See all
2,984 photos

Museum of Science and Industry

Science Museum

Chicago

Save

9.2^/10

2,324

ratings

Ranked #9 for family-friendly places in Chicago
The experts at Time Out Chicago and AFAR Media recommend this place
"Everything is fun, interactive, just super cool."(19 Tips)
"Must for all the engineers!! Tornado show is simply amazing!!"(10 Tips)
"To the right of the omnimax theater, there is a small snack area."(6 Tips)
"The best museum in Chicago!"(5 Tips)

369 Tips and reviews

Filter:

interactive
tornado
museums
tours
omnimax
exhibits
food courts
family-friendly
ice cream
free admission
pinball
biking
architecture
scenic views
sub sandwiches
wifi
picnics
fields
Christmas
hot chocolate
(15 more)

Sort:

Popular
Recent

Trang VuongAugust 28, 2016
This is probably the best museum I've been to. I usually don't like museums, but this museum is pretty fun and interactive. Took a while for me to walk through the whole museum and explore everything.
Upvoted 3 weeks ago
aApril 20, 2018
Really amazing experience for all ages, in a super old, beautiful building where the 1893 World Fair was held. The nazi submarine exhibit is amazing and the Tesla coil is awesome.
Upvoted 2 weeks ago
Pavan NDecember 27, 2016
Don't miss the flight simulators on the top floor! And be aware that they can turn a full 360 degrees - can be a surprise if you don't realize that you can literally fly upside down in them.
Upvoted Jan 31
Julia GJanuary 6, 2013
Another perk of membership, besides free or discounted parking? The member lounge on the main level offers a quiet, relaxing space for coffee or hot cocoa, plus an array of comfortable couches.
Upvoted Feb 17
James CAugust 22, 2014
One of the biggest museums size wise I've ever been to. It was awesome and totally worth it. Make sure to make the toys through out the exhibits. Must see the u boat it's amazing.
Edwin ValentiJanuary 8, 2020
Must-visit when in Chicago. From the outside you might be impressed, but when you get inside you will be flabbergasted. Many themes like German U-boat, Airplanes, forces of nature & much more
Upvoted Feb 15
Tracey ScottAugust 11, 2017
My favorite exhibit will always be the dollhouse.The story teller does a great job or narrating the individual rooms and trinkets contained within and without.
AFAR MediaAugust 4, 2014
The grounds just south of the museum are a part of Jackson Park's Osaka Japanese Garden, which, like the museum itself, was a part of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition Ho-o-Den complex. Read more
eric bornemannAugust 11, 2019
Unique and eclectic museum with lots of fun things to explore especially with kids - so much to touch and do. Coal mine is hoaky but fun for little ones.
Kevin M. McNally, CMPFebruary 5, 2019
A great Chicago attraction featuring 35,000 artifacts and exhibits. Check out the large train exhibit, fairy castle or even a recreated coal mine. Your eyes will be wide open and your brain a sponge.
Jonathan FerreraSeptember 25, 2015
Been here 10+ times
Visit the chick hatchery to see the incubated eggs and the freshly-hatched. The interactive exhibits are the best part for immersing yourself, even as an adult.
Steven YApril 27, 2016
Be sure to visit when in Chicago - it's well organized and highly engaging, easily days worth of viewing; the U-505 submarine tour is a must visit and worth the extra price of admission
Fluying ✅March 31, 2018
Although advertised for adults and kids. This is a museum only for kids. The only good thing for adults is the submarine and its amazing history.
Jenny KDecember 23, 2014
Easily one of the best science museums in the US. Everything is fun, interactive, just super cool. We saw chicks hatch, went through a mirror maze, and controlled the weather!
Diana FriessJune 20, 2019
Sitting on the grounds of the 1893 World's Fair, kids & adults will enjoy themselves in this science wonderland. Take a whole day to immerse yourself in the exhibits from a submarine to a fairy castle
Cameron WAugust 30, 2017
Fun place for kids and curious adults. Go check out the 1993 national championship UM solar car in the lower level race car section. Pretty neat!
🈴Naumova Zehra 🈲July 1, 2013
One of the main reasons I love this museum is because it is interactive. There is just so much to see and explore because the museum is so huge. Also, they have free demonstrations that are available.
Aishwarya SharmaApril 8, 2016
It's a great place for kids. U505, Coal mine are so much fun. Pick 2-3 exhibits for a day. The food court has so many options. Going back again soon.
Marco ZetaMay 22, 2013
The best museum visited these days in Chicago and New York. There are a lot of games to make for learn how is working phisics weather and more. It's adapt for children but also for adult. I love it.
Dieter KieselNovember 13, 2018
Sitting on the grounds of the 1893 World's Fair, kids and adults will enjoy themselves running around the oversized moving replica of Chicago and a life size tornado that you get to control!
Alex AndersonMarch 11, 2013
To the right of the omnimax theater, there is a small snack area. It has a ton of outlets of you need to charge a phone or laptop while you rleatnsome ice cream from the vending machines.
Shannon LindellJuly 13, 2017
Everything is fun with lots of hands on learning. Love the mini experiment tables set up all over. I will say that the Robotics room that you have to pay extra for is not well managed.
Cameron EvansMarch 29, 2017
Come here early in the day. There are a lot of tours for exhibits and you want to give yourself time to do them. Also make sure to do the coal mining tour.
Amanda 🦄 AcevedoJanuary 24, 2014
