15 Chicago Field Trip Ideas for Students: From History to Science

Finding engaging field trip destinations that combine education with excitement can be challenging for teachers and group leaders. Chicago offers countless opportunities for students to step outside the classroom and experience hands-on learning that brings subjects to life.

Planning a successful Chicago school field trip transportation requires reliable group travel solutions. This guide explores 15 exceptional field trip ideas across Chicago that will inspire and educate students of all ages.

1. Field Museum

Explore 4 billion years of history at one of the world's premier natural history museums. Students can meet SUE, the largest and most complete T. rex ever discovered, standing 13 feet tall at the hip. The Field Museum features extensive exhibits on ancient Egypt, Native American cultures, and biodiversity. Educational programs align with classroom curriculum and offer hands-on learning experiences in science, history, and anthropology.

Location: 1400 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605

2. Museum of Science and Industry

Engage with over 400,000 square feet of interactive exhibits covering engineering, technology, and innovation, at the Museum of Science and Industry. Students can explore a real U-505 German submarine, descend into a replica coal mine, and witness live science demonstrations. The museum's STEM-focused programs support curriculum standards and inspire future careers in science and technology.

Location: 5700 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637

3. Shedd Aquarium

The first inland aquarium to have a permanent saltwater fish collection, Shedd Aquarium has a massive 5 million gallon capacity holding over 32,000 animals. Meet penguins, touch stingray, and encounter beluga in their extensive collection of aquatic wildlife. You will also get to discover the underwater world in 77 different habitats in the Ocean Gallery. Enjoy these and a host of other displays and activities and the Shedd Aquarium.

Location: 1200 S DuSapp Drive, Chicago, IL 60605

4. Adler Planetarium

Journey through space at America's first planetarium, the Adler Planetarium. Students explore astronomy, space science, and the universe through immersive sky shows and interactive exhibits. Programs cover everything from ancient navigation to modern space exploration, perfect for middle and high school students interested in long-distance educational tours.

Location: 1300 S DuSapp Drive, Chicago, IL 60605

5. Chicago History Museum

Experience Chicago's rich past through engaging exhibits on the Great Chicago Fire, local history, and the city's cultural evolution, at the Chicago History Museum. Students can participate in hands-on activities and view artifacts that bring different eras to life, making it ideal for social studies curriculum and educational tour group transportation.

Location: 1601 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614

6. Millennium Park

Discover public art, architecture, and urban green space in Chicago's cultural heart, at Millennium Park. You can grab the chance to take in the culture and watch live shows at the award-winning Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Enjoy the picturesque scenery while walking over BP Bridge and take a deep breath of calm and zen at the stunning Lurie Garden view. Wake up the inner child in you and splash around the interactive Crown Fountain. Free admission makes it accessible for all school groups, and it's among the best free things to do in Chicago.

Location: 201 E Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60602

7. Lincoln Park Zoo

Visit one of the nation's oldest free zoos, home to over 200 species, at Lincoln Park Zoo. Students can observe animals from around the world while learning about conservation, habitats, and biodiversity. The zoo offers educational programs tailored to different grade levels, from elementary through high school.

Location: 2001 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614

8. Art Institute of Chicago

Explore one of the world's greatest art museums featuring masterpieces from ancient to contemporary art, at the Art Institute of Chicago. Students can view iconic works while learning about different cultures, historical periods, and artistic techniques. Educator guides help connect art to classroom learning, and it's easily accessible with reliable group transportation.

Location: 111 S Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603

9. Navy Pier

Experience Chicago's iconic waterfront destination featuring the Chicago Children's Museum, IMAX theater, and spectacular city views, at Navy Pier. Student groups can participate in educational programs while enjoying the lakefront setting, making it perfect for end-of-year celebrations or reward trips.

Location: 600 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

10. Chicago Children's Museum

Perfect for elementary students, this Navy Pier attraction features three floors of hands-on exhibits focused on science, math, and art. At the Chicago Children's Museum, children can climb through a three-story schooner, engineer waterways, and explore creative play spaces designed for active learning.

Location: 700 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

11. Brookfield Zoo

One of the nation's premier zoological parks spans 216 acres with naturalistic habitats, at Brookfield Zoo. Students can observe more than 2,000 animals while learning about conservation efforts, animal behavior, and ecosystems. Educational programs support science curriculum across all grade levels, making it a popular choice for weekend trips.

Location: 8400 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513

12. Garfield Park Conservatory

Explore one of the nation's largest conservatories featuring lush indoor gardens and exotic plants from around the world, at Garfield Park Conservatory. Students learn about botany, ecology, and environmental science while walking through tropical rainforests and desert landscapes — all under glass.

Location: 300 N Central Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60624

13. DuSable Black History Museum

Learn about African American history and culture through engaging exhibits and programs, at the DuSable Black History Museum. Students explore contributions of Black Americans to arts, politics, and social movements including the Civil Rights Movement, making it essential for comprehensive history education.

Location: 740 E 56th Place, Chicago, IL 60637

14. Chicago Botanic Garden

Walk through 385 acres featuring 27 gardens and four natural areas, at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Students explore plant science, ecology, and environmental conservation through guided tours and educational programs. The garden offers seasonal experiences and curriculum-aligned learning for all ages.

Location: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022

15. Chicago Architecture Center

Discover Chicago's world-renowned architecture through exhibits, walking tours, and river cruises, at the Chicago Architecture Center. High school students particularly enjoy learning about urban design, engineering, and the city's architectural heritage through this unique educational experience.

Location: 111 E Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601

How to Plan a Successful Field Trip

Planning an educational field trip requires careful preparation and reliable logistics. Whether you're organizing an elementary school visit to Lincoln Park Zoo or a high school tour of Chicago's museums, these essential tips will help ensure a smooth, educational experience for your entire class.

Essential planning steps include:

• Book early: Reserve your venue and transportation at least 3-6 months in advance, especially for popular destinations during peak school year months.
• Align with curriculum: Choose destinations that complement your classroom lessons and meet educational standards for maximum learning impact.
• Confirm details: Contact venues one week before your visit to verify reservations, parking arrangements, and any special requirements for student groups.
• Plan for all needs: Consider accessibility requirements, lunch arrangements, and restroom breaks when creating your itinerary.
• Consider group size: Match your transportation to your group — our fleet includes 14-passenger Sprinter Vans, 28-passenger mini buses for smaller groups and 36-passenger mini buses, 40-passenger coaches, 50-passenger coaches, and 56-passenger motor coaches for larger school groups.
• Budget wisely: Factor in admission fees, meals, and transportation costs; many Chicago museums offer free admission days for limited groups.

Professional transportation eliminates the stress of coordinating multiple parent drivers and ensures all students arrive together and on time. Our DOT-certified drivers prioritize safety while you focus on education.