Museum of Science and Industry

School Group Reservations and Pricing

Reservations are required for all school groups. Prices below are for schools that make their own reservations; click here if you are a tour operator bringing a school group. Please make reservations four weeks in advance, and even earlier for peak season (November/December and April/May). Check out our free day schedule. Omnimax movies, Learning Labs and special exhibits like Smart Home: Green + Wired have additional fees. Prices effective January 1, 2010.

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reservation

Chaperones

One chaperone per 10 students (one per five students in grades K-3) is admitted free. The Idea Factory requires one adult for every five children. Groups with special needs may require additional chaperones. Call  (773) 684-1414 with questions about your group. Download our chaperone information sheet to help you provide instructions to chaperones during your visit.

Lunch

Use of lunchroom space is available by reservation only. Groups may bring their own lunches, visit the Brain Food Court or purchase box lunches ($8.25 for adults and $5.00 for children).

Arrival and Check In

Groups enter and leave through the Group Center, located on the west side of the Museum's Lower Level 1. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before any scheduled event such as Learning Labs, Omnimax or ticketed exhibits. The Group Center can become congested, and check in may take up to 20 minutes. Please present your Group Confirmation Form and signed Visitation Agreement and provide an accurate group count. If you bring your own lunch, Museum staff will collect and store them until your designated lunch time.

Parking

The Museum offers convenient drop off and pick up in the West Parking Lot near the Group Center, but does not provide school bus or motorcoach parking. Just north of the Museum, the City of Chicago offers paid parking at the McCormick Place Truck Marshalling Yard, located at 31st Street and Lake Shore Drive. For information and options on bus parking, please visit Choose Chicago. Paid automobile parking is available in the Museum's underground parking garage.

Bus Scholarship Program

We offer free bus transportation to economically disadvantaged schools in the Chicago Public Schools system. Learn more.

Tips for Your Visit

Make a pre-visit: If possible, visit the Museum before bringing your class to familiarize yourself with the building and the exhibits. Illinois teachers are admitted free by presenting to our ticketing agents your current school ID, union card or a letter signed by your principal on school letterhead.

Schedule a Learning Lab: Our facilitated, hands-on Learning Labs provide in-depth learning experiences for school groups. Labs cost $100-120 and last about 60 to 75 minutes, depending upon the topic.

Take part in our live science experiences: From making sound in a rock band to dissecting an eyeball, our daily shows and activities make students part of the action.

Set expectations: The Museum offers 14 acres of exhibit space to explore. Set realistic expectations for how much your group can accomplish and what you want your group to learn. Our exhibits are designed to spark interest and engage the visitor. Rushing to see the entire Museum in one trip can be a frustrating experience. On busy days, it can take 15 minutes to travel from the Group Center to a Learning Lab. Use our map or visit planning tool to decide what to see and do, or check out our exhibit guides.