Museum of Science and Industry
Chicago, IL 60637-2093
Phone: (773) 684-1414
08/09/2007 Posted by wandaz
First off, I disagree with several of the other recent reviewers. I'm a 30 something mother of 2 and enjoy coming to this museum quite a bit. It is my husband's favorite museum in the city of Chicago (maybe the country, though it might place 2nd after the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC). There is plenty to do and see here for all ages, not just the Omnimax films, but the U 505, the coal mine, the trains, the Apollo 8 space exhibit, ToyMaker 3000, NetWorld, the Lunar Module, F airy Castle, the new Farm exhibit and soon to be new Henry Crown Space Center. There are also many special exhibits that are worthwhile to see. I can't imagine being bored here with a bunch of teenagers. What more do you want from your science museum? There's plenty here for the whole family from your toddler up to Grandpa. Second, there are options for families looking to save some bucks. There are free days, check with the museum to be sure when, but they are often an entire week while school is out. Also, if you are a Chicago resident and you go to the Chicago Public Library, you can ask for a museum passport for this museum (and many others). You can have the pass for a week and it will admit 2 adults and 2 kids (I think, check the library for more details). It may be hard to catch one of these passes in the library, (they cannot be reserved) but it can be done. The last money saving option is to become a member. I go to this museum often and there are many benefits to membership. One of the best is that you can get free or discounted parking (depending on level of membership) and free admission to many other science museums across the country (and discounts to Chicago museums like the Children's Museum & the Peggy Notebaert Nature Center). One more money saving tip is to pack your lunch and eat it while watching the pinball machine. Also, the hours change during the seasons. In the winter, the museum is often open until 5:30 p.m.
Pros: Great variety of exhibits, decent food court
Cons: Long lines, but if you're a member you can bypass them all!
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