 150,000 inside Soldier Field and 150,000 outside the stadium — attend Mass during the International Eucharistic Congress . Chicago is the first city in the United States chosen to host the religious gathering.

Nov. 11, 1926

“Lucky Lindy” Charles Lindbergh touches down in Chicago in his Spirit of St. Louis aircraft to promote commercial air travel several months after his historic solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean .

Sept. 22, 1927

A Jack Dempsey-Gene Tunney heavyweight prize fight, known as the “Long Count Fight,” becomes the first boxing match to draw $2.5 million at the gate.

Aug. 28, 1929

Several hundred performers — including Goliath the sea elephant — arrive to perform as part of the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus , which becomes a fixture of summer in Soldier Field’s parking lot for decades.

June 24, 1932

Amelia Earhart flies over Chicago then receives a medal for her trans-Atlantic flight in 1931 during a show for the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth.

May 27, 1933

Opening ceremonies for the World’s Fair are held at Soldier Field..

July 3, 1933

And estimated 125,000 people attend “The Romance of a People” Jewish pageant. Soldier Field hosts many cultural and religious events — to huge crowds — during its early years.

April 1, 1934

A team of college All-Stars defeats the Chicago Bears, 5-0, in the Chicago College All-Star Game . The event becomes a tradition through 1976.

Feb. 16, 1936

A 13-story ski jump — the world’s highest man-made jump at the time — is constructed at Soldier Field for the U.S. Central Ski Association’s annual meet . More than 57,000 people show up to see the 1937 meet.

Aug. 23, 1938

President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s wartime visit draws more than 100,000 spectators.

July 19, 1949

Just three years after a previous visit to Soldier Field, President Harry Truman speaks at the Shriners convention, which was one of the first televised events at Soldier Field.

April 26, 1951

Opening ceremonies of the Pan Am Games .

Nov. 29, 1959

The Chicago Cardinals play their last home game at Soldier Field . The team moves to St. Louis.

June 21, 1964

Martin Luther King Jr. is the keynote speaker at the Illinois Rally for Civil Rights held at Soldier Field. The predominantly Black crowd that gathers to hear King speak is fewer people than expected, however, due to rain.

July 10, 1966

After playing 50 seasons at Wrigley Field, the Bears defeat the Steelers in their first home game at Soldier Field — in the rain. Capacity is cut to 57,000.

Aug. 2, 1975

With a rock music booking ban in place since fans rioted in July 1970 when Sly and the Family Stone failed to appear for their scheduled concert , Chicago Park District officials book Marvin Gaye for Soldier Field. Only 8,500 fans show up.

June 23, 1976

The Chicago Sting beat the New York Cosmos , 4-1, in front of 28,000 fans. It’s soccer star Pele’s last match at Soldier Field.

July 8, 1978

The Rolling Stones headline Soldier Field for the first time. The stadium is filled on a steamy summer day with 80,000 fans, with opening acts Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Peter Tosh and Journey, featuring new vocalist Steve Perry. The Stones set list includes most of the songs on the quintet’s latest release, “Some Girls.” Later that night Mick Jagger drops in on a Lefty Dizz set at Kingston Mines. The band also jams with Muddy Waters while in town.

A $32-million renovation of the stadium’s north end permanently eliminates some seating and establishes the stadium’s configuration through 2002. Skyboxes and a new scoreboard are added. Capacity is 66,030.

Aug. 10-18, 1983

Hosts ChicagoFest for the last time.

Aug. 9, 1985

Bruce Springsteen “Born in the U.S.A.” tour stop.

Opening ceremonies of FIFA World Cup with President Bill Clinton in attendance. The Park District spends millions to prep the stadium for the soccer tournament.

July 9, 1995

The Grateful Dead’s last concert before Jerry Garcia’s death .

June 29, 1996

Soldier Field swelters as a crowd of 69,000 men sing and shout during the PromiseKeepers first-ever event in Chicago.

April 4, 1998

Chicago Fire plays its first ever home game at Soldier Field.

Nov. 5, 1998

XFL Enforcers play first home game — and loses .

Feb. 21, 2003

As the stadium overhaul is more than half finished, the Illinois Supreme Court rules tax-backed bonds can pay for the project . Friends of the Parks and Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois had hoped to force the removal of the new steel-and-glass arena rising within the colonnades of the 1924 stadium Work proceeds on the overhaul project.

Sept. 29, 2003

The Packers defeat the Bears in the first game played inside the newly renovated Soldier Field. The project cost $611 million and took 20 months to complete.

Jan. 21, 2007

The 2006–2007 NFC Championship Game granted the Bears their second trip to the Super Bowl , the first in 21 years, with a 39–14 victory over the New Orleans Saints .

Aug. 7, 2007

Hosts Democratic Party debate .

Sept. 12-13, 2009

Hosts U2’s “360? tour .

June 16-17, 2012

First Spring Awakening Music Festival .

Feb. 17, 2013

Notre Dame-Miami game is the first outdoor hockey game in the history of the stadium.

March 1, 2014

Chicago Blackhawks play against the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of the 2014 NHL Stadium Series . The Blackhawks defeated the Penguins 5–1 before a sold-out crowd of 62,921.

Nov. 1, 2014

Thousands of fans in the Soldier Field stands cheer wildly, dancing to team anthem “Chelsea Dagger” and celebrate another Stanley Cup championship for Chicago.

July 3-5, 2015

The Grateful Dead return to Soldier Field for the first time since Garcia’s death for three concerts.

Aug. 26, 2021

Kanye West appears for a listening party of his tenth studio album, “Donda.”

April 24, 2024

The Chicago Bears unveiled plans for a new stadium project on the lakefront partly funded by the public that would give the team a facility in line with many of the NFL’s ultra-modern, fan-friendly structures.

Chicago Bears release images of a proposed new lakefront stadium

Check out the Tribune’s archives at your fingertips at Newspapers.com .

Sources: Chicago Tribune archives and reporting; Soldier Field; Illinois Sports Facilities Authority; “Soldier Field: A Stadium and Its City” by Liam T.A. Ford

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