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Photo: Louie Smirnoff
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
★4.7(34,386 reviews)$$Museum
🕑 4-6 hours minimum; many families split into two visits👶 All ages, truly 3-15🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
The largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere transforms learning into adventure with over 2,000 hands-on exhibits spread across 14 acres. Kids can descend into a real German U-boat submarine, explore a full-size replica coal mine, walk through a 40-foot tornado, and watch baby chicks hatch, making science tangible and unforgettable.
Highlights
- ✓U-505 submarine tour where you can go inside an actual WWII German submarine
- ✓Science Storms with the 40-foot indoor tornado and Tesla coil lightning demonstrations
- ✓The coal mine descent that takes you underground into a recreated working mine
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on Illinois Residents Free Days (select dates, check website) or if you have a Bank of America card, free entry first full weekend of each month
- 2.Start with the U-505 submarine tour (additional fee but worth it) first thing in the morning before crowds - tours sell out and kids love this best
- 3.The museum is HUGE - grab a map at entrance and prioritize 5-6 must-sees rather than trying to do everything, or plan for multiple shorter visits
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings during school year (September-May) are least crowded. If weekend is necessary, arrive right at 9:30 AM opening. Avoid spring break weeks and summer afternoons.
What to Know
Food: The Brain Food Court has pizza, burgers, salads, and kids' meals. Finnigan's Ice Cream Parlor is a hit with kids. Outside food not allowed inside, but picnic tables outside in summer. · Parking: Underground parking garage directly beneath museum ($28). Entrance on 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive. Arrive early on weekends as it fills by 11 AM. · Bathrooms: Numerous family restrooms throughout all floors with changing tables. Nursing rooms available. · Strollers: Completely stroller-friendly with ramps and elevators throughout. You'll walk a LOT - this museum is massive. Strollers can be parked outside certain exhibits. · Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs and ECVs available free at coat check. All exhibits accessible except inside submarine (narrow passages). Sensory-friendly resources available.
Seasonal Notes
Christmas Around the World and Holiday of Lights (November-January) features decorated trees from cultures worldwide - magical for kids. Summer brings special exhibits and extended hours. The museum's lakefront location means parking lot can be icy in winter - use caution.
Real Experiences
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Nearby Eats
Hyde Park neighborhood surrounding museum has great family options: Valois Cafeteria (cash only, Obama's favorite), Medici on 57th (pizza and burgers), and Shake Shack nearby.
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