A Lackluster Day at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry

by Traveling Seouls

Making a weekend trip to Chicago?

For many people living in the Midwest, like us, Chicago is a popular travel destination. We’ve made this trip so many times, I thought our kids would rather skip the museums. But no, Piano Man asked to visit the Museum of Science and Industry. (I give major props to his teacher for teaching Newton’s third law and bringing a lot of enthusiasm in those science lessons.)

Well, we gave Linus his day with trip to the Shedd. It was Piano Man’s turn to lead us around the Museum of Science and Industry. I have to admit that the first time we visited the Museum of Science and Industry, it was a full four-hour museum experience. It was intense, but immensely fun because it was our first time.

chicago museum of science and industry illinois entrance

Here’s how the museum experience stacked up two years later:

Corn, Cows, and Farming – Oh My!

Piano Man immediately took us downstairs to check out the farming equipment. Kids enjoyed sitting in the driver’s seat of life-size farming equipment, which is always fun for little ones.

chicago museum of science and industry illinois john deere tractor farm equipmentmuseum of science and industry chicago

See? Our little one could not sit still for a moment. Piano Man was already off on the next thing.

museum of science and industry chicago

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Of course, this is always a favorite. Linus could not contain his excitement, which Piano Man went with Prof to the ToyMaker factory. Too bad that the ToyMaker factory was under renovations.

chicago museum of science and industry illinois

model train seattle needle chicago museum of science and industry illinois queen speed sign

Seattle’s Space Needle Replica

model train seattle needle chicago museum of science and industry illinois

The Human Genome Project, et al

But then we saw an exhibit that we missed on our last visit – learning about DNA, cloning, and baby chicks hatching!

museum of science and industry chicagomuseum of science and industry chicago

Newton’s Three Laws of Motion

Of course, we visited the all things about movement exhibit, aka Science Storms exhibit.

museum of science and industry chicago

The tornado replica exhibit is always fun to watch.

museum of science and industry chicago

Come Early or Wait in Line

Good thing we came first thing in the morning. By the time we left around lunch time, this is what the entrance to the museum looked like. Everywhere we went, we noticed lines at museums beginning around lunch time into late afternoon hours. So come early.

museum of science and industry chicago

Gift Shop

I must say that looking around the gift shop is usually not my personal favorite place to be, but I had to stop and take this photograph. How cute is this little outfit? It would make a great DIY costume project someday.

museum of science and industry chicago

My Final Review

A few of the exhibits were under renovation, while the ones we did see were exhibits we had seen before. I felt like it was nothing new, but Piano Man enjoyed it more this time around since he is learning so much in his science class. Piano Man enjoyed this visit much more than Linus, probably because Piano Man can read through the exhibits. Maybe Linus was tuckered out from his sea life visit to the Shedd the day before.

museum of science and industry chicago

(Brick by Brick Exhibit – Under Renovation)

I think many of the exhibits will be ready next week as students will be going on Spring Break. Thus, I am sure we will be back for another visit to see more. Next time, Museum of Science and Industry. Next time.

Related:

TRAVEL: Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry
TRAVEL: Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium
TRAVEL: Houston’s Museum of Natural Science
TRAVEL: Battleship Texas
TRAVEL: Space Center Houston
TRAVEL: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
TRAVEL: Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, MI
TRAVEL: The Egyptian Museum in Cairo
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26 comments

Sharon Beauty Prime March 9, 2016 - 10:07 am

We love to go to Science museum lol! Looks like you guys had a lot of fun. Awesome pictures and would love to visit Chicago one day. “Every children is a scientist!”

Reply
Betty March 9, 2016 - 12:30 pm

Hi Sharon, we did. It’s always fun to see their learning grow. Thanks for stopping by!

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Sheri March 9, 2016 - 2:18 pm

These are great tips. Went to Chicago for the first time in December 2014 and it was freezing cold out and made me want to stay in all day. Back there this summer so I will keep this information. Thank U 🙂

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Betty March 9, 2016 - 4:16 pm

Thanks for reading, Sheri!

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Jessie March 10, 2016 - 6:12 am

It looks like a fun place to visit! I hope his child curiosity will never die, nothing more beautiful than that. 🙂 Thanks for a great post! 🙂 Best wishes, Jessie

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Betty March 10, 2016 - 6:18 am

Thanks for stopping by, Jessie!

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Akriti March 10, 2016 - 6:54 am

I loved going to science fairs and museums and this post just reminded me of childhood days. Great pics 👍

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Megan Indoe March 10, 2016 - 7:23 am

That looks like a great place to take kids for the day! They looked like they had a great time!

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Betty March 13, 2016 - 12:14 am

They did! =)

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LAURA X LOVES March 10, 2016 - 7:42 am

Looks like a great place to take the kids! A shame some of the exhibits were closed, but looks like the littlies enjoyed themselves! x

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Melody March 10, 2016 - 9:23 am

Omg I remember going to a museum like this in NY when I was a kid.It was so much fun and I learn alot.I always wanted to go to Chicago.Hope I get to go one day.

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Julie March 10, 2016 - 10:09 am

Looks like a really fun place specially for kids! It reminds me of a museum called MOSI where I live. 🙂

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Joanna March 10, 2016 - 4:41 pm

It looks like a very fun museum, a bit like the natural history museum from London. I wouldn’t expect to find live chicks in a museum, haha! 🙂

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Betty March 10, 2016 - 5:16 pm

Oh if we take the kids to London, we’ll have to check out the museum scene in London. Thanks for reading, Joanna!

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Ale March 10, 2016 - 5:11 pm

Science museums are always so much fun! I act just like a kid and touch and explore every little thing when I go to them. Never been to Chicago though, but I would like to go to that museum if/when I do!

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Ana De- Jesus March 10, 2016 - 5:30 pm

I love going to museums even when I am an adult and it is no longer compulsory because I like learning and having fun!

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Cat March 10, 2016 - 5:53 pm

Waiting for Nasa DIY costume project someday. ^_^ Great post !

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Gav March 10, 2016 - 10:27 pm

This place looks like paradise for someone I know, gona recommend it soon!

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Jenn M March 13, 2016 - 9:33 am

Wow that place looks awesome! So much to do there. Just by looking at the pictures makes me want to go!

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Mini Noms March 13, 2016 - 9:42 am

Chicago is a beautiful city.. I had been waiting to visit that place..Probably will make it this year 🙂

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Michelle March 13, 2016 - 9:56 am

awesome pictures! This post makes me want to hop on a plane and go right now!!!

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Halla Jacobsen March 13, 2016 - 10:12 am

Great post with some really good pictures lovely!

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tmc saunders March 24, 2016 - 6:42 pm

That museum looks great! My husband and son would spend all day with the trains alone!

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Betty March 24, 2016 - 8:41 pm

Thanks for reading, Tracy. =) Hope you guys have a chance to visit a museum in your hometown too.

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Alisha@FamilyTravelOnAShoesting.com June 21, 2016 - 6:55 pm

Thanks for the heads up about the museums. We are headed to Chicago pretty soon but only hitting a couple of museums but don’t want to have to wait in line.

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betty June 24, 2016 - 11:27 am

Can’t wait to hear about your trip to Chicago, Alisha!

Reply

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