If you’re planning a school field trip in Chicago this winter and want to stay close to Midway Airport, there are plenty of great options to choose from. Here, we’ll cover a few of our favorite field trip ideas to help make your planning easier. 

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

While not directly next to Midway, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is close enough to make it a realistic option, and it’s one of the most rewarding winter trips you can plan. This massive museum is located fully indoors and comes packed with exhibits that work for a wide range of grades. Additionally, winter is a great time to go because the museum tends to be less crowded than during peak spring field trip season. As an added bonus, the museum has strong STEM connections and offers programs specifically designed for school field trips. 

Chicago Children’s Museum

If you’re planning for students who are in preschool through early elementary, the Chicago Children’s Museum is a perfect winter destination. Everything they offer is interactive and designed for learning through play. The exhibits all focus on art, science, culture, and everyday life skills. Additionally, even though it’s playful, there’s a lot of educational value baked into a visit, especially if you’re looking for social development and creativity with your kids.

The Field Museum 

The Field Museum is a Chicago staple, and winter is a particularly good time to visit because students can take their time without fighting crowds. Inside, you’ll find a wide range of exhibits that align well with social studies and the sciences, along with large indoor galleries and strong opportunities to connect to your curriculum. 

Adler Planetarium 

The Adler Planetarium is a fantastic option if you want something immersive but not overwhelming. Students can explore astronomy, space exploration, and physics through the planetarium’s interactive exhibits and shows. It’s especially popular for upper elementary and middle school students, but younger kids can enjoy it too. Additionally, if you’re interested in planning a half-day trip, the planetarium is a good option. 

Chicago Sports Facilities 

If your students have energy to burn, sports-focused field trips like the ones we host at Wintrust Sports Complex are a great alternative to traditional museums. These trips are great for winter field day alternatives when you want to do something different that can still be structured and educational.

Here at Wintrust Sports Complex, we’re proud to say our facility ticks every box for indoor field trips in Chicago. Our spaces are clean, modern, secure, and full of opportunities for learning. 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 no matter what the weather is outside. 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. 

We offer school trip packages designed just for educators with access to various zones of the complex. 

Local Cultural Centers Near Midway Airport

One category of winter field trip ideas that’s often overlooked is local cultural centers and community museums located close to Midway Airport. These smaller venues can be incredibly impactful, especially for social studies, history, and arts education. Because they’re smaller, they’re often easier to book, less crowded, and more flexible with programming. Additionally, many offer workshops or guided discussions that can be tailored to your group.

Art Institutes Near Midway Airport

Field trips with an art-based focus are perfect for winter because they encourage creativity without needing to get outside. Chicago has a variety of art museums and interactive studios that welcome students and offer guided programs. These trips are also useful if you’re looking to span your curriculum across different areas of study, such as art plus history or art plus literacy. We especially like art institutes as a winter field trip idea since it appeals to visual and creative learners. 

Indoor Nature Centers Near Midway Airport

Even though it’s cold out, there are several science-focused nature centers in Chicago that have indoor exhibits to teach students about a wide range of natural sciences like ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation. These are great Chicago field trip ideas if you want something different from traditional museums, but that still ties into your studies. Indoor nature centers are also a good option if you want something quieter than some of the other major museums. 

Libraries With Educational Programming Near Midway Airport

Large city libraries often host special programs designed for students, many of which include storytelling, author talks, history workshops, research skills sessions, and more. No matter which library you choose, they make surprisingly strong winter field trip destinations, and many are located right near Midway Airport. Additionally, we like libraries as an option if you’re working with a smaller budget and want somewhere that’s educational by design. 

Tips for Planning a Winter Field Trip Near Midway Airport

When planning a school field trip in winter near Midway Airport, there are a few steps you can take to help simplify the logistics and avoid any weather-related delays. 

To start, schedule the trip earlier in the day to avoid traffic and to give yourself extra time if there are weather issues. Be sure to confirm if the venue has indoor lunch options or a designated eating area. Book early if possible, and make sure to ask about discounts for groups. Build in buffer time for students to get bundled in their coats and boots, and choose venues that have programming led by staff to help keep things moving. 

Learn More About Winter Field Trip Ideas at Wintrust Sports Complex Near Midway Airport 

Winter field trips are a chance to get your students out of the classroom and create fun memories. If you’re looking for field trip ideas near you, come check out Wintrust Sports Complex. We love hosting school field trips, and we offer a wide range of flexible school packages to suit every group size and age range!