Activity Catalog

An immersive experience with both hands-on experiences, interactive displays, and shows, the planetarium offers an excellent opportunity for a summer activity for students. They offer free admission for IL residents on certain days.

This art museum houses thousands of historical and modern art pieces that offer an excellent opportunity for students to explore history through art. There are even student rates and tours available for a discounted admission.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago's 22 locations offer fun and educational six- to eight-week summer camp programs for kids of all ages that are either affordable or free. Or kids can sign up for Summer Brain Gain, weekly modules to help combat learning loss in a fun and interesting way. Teens can also apply to volunteer to help at Boys & Girls Club summer camps throughout the city.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Chicago Botanic Garden will have art installations and interactive performances mixed within the greenery. While generally there is a cost for both parking and entry, there are free admission days at the Chicago Botanic Garden though you will still have to pay for parking or take the Metra. Check their website for a calendar of their free admission days.

Great for elementary school students, the Chicago Children’s Museum is an immersive experience. They have a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits in addition to offering discounted prices on admission for certain families that qualify.

The park offers summer day camps for kids starting at 6 years old.

The library is a great place to visit for students of all ages. There are many locations city-wide and it is a low-to-no cost activity where students can explore various categories of literature and develop their reading skills.

Science, history, nature, and culture seamlessly blend together at this exciting museum, where kids could discover everything from dinosaurs to mummies to Chinese artifacts. Discounted admission and special perks are available for groups.

This festival is a four-day, family-friendly, Mexican festival located in Pilsen. It is a great low to no-cost activity for students of all ages.

Housing more than 100,000 plants, the Garfield Park Conservatory is a great experience for students to explore for free.

As one of the largest public libraries in the world and spanning a whole block, the Harold Washington Library Center is a great option for a no-cost activity downtown in the city. They have work from many local and international artists displayed on the walls of their reading rooms in addition to a winter garden.

Located right next to Lincoln Park Zoo, this conservatory and botanical garden is a great summer activity for students at no cost.

This zoo is a great way for students of all ages to have a fun summer experience. Admission is free and it can be a great opportunity for young students to learn more about animals.

This free museum gives groups a behind-the-scenes look at the Federal Reserve System, the Chicago Fed, and currency. Guided group tours are available.

Explore the grounds of this 1,700-acre living museum, home to more than 4,000 plant species. There are 16 miles of hiking trails to explore or nine miles of biking trails. With over 100 summer camps for kids 3.5 to 14, children learn to be conservation and environmental scientists, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Space, science, robotics, and machinery can be discovered in this educational museum, as well as informative IMAX movies. For groups of 15 or more, discounted admission and guided special-interest tours are available. Free on certain days for IL residents with proof of residency.

The National Museum of Mexican Art has free admission and features a variety of exhibits. Located in Pilsen, it is a great opportunity to explore a number of Mexican artists and their artwork. The museum even offers later hours on Wednesdays through the summer.

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum offers programs, activities, and classes for students of all ages. This museum offers a unique experience that educates students about nature and science. They even offer free admission to Illinois residents on certain days.

A great option for students to learn more about the different species the ocean houses, the Shedd Aquarium is a classic Chicago activity and a great summer one. There are both permanent and rotating exhibits everyone can enjoy in addition to interactive experiences that are the highlight for many visitors.

SkyART Studios provides free programming for kids ages 7-14 all summer long. SkyART uses its own approach to learning, called SkyWAY, which encourages kids to follow their curiosity and move freely at their own pace to explore everything from sculpting to cooking, 3D printing, and painting.

A glass observation deck, 103 stories above the city, allows everyone to see a unique view of Chicago. There are discounts for large groups available.

Providing engaging young adult experiences, this theatre is a great introduction for students. There's even student pricing and a variety of discounts available.

Check out the Sundays on State Street this weekend that offer a number of family-friendly activities. At this event a portion of State Street is opened up for foot traffic where there are local vendors and entertainment from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sky-high views are the draw at this attraction on The Magnificent Mile, where an observation deck, café, and new stadium-style seating offer spectacular views. Get a unique viewpoint of the city on TILT, an exciting feature that allows groups to lean out over The Magnificent Mile for downward-facing views from 1,000 feet up. There are group discounts as well as other discounted options available.