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Chicago’s Famous Field Museum

If you’ve been thinking about taking a vacation to Chicago, whether solo or with your family, be sure to visit the Field Museum on Lake Shore Drive in downtown Chicago. The museum is located in an area of the city that is very popular with tourists because it offers many attractions including the Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium, along with the Field Museum, and is near a multitude of restaurants.

The museum first opened in 1893 under the title of the Columbian Museum of Chicago. The name was changed to its’ present one, The Field Museum of Natural History, in 1905 after Marshall Field donated a large sum of money, enabling the museum to expand and then relocate to the current site on Lake Shore Drive.

The Field Museum houses many different types of exhibits, including a fully reconstructed skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex named Sue, which is part of one of the most popular nature exhibits. Other exhibits include Asian and African areas, which showcase fossils, various examples of taxidermy, as well as stories of both history and culture. The Underground Adventure is a favorite of this area of the museum, as it allows you to “shrink” and see what it would be like to live underground as in insect.

The museum also displays a number of special exhibits throughout the year. Past exhibits have included a large display of Chinese rubbings, a display on mastodons and mammoths, as well as an exhibit showcasing a large number of mummies from Egypt and other areas around the world.

To find out what the Field museum is currently showcasing, and to learn more about the discount and special days regarding admission, take a look at their website or call for more information.

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Chicago for the Frugal-Minded

In today’s still-recovering economy, everyone is looking for ways to save a little money wherever possible. Some have taken measures to cut vacations from their schedules, but it doesn’t have to be this way, especially if you’re thinking of visiting a city with numerous activities such as Chicago. There are some easy ways to have fun in the city and still be financially responsible. Take a look below for some fun, money-saving ways to have fun with your family in Chicago.

  • The Art Institute of Chicago showcases numerous galleries full of classical works of art, including the paintings “American Gothic” and “Nighthawks.” Every Thursday night from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., you can get into the museum for free.
  • The Field Museum in Chicago holds one of the most popular exhibits in any museum in the city—the fully reconstructed Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, named Sue (a huge hit with kids). The museum offers 52 free-admission days a year.
  • The Shedd Aquarium in downtown Chicago offers many interactive exhibits for children, including a dolphin show and an exhibit where children can act like penguins. The aquarium holds sleepovers for children and also has several discounted days and weeks each year.
  • For the space-lover in the family, the Adler Planetarium is a great learning experience. From learning about constellations to the Milky Way to the solar system in general, you’re sure to enjoy a stop here. The planetarium offers numerous discount days as well.
  • The Lincoln Park Zoo is a favorite among Chicago vacationers, especially those with children. Admission is free every day and the zoo holds many events, such as the upcoming Zoo Babies event, where children can learn about the baby animals throughout the zoo.

If you’re looking to save some money while still taking a trip to Chicago, the best advice is to plan ahead. After you know when you’ll be in Chicago, check the websites for the places you plan to visit and see if there will be any discount days or special offers.

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