Museum of Science and Industry Tours and Activities
19 Reviews

This 14-acre (6-hectare) complex pays homage to both natural wonders and the ingenuity of man. The largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere, it features life-size working replicas, a 5-story domed movie theater, 2,000 exhibits, and more than 35,000 artifacts. The museum is designed to spark imagination and inspire creativity.
The Basics
Originally built as the Palace of Fine Arts for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition (later the World’s Fair), the museum is home to several larger-than-life permanent exhibits and innovative, educational programming. Its very first exhibit, the Coal Mine, opened in 1933 and still takes visitors to this expansive, subterranean world today. Other permanent exhibits include a real German U-505 submarine from World War II, a whispering gallery investigating the reflection of sound, a model ship gallery, and a miniature castle.
Prebook admission so you can skip the lines upon arrival or visit as part of a Chicago city tour. Several tourist cards—like the Chicago Explorer Pass and Chicago CityPASS—also include admission to the museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is easily accessible by foot, car, bus, or train, or bicycle.
- There’s a food court, a cafe, and an ice cream parlor if you get the munchies.
- Several gift shops with science-themed souvenirs are on-site.
- Strollers and wheelchairs are available in the Entry Hall.
How to Get There
The museum entrance is at E. 57th Street and S. Cornell Avenue in the Hyde Park neighborhood, very close to downtown and Lake Michigan. CTA bus nos. 2 and 6, and the Metra Electric Line stop just blocks away. Bike the Lake Shore Drive path to reach the museum; racks are on each side of the main entrance.
When to Get There
The museum is typically open from 9:30am–4pm, but extends its hours during spring break, summer, and winter holidays. It’s a popular destination for children’s groups and field trips, so expect to see a number of large groups during the school year. The complex is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Shopping at the Museum of Science and Industry
You may not think “shopping” when visiting a museum, but you’ll think differently after seeing the variety of souvenir options available here. Some shops are exhibit-specific, such as the U-505 store and Launch Pad, in the submarine and space center exhibits, respectively. Find educational games, gifts, toys, and fun trinkets for all, or take souvenir photos at the photo studio.
Address: 5700 S Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
Admission: Varies
11 Tours and Activities to Experience Museum of Science and Industry
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Go Chicago Explorer Pass with SkyDeck and 360 Chicago
197
The easiest and most affordable way to explore some of Chicago's top attractions at your own pace, the Go Chicago Explorer Pass saves you up to 45 percent on regular ticket prices. Create your own sightseeing itinerary by choosing 2, 3, 4, or 5 attractions, tours, and activities from among more than 30 top sites, including SkyDeck, 360 Chicago, the Field Museum, a shoreline sightseeing cruise, a hop-on hop-off Big Bus tour, Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier, and LEGOLAND® Discovery Center.
Please note: Enjoy the extra flexibility in case your travel plans need to change: All passes are valid for two year from purchase date and only become activated with your first attraction visit. After activation your pass will be valid for 60 days and/or the remaining number of attraction choices purchased.
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From
$66.00
From
$66.00

Chicago CityPASS
297
Get the most out of your trip to Chicago as you enjoy discount access to five of the city’s top attractions with the CityPASS. This easy-to-use mobile ticket grants you free entry into top-tier sights including the Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago (Opening with reimagined experience in Spring 2021), and the Field Museum plus your choice of admission to 3 of the following attractions: Adler Planetarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, and the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck.
Also enjoy a wealth of useful Chicago tips and savings at a variety of other venues and retailers.
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From
$109.00
From
$109.00

