Reviews
413 reviews added to recommendations
Vienna Beef Factory Tour
The hot dog is as Chicago as deep dish pizza and the Bean. With over a century of history in Chicago, Vienna Beef hot dogs is truly one of Chicago's signature dishes. A free 60 minute tour of the factory premises shows you how the workers process the raw meat into the mighty and delicious hot dog before culminating in a delicious free hot dog lunch. All you need to decide is mustard or dare I say, ketchup??
Cost: Free
John Deere Factory Tours
Tour the manufacturing facilities of this household name in quality American agricultural equipment to learn how these precision instruments are constructed - from the ones that prepare the fields for harvest to those that take care of your lawn. These tours are ideal for teenagers interested in learning more about important skill sets including agriculture, machinery, mechanics and physics. Choose between the "Harvester Works" or "John Deere Seeding Group" tours. Advanced registration is required.
Ages: 13 +
Museum of Science and Industry Chicago, Tours and Experiences
MSI is always listed as a Chicago family favorite, and they offer a variety of special tours that are geared towards kids of different age groups: under 10 years old, 10 –13 years and 14–17 years. Children can experience their favorite exhibits led by a fun and knowledgeable museum facilitator. Seeing the museum from behind the scenes will allow participants to gain deeper knowledge of it as well as access to areas which are not open to the general public. A truly special tour that is sure to inspire your kids' interest in STEM!
Cost: starting at $33.95 adults / $21.95 children
Shedd Aquarium Extraordinary Experiences
If your kids love a trip to Shedd Aquarium then these tours are perfect for them! Choose your experience, from a behind the scene tour that lets your little marine enthusiast experience the aquarium from the point of view of the highly skilled aquarium care-givers, to the ever popular shark feeding tour. See the inner workings of the aquarium and gain a new appreciation for this landmark attraction.
Ages: 7 +
Cost: Starting at $55.95 adults / $46.95 children
O'Leary's Fire Truck - Children's Tours
Take a tour of Chicago with O’Leary’s Chicago Fire Truck Tours, where you and your kids can experience the sights and sounds of Chicago riding in a real fire truck. An unforgettable experience, whether it's for a birthday party or a tour of Chicago’s fire stations. In the age of cinematic heroes, it’s nice to remind our kids about the real life heroes in our emergency services.
All ages
Cost: upon registration
The Science Behind Pixar - Museum of Science and Industry Chicago
This temporary exhibit addresses different scientific topics that are key to creating the famous Pixar animated movies, from engineering and technology to math and science. With a variety of interactive STEAM activities tackling the challenges of creating a moving subject, kids can get behind the scenes of the film making process.
Cost: ticketed experiences starting at $19.95 kids / $31.95 adults
Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze - Museum of Science + Industry Chicago
This highly interactive, immersive exhibit explores four specific patterns from the many different ones that surround us. Little leaners can start the experience by watching a four minute film that reflects on the subject and how patterns are found in different places: our body, architecture and nature. Afterwards, they can participate in hands on activities to revisit what they learned. The Mirror maze will help them explore geometric patterns such as repetition, symmetry and more. Don't forget to reveal it hidden room!
Cost: free with admission ($21.95 /Adult - $12.95/Child age 3-11)
Animal Secrets - Kohl Children’s Museum
Cost: Free with admission ($12 adults & kids - $11 Seniors)