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Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

4.6
#1 of 8 in Childrens Museums in Chicago
Must see · Science Museum · Museum
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Indulge your passion for the scientific world at Museum of Science and Industry, the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere. The complex boasts more than 800 exhibits--many of them interactive--representing diverse subjects, such as energy, environment, transportation, and space. Travel under the earth into the museum's exact replica of a 1933 Illinois coal mine, or head to the transportation wing to view a World War II German U-505 submarine and a replica of the first plane used by the Wright Brothers. Don’t miss the Apollo 8 aircraft that carried the first humans to orbit the moon and a retired United 727. Ask at the entrance about the always-fascinating temporary exhibits (additional fee). Check online in advance for a CityPass or Go Chicago card, each offering discounts for several other Chicago attractions, including this one. Popular tours sell out, so consider buying tickets in advance. Using our online itinerary creator, Chicago attractions like Museum of Science and Industry can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.
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Museum of Science and Industry reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
11,126 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • We had a great time here with our three kids ages 8, 6, and 3. We arrived at opening around 9:30am on a Friday. Easy to park and get in. We stayed for almost 5 hours and still didn't do everything... 
    We had a great time here with our three kids ages 8, 6, and 3. We arrived at opening around 9:30am on a Friday. Easy to park and get in. We stayed for almost 5 hours and still didn't do everything...  more »
  • Have not visited in a long time. So many interesting exhibits on each floor. Parking garage was close and an easy walk to museum. Maps provided explained with everything was located. 
    Have not visited in a long time. So many interesting exhibits on each floor. Parking garage was close and an easy walk to museum. Maps provided explained with everything was located.  more »
Google
  • It’s been so many years since I’ve been to the Museum. I loved it as a kid and love it now maybe even more as an adult. It is a world-class experience. So many things to see and learn. Almost impossible to do it all in a day. We made the mistake of going on a Sunday, and on Sundays they open later than usual. For special exhibits it is worth paying for the Lego, the coal mine of course, and the U-boat. I would not pay for the flight simulator again. It was waiting a while in a line for a timed 3 minute experience in the simulator. We didn’t feel it was worth it. But everything else was spectacular. If you can only afford or have time for one extra thing, do the coal mine. If you can’t do an extra special exhibit, regular admission will still give you extensive access to many things.
  • This place has an internal parking lot which I wish I knew earlier. Also, it's better if you buy your tickets in advance otherwise you'd have to wait in a long line. This museum is a must-visit, only that if you're an adult, I would recommend to start your visitation with the third floor instead of the ground floor. On the third floor, you get a lot of hands-on with science stuff and recent technology. You get better exposure and can take better pictures. Come prepared to spend like 2-4 hours. It gets chilly inside at times. Of course, they have paid exhibitions which you can choose as per your liking. We went for amazing hikes in North America paid exhibition and the experience was spectacular. We were seated in a four-storey dome-based theatre with a movie experience so unique by far. Overall, the museum experience is worth the money, it's so much better for the young kids but the adults can enjoy it as much.

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