Chicago Grand Half-Day Bus Tour
301
Get the perfect introduction to the wealth of sights in the Windy City during this 4-hour Chicago day tour. Discover the many landmarks spanning both the city's North Side and South Side, enjoying a scenic ride along Lake Michigan on Chicago's Outer Drive along the way. You'll also have the chance to admire the city's Washington and Grant Parks, explore inside the Lincoln Park Conservatory, see Adler Planetarium and visit the iconic Wrigley Building. This Chicago in a half day tour also includes transport between all sites and tour narration.
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From
$52.95
From
$52.95
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Chicago South Side Tour with Optional River Cruise
15
See the landmarks of Chicago’s South Side on a 2-hour coach tour through this historic, diverse and culturally-rich neighborhood. Take in views of Jackson Park and the University of Chicago, pause at the foot of the stunning Lake Point Towers then watch the bustling crowd at Navy Pier. Get a glimpse of American history as you explore President Obama’s former neighborhood and see the President and First Lady’s home; with an optional upgrade, you can finish your trip with a scenic cruise along the Chicago River.
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From
$34.95
From
$34.95
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Private Chicago Instagram Walking Tour
1
Our Chicago Walking Instagram Tour will take you to the most Instagrammable spots in Chicago all in one day. If you are looking for a little bit of culture, some amazing architecture, & a ton of great photos then this is the tour for you.
The morning will start with meeting with your friendly local guide at the meeting point. From there your tour will begin as you start your day walking throughout Chicago and exploring the most famous locations in the city.
This half-day tour will be fully packed with famous landmarks, vintage architecture, secretly located spots and much much more!
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Full schedule
10:00 AM- Meet your Guide at the Grand Subway Station
10:10 AM- Walk along Magnificent Mile
10:20 AM- Stop at Wrigley Building & admire Tribune Tower
10:50 AM- Explore Pioneer Court
11:20 AM- Explore Millennium Park & see Cloud Gate
11:55 AM- Check out an Iconic fountain
12:20 AM- Chicago Riverwalk
1:00 PM- Explore Navy Pier
2:00 PM- Get dropped off by your guide at Millennium station
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From
$265.60
Price varies by group size
From
$265.60
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Best of Chicago Tour Including a Deep-Dish Pizza
5
Tour Chicago's sights aboard a luxury coach and enjoy some Chicago-style deep-dish pizza on this 5.5-hour guided tour. Visit sites like the Hancock Tower, the Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Loop. Pass through neighborhoods such as Wrigleyville, Lincoln Park and Gold Coast. Top off your tour with a visit to one of Chicago's most popular pizza restaurants to sample the famous Chicago-style deep dish pizza.
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From
$74.95
From
$74.95
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Chicago Grand Tour and Admission to 360 Chicago (formerly John Hancock Observatory)
75
This Chicago grand tour covers four hours of sightseeing with admission to 360 Chicago (John Hancock Observatory). Get oriented to the Windy City on a coach tour that takes you along a scenic route on Lake Shore Drive, and past North Side and South Side highlights including Museum Campus, Lincoln Park, Washington Park, Grant Park and Wrigley Field. Finish on the 94th floor of the Hancock Center, one of Chicago's tallest landmarks, for panoramic views of the Magnificent Mile from the open-air observation deck.
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From
$73.95
From
$73.95
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
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Chicago City Tour and Chicago River Cruise
90
See Chicago from a new perspective during this 4-hour combined bus and boat excursion covering some of the city's most iconic sights. First discover Windy City landmarks such as the skyscrapers of the Loop, Grant Park, Shedd Aquarium, Soldier Field and the former stomping grounds of President Obama during a narrated coach tour. Then take a Chicago cruise aboard your state-of-the-art yacht, enjoying a cruise of the Chicago River that provides a unique look at the city's architecture from the water. This half-day Chicago exploration also includes hotel pickup.
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From
$76.95
From
$76.95
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Historic Chicago South Side Tour with Chicago Style Pizza
2
See the sights of Chicago's South Side on a tour that takes you south of the Loop along Michigan Avenue and South Lake Shore Drive. Pass by attractions such as the Art Institute of Chicago, Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House, former President Obama's home, the University of Chicago, Jackson Park, the Museum of Science and Industry, Museum Campus, and Buckingham Fountain. Then head to Exchequer Restaurant and Pub for Chicago-style pizza.
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From
$52.95
From
$52.95
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
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Historic Chicago South Side Tour and 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
3
Discover the historical sights of South Chicago on a 2-hour group walking tour. Select the morning or afternoon start time, depending on your preference. Follow your guide to Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, Obama's House, and other sites that define the historical South Side. Pause for photos and ask questions at any time. You also get a free ticket to the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, which you can use at anytime until 10:30pm.
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From
$55.95
From
$55.95
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Go Chicago All-Inclusive Pass with Skip the Line Access
23
Enjoy admission to more than 25 of Chicago's most popular attractions with the Go Chicago™ All-Inclusive Pass. Create your own itinerary and sightsee at your own pace.Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the Windy City, check out the fascinating exhibits at Shedd Aquarium, admire the stunning views from SkyDeck Chicago, and much more. Save your pass, available as your 'ticket' after purchase, on your mobile device; don't waste time redeeming vouchers. This pass offers something for all members of the family. The Go Chicago™ All-Inclusive Pass is available in 1-, 2-, 3-, or 5-day options.
Please note: Enjoy the extra flexibility in case your travel plans need to change: All passes are valid for two year from purchase date and only become activated with your first attraction visit. After activation your pass will be valid for the number of remaining consecutive days purchased.
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From
$118.00
From
$118.00
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