Field Trip Ideas in Chicago

WINTRUST SPORTS COMPLEX

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One of the best parts of attending school as a kid is going on field trips. The Chicagoland area is one of the coolest places to travel to on a field trip. As one of the biggest cities in the United States, there’s so much culture here for kids to take in. Traveling is one of the best ways for students to learn because there’s always something new to discover. It doesn’t matter whether your school is in the city, an hour away, or a completely different state. There are a host of different attractions that will make your Chicago field trip memorable for students. 

While the classroom is an optimal learning environment, education doesn’t stop there. You can teach your students this vital lesson by visiting Chicago attractions. In this article, we’ll help you brainstorm some field trip ideas in Chicago and point you toward the best places to visit. Follow along for planning your Chicago field trip. 

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Why Chicago?

Chicago is a vibrant city filled with a storied history and dynamic culture. With some of the best restaurants in the country, beautiful views, and distinguished museums, there’s plenty to take in. It’s a cool place to travel, especially if you’ve never been. Even native Chicagoans can go out every day and learn something new about the city. This makes it the perfect destination for a field trip. Students can get a taste of city life if they haven’t already and learn more about American history and culture. Plus, their experiences here will surely excite and inspire them in their lives. A field trip to Chicago attractions can be an unforgettable adventure for many students. 

Field Trip Ideas in Chicago

Of course, we have to start with some of the most well-known places to visit in Chicago. The first is Millenium Park. You can’t visit the city without seeing the heart of downtown. Home of the iconic Cloud Gate statue, also known as The Bean, the park has more to offer than you might initially think. Between The Bean and Crown Fountain, students can get a taste of the art scene. Crown Fountain is particularly special because it features the faces of real locals, and visitors can interact with the structure. Millennium Park melds culture with a beautiful view of Lake Michigan. This makes it one of the most iconic places to visit in Chicago. 

Another great place to take students is the Lincoln Park Zoo. Not only is it fun to watch the animals, but it can also be a teaching moment. We don’t often, if at all, get to see zebras or penguins in the wild. So, seeing and learning about these exotic animals can be exciting for students. Going to the zoo helps build a student’s general knowledge about the world around them. And it can remind them that there’s far more out there than they see in their hometowns. 

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Must-See Chicago Attractions

Another one of the top cool places to travel is 360 Chicago, formerly known as the John Hancock Observatory. It offers world-changing views. From 1,000 feet in the sky, you can see the whole city. Plus, from the observatory, you can view up to 55 miles outward. 360 Chicago is an architectural and cultural landmark; the experience can literally and metaphorically shift your students’ perspectives.

Wrigley Field is one more excellent field trip idea in Chicago. Have your kids learn more about America’s national sport and pastime by stopping by Wrigley Field. As the home of the Cubs, this will get your sports fanatics enthusiastic about the trip. Educational tours of the stadium are even available to school groups at a discounted rate. Additionally, who doesn’t enjoy a good ball game? If you can swing it with your school, taking the class to a game can teach them about community and teamwork. 

Places to Visit in Chicago

There are endless fun field trip ideas in Chicago. While we can’t list every Chicago attraction in this article, here are some other honorable mentions:

  • See a show in the Chicago Theatre District
  • Check out some of the world’s most famous artworks at the Art Institute of Chicago
  • See the greenery in the Garfield Park Conservatory
  • Get transported back in time at The Field Museum
  • Check out the Museum of Science and Industry 

These are just some fantastic things to discover with your students in the city. Not only for kids but for adults, it’s a blast. This is the best part of a field trip to Chicago. Teachers and chaperones can learn and have fun. 

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Find Cool Places to Travel

With the number of attractions inside the city, it’s almost easy to forget everything on the outskirts. But the Chicago suburbs have quite a bit going on too. For instance, Bedford Park is located right outside the city limits. The village of Bedford Park boasts plenty of attractions for students and teachers staying outside of the city. Located close to Midway Airport, there’s plenty to do and see just in our little area. For instance, take Wintrust Sports Complex. We host the best in the Midwest regarding sporting events and recreation. So, bring the kids over for some diverse and engaging fun. You’re guaranteed to please the gamers and sports fanatics in your class.  

In addition to being the premiere destination for sporting events in the Midwest, we also offer our share of entertainment. Our 116,000-square-foot venue boasts a redemption arcade, e-sports gaming room, laser tag, and full kitchen service. The venue is family-friendly, so people of all ages are guaranteed a good time. If you’re interested in planning your class’s field trip to Wintrust, contact us today.