Parking is pricey but covered and convenient. Coal mine and U505 submarine exhibits are standouts. Idea City great for young kids/infants for interactive displays. Museum improvements are very nice!
Carrie PApril 21, 2014
Lots of fun lots to do..... Separate seating around so you can eat snacks and drinks you bring from home. You just can't bring your food in to the food court area and eat.
Sherri Dill-AdamsMay 4, 2013
Definitely a great experience with your children! Food court is quite high so bringing lunches if you can would be ideal! The staff is super friendly and helpful.....minus one grumpy security guard!
Colin DuRantJanuary 24, 2017
Great museum for kids and adults. Tons to see and do. Some of the exhibits are showing their age, but all-in-all it's a good way to spend a day.
Bee N.June 14, 2015
Every single time I'm in Chicago, I try to visit this museum. It's my favorite place to go here; I adore all the exhibits, plus it's totally kid (and family) friendly.
Corinna PDecember 30, 2016
Been here 10+ times
Everything! The trains, the planes, the Storms room, the submarine, the coal mine, the space exhibit, the YOU Experience, the baby chicks, even the food court!
Tabatha GroverSeptember 27, 2014
The coal mine exhibit is a favorite permanent exhibit along with YOU! The Experience, very interactive. The Treasures of the Walt Disney Archieve exhibit that is there right now is rly cool also!
Sharlene WrightJuly 23, 2013
Easily spend an entire day At this impressive science museum. Enjoyed everything including the coal mine and UBoat exhibits. And just about everything works unlike the Field museum.
Christina C.December 29, 2012
Great for families. Get tix online for a discount & so you don't have to stand in their long line. Take a discovery class. We took the dissect a cow's eye. Super fun but not for the faint of heart.
Dustin HaleyApril 5, 2016
Awesome time here! The brick by brick exhibit was fantastic. By tickets to limited time exhibits online or it might be sold out.
Marcel EJuly 19, 2015
This is one of my favorite museums I have ever visited. It is very interactive. You will spend the entire day here but it is totally worth it.
AFAR MediaAugust 4, 2014
The Great Train Story currently runs 30 trains at a time, more than enough for everyone to create their own unique tale while visiting. Read more
Damon SununtnasukJanuary 29, 2017
Incredible museum. Well curated with a thoughtful flow and amazing exhibits. The U-505 exhibit was the highlight. Allow at least 4 hours
Jake SmithFebruary 23, 2013
"Yesterday's Main Street" has a Nickelodeon that plays silent movies on a loop. This is a great place for adults to sit and relax for a moment, there are hardly ever any kids at this exhibit.
Mon BenMay 1, 2013
Best museum ever! Genetics room is a must. You have to pay extras for the submarine and coal mine, but I think it's worthy.
Lisa GomezAugust 16, 2013
Been here 5+ times
If you grab lunch in the Brain Food Court, sit at a table outside by the escalators so you can enjoy the Tour of Switzerland. It is a large pinball exhibit. Fun to watch.
Ricardo LucianoFebruary 6, 2015
Must for all the engineers!! Tornado show is simply amazing!! For the show be prepared the D-Day is about 45mins, unless you like history choose the other one!
Edwin ValentiJanuary 8, 2020
Must-visit when in Chicago. From the outside you might be somewhat impressed, but when you get inside you will be flabbergasted. Many themes like German U-boat, Airplanes, forces of nature & much more
Tabatha GroverSeptember 30, 2014
Got the CityPass & is a great deal! Admission to Shedd's, Adler's or Art Museum, Field Museum, SkyDeck, Museum of Science & Industry or Chicago 360 for $92!! Get quick entry for most also!!
Daniel CrumJuly 2, 2017
I feel like the Museum of Science & Industry could be cool, but I didn't have a good experience personally -- too many kids. Go during the school year, preferably during the school week.
AmandaMarch 31, 2014
Been here 5+ times
My personal favorite museum in Chicago. With over 2,000 exhibits, it is the largest science museum in the western hemisphere. Must visit: the German U-boat, and the model railroad.
Stefanie ReevesJune 10, 2013
If you're active duty military, you and your companion can visit for free! Check out the flight simulator and don't forget to get some ice cream before you leave.
Brandon SullivanFebruary 16, 2013
Beats all other Chi museums. 50% interesting artifacts & knowledge sharing, 50% interactive learning & tinkering. Covers dozen of topics, turning your "spend an afternoon" into "spend the whole day"
Laurie ErlJanuary 20, 2017
Been here 5+ times
U505 is always good. I really like the fairy castle. The chicks are always fun when they hatch.
Kevin DulinAugust 11, 2014
Get tickets for the Coal Mine as it's super cool! But be quick, as it sells out early. The Boeing 727 is also very awesome.
Yvonne HortilloJuly 11, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Pack a lunch and allow for breaks in between! There's plenty of spots to charge your gadgets. ;-) The coolest museum!
Ian RodriguezApril 25, 2012
Allocate enough time to see everything that you want to. There's a lot of awesomeness to be seen, so make sure you can see as much of it as possible. Might need to take the whole day!

1 2 3 4 5 6...8

2,984 Photos

Planning a trip to Chicago?

Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to.

Museum of Science and Industry

Related Searches

Places inside Museum of Science and Industry

You might also like

Places people like to go after Museum of Science and Industry

Appears on 1,013 lists

Is this your business? Claim it now.