Exploring The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry of Chicago
Looking to do more than shopping on your next trip to the Windy City? I’ve got you covered! On our last trip we hit several museums, starting with the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. This museum is far more than its name suggests and is a great place to spend the afternoon with the whole family.
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Chicago’s Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Located on the coast of Lake Michigan, about 7 miles south of Millennium Park in Chicago, this Museum has over 20 exhibits for scientists of all ages. Here are some of my family’s highlights.
Exhibits
The Great Train Story
3,500 square feet of miniature train tracks will intrigue even the most casual train connoisseur. Representing the Chicago to Seattle route, the room goes to “night mode” twice and hour and has plenty of opportunities to press buttons and control some of the features.
Farm Tech
This exhibit teaches visitors about where their food comes from. Farm equipment is out on display as is a small room about cow milk production.
Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle
Fans of miniatures or dollhouses must visit this area of the museum! (Did you know the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis also has a miniatures exhibit?) Walk around the display of the Fairy Castle as you hear a narration of what you are looking at.
The Museum’s website has the entire story of this amazing castle as well. If you’d like to check it out, it is linked here.
Science Storms
This area of the museum is one of the largest. The main idea of each section is extreme weather or natural phenomena. Sensory sensitive visitors should be prepared with headphones and be aware that there are a lot of changing lights and sounds in this area.
- Lightning- Here you can sit back and wait for the Tesla coil to demonstrate an indoor lightning storm.
- Avalanche- Home of the super-sized Newton’s Cradle as well as an 8-ton avalanche disk.
- Atoms- There are several hands-on activities and Ferrofluid in this area of Science Storms.
- Fire- Make your own virtual firework show
- Tornado-Observe a vortex and then stand in a wind machine and see how long you can handle a storm!
- Tsunami- Release your own Tsunami wave in the 30 foot wave tank
- Sunlight- Use the heliostat mirror located on the Museum’s rooftop to create 30 foot rainbows with a prism. After that, play with light waves and adjust the colors around you in the Color Room.
The Transportation Gallery at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
This space tells the history of transportation vehicles. Airplanes hang from the ceiling and a Wright Flyer replica is on display. (See the real thing in Washington D.C!) The Piccard Gondola, a 999 Locomotive and simulators help fill the gallery.
Idea Factory
When the kids need a minute to get their sillies out, this is the place to be! Although this exhibit often requires a timed-entry ticket, it is included with your admission. The Idea Factory is for children 10 and under and is full of hands-on experiments. Using water and plastic balls, little scientists can explore and test their ideas. The timed entry helps keep crowds to a minimum. Stroller parking is across from this area and a nursing room and family restroom are also nearby.
U-505 Submarine
Tour the infamous German U-boat from WWII. This exhibit does require an additional timed-entry ticket and is NOT included in your museum admission. A worthwhile tour if you are a WWII buff or have never had the chance to be inside the tight quarters of a submarine.
Of note- there are several tight spaces as well as lights and sounds that may be upsetting to those with sensory sensitivities. Since this is an actual submarine, it is unfortunately not wheelchair or stroller accessible. There are also stairs and uneven floors. For more information see the Museum’s website.
Space and Beyond
In addition to all of the exhibits above, there is plenty more to explore. You can easily spend an entire day at this museum. Visