Are you looking for some creative ideas for fun places to go to in Chicago for school field trips? Do you want to take your students on a field trip to escape the bitter Chicago winter weather? Look no further, as our detailed guide will point you in the right direction. We have put together a list of the best places for field trips for schools in Chicago that consider the city’s diverse culture, climate, and landscape.
Going to the zoo is always a blast for students of any age, and that’s why visiting the zoo made the top of our list of field trip ideas in Chicago. The Brookfield Zoo and the Lincoln Park Zoo are both amazing options for field trips in Chicago.
The Brookfield Zoo is a top contender for things to do in Chicago with teens. The Brookfield Zoo is an interactive zoo that includes exhibits such as the butterfly exhibit, the motor safari, and hands-on parakeet and goat feeding experiences, among others. When you take students to the Brookfield Zoo, they can also feed a giraffe, go on a gorilla trek, and even feed penguins. The zoo offers convenient online booking for school field trips with several options, and it also offers free admission to Illinois school groups between Labor Day and Memorial Day.
Located centrally downtown, the Lincoln Park Zoo is Chicagoland’s go-to zoo for a fun-filled field trip for schools. The zoo focuses its efforts on the conservation of wildlife and nature. The Lincoln Park Zoo also does research on animal behavior to extend its conservation efforts. At the Lincoln Park Zoo, students can go on a Lionel train adventure, participate in seal training and feeding, and learn about ape cognition and care.
If you want to focus on education for the theme of your Chicago field trip, then consider visiting educational places such as the Field Museum, the Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium.
The Field Museum is a crowd favorite, as its exhibits help students learn about so many different elements of our past. Not only will students get to see the Sue exhibit and witness the greatness of a T. rex, but they can also learn about ancient Egypt, the ancient Americas, and our evolving planet, among many other amazing and interactive exhibits. Going to the Field Museum was everyone’s favorite childhood field trip in Chicago, and now it’s time to show the wonders of our world to the future generation.
Adler Planetarium is in the same plaza as the Field Museum, and there are many reasons why you should head on over there for field trips for schools. Among the top reasons is the planetarium’s newest exhibit, Chicago’s Night Sky, which explores our view of the heavens from our hometown. The exhibit raises awareness about light pollution in our night sky and teaches students about Chicago’s night sky as it appeared back in 1913. The Adler Planetarium also hosts sky shows under its two dome theaters, wowing viewers with fantastic visualizations while teaching them about space exploration. Make sure to add Adler Planetarium to your list of school field trips in Chicago to help your students learn about space.
The Shedd Aquarium is located close to the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium and has a variety of events for field trips for schools. These events include Penguin Encounter, Sea Otter Encounter, Beluga Encounter, and several other must-see tours and animal spotlights. The Aquarium also offers interactive exhibits like Caribbean Reef, Polar Play Zone, and the Abbot Oceanarium. Students can even participate in a 4-D experience that allows them to “meet” an octopus or a shark from the safety of their chair, which vibrates while air moves and lights flash. If you want to teach your students about the wonders of aquatic life and have a blast along the way, then the Shedd Aquarium is definitely a must-see.
Are you looking for an indoor field trip for your students that’s packed with adventure and excitement? We saved the best for last—come on over to Wintrust Sports Complex at Bedford Park for a field trip packed with thrills, arcade games, laser tag, e-sports, and much more!
Who said that field trips for schools have to be boring? The redemption arcade at Wintrust Sports Complex is second to none in excitement! Our 4,000-square-foot redemption arcade has all types of games, both modern and retro. Students receive a game card that they can recharge with gaming credits, letting them play any game they want. And although playing arcade games doesn’t seem educational, arcade games actually offer children many benefits, improving working memory, building social skills, and improving concentration. Studies have even shown that playing video games can improve students’ grades, so it might be time to schedule a school field trip to the arcade!
Who doesn’t love laser tag? Students sure do! Head on over to the Wintrust Sports Complex for the best indoor laser tag experience in the Chicagoland area. Playing laser tag helps students stay physically active, improves teamwork, and sharpens their reflexes while playing against each other and having an amazing time. And while you’re there, stop by our indoor basketball and volleyball courts, e-sports lounge, and enjoy a delicious meal at the Station Grille, Chicago’s premier arcade restaurant.
We hope you enjoyed our list of fun field trips for schools in Chicago. Wintrust Sports Complex is truly the best destination for students of all ages. Bring your students here for a fun-packed field trip to guarantee they have an amazing time with their classmates and stay active and engaged. Our Station Grille restaurant even has a kids’ menu that offers convenient meal choices, making Wintrust Sports Complex at Bedford Park your one-stop destination for school field trips.
