Best Chicago Sports Field Trips 

WINTRUST SPORTS COMPLEX

hands on the ball

Whether you’re planning a field trip for a class, youth group, or sports club, Chicago has tons of fun opportunities for kids. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most iconic Chicago field trip options, a few lesser-known sports field trip ideas, and tips to make the most of your outing.

Chicago Field Trips for Kids

There are so many great Chicago field trips for kids it can be hard to choose. Here, we’ve selected a few of our favorites that have the best mix of learning and fun. 

Wrigley Field Tours 

Wrigley Field is the home of the Chicago Cubs, one of Major League Baseball’s most iconic teams. Built in 1914, it’s the second oldest active MLB stadium after Fenway Park in Boston. When you plan a trip here, kids will be able to see the historic home of the Chicago Cubs with an option to include behind-the-scenes tours. They can also see the dugouts and press box and even step onto the field.

two boys playing baseball

Chicago Sports Museum

The Chicago Sports Museum is an interactive museum located in Water Tower Place on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Its aim is to celebrate the city’s historical teams, players, and moments. The museum has both traditional exhibits and hands-on experiences, allowing kids to try out basketball, baseball, and more while learning about Chicago’s sports history.

United Center Atrium

The Atrium at the United Center is a fun field trip for kids where you can visit the statue of Michael Jordan and learn about the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks. The venue often hosts special kids’ programs and activities, so be sure to check those out when you plan your visit. 

Additional Sport Field Trips in Chicago

While big-name stadiums and teams are popular Chicago field trip spots, the city also has lesser-known gems that are worth checking out. 

Chicago Area Minor League Parks

When planning your Chicago field trip, check out places like Impact Field in Rosemont, which is home to the Chicago Dogs baseball team. These smaller venues often have affordable group rates and give kids a better chance to see the action up close.

Wintrust Sports Complex 

Looking for a fun field trip that emphasizes play? Wintrust Sports Complex in Bedford Park is a great choice! Our complex includes multiple basketball courts, volleyball courts, and spaces for other sports, giving kids a chance to get out of the classroom and play some sports. We also have a 4,000-square-foot arcade and a 2,000-square-foot laser tag arena with two levels of challenging obstacles, making it the perfect place for kids to test their reflexes and even come away with some educational benefits

When you’re ready to take a break, Station Grille is the perfect spot to get food and drinks. The restaurant is located on the second floor of our facility and has lots of kid-friendly options. We’re open seven days a week!

Combining Sports and Education

Sports field trips can be as educational as they are fun. Many Chicago field trip programs are designed to teach kids lessons in teamwork while also participating in sports. Here, we cover a few of the main reasons why you should consider combining sports and education. 

Promotes Teamwork 

Sports inherently teach teamwork, a skill that’s not only vital in academics but eventually the workplace as well. By mixing sports with education, students learn how to communicate effectively, support one another, and achieve common goals, whether they’re on the field or in class.

hands on the ball

Improves Problem-Solving 

Sports require strategic thinking. This is a skill that translates to the classroom, especially when students tackle complex problems in subjects like math or science. Sports also teach discipline, which helps students learn to prioritize tasks, manage their time effectively, and stay committed to their responsibilities, all of which can improve their overall performance in the classroom.

Improves Physical and Mental Health

Physical activity improves concentration, memory, and mood by increasing oxygen flow to the brain and releasing endorphins. This can lead to better academic performance in kids. Additionally, success in sports can build self-confidence, which often carries over into the classroom. 

Teaches Leadership 

When kids are given roles like team captain, they develop leadership skills. These traits are equally valuable in group assignments and future careers.

Has Real-World Applications

Programs that combine sports with subjects like STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) show students how classroom concepts apply to real life. For example, they might calculate the trajectory of a basketball shot or analyze statistics in a game.

Builds Social Skills

Interacting with teammates, coaches, and opponents develops social skills. This is important for success in sports, school, and beyond. 

Tips for a Fun Field Trip

For many students, the hands-on nature of sports field trips helps concepts stick better than if they were only sitting in a classroom, and it’s one of the biggest reasons we encourage teachers and parents to plan a fun outing with the class. 

To make sure your Chicago sports field trip goes off without a hitch, we think it’s always a good idea to plan ahead by booking tickets and tours in advance, especially during peak sports seasons. As you’re outlining the day, consider balancing educational moments with interactive experiences to make the field trip more fun. Parents should be instructed to dress young kids in comfortable clothes they can move around in, and either the teacher or parent responsible for food should bring extra water and snacks, especially if your trip includes outdoor play. With a little bit of prep, your next field trip will be a great day for everyone. 

school kids forming hand stack

Learn More about Chicago Field Trips at Wintrust Sports Complex

Chicago has so many opportunities for memorable field trips, and with the right planning, your group can experience the thrill of the game while learning valuable lessons about teamwork, history, and perseverance. If you’re looking for a fun Chicago field trip for kids, look no further than Wintrust Sports Complex. We have a wide range of activities and dining options designed just for kids, and we’re here to make your next field trip one for the record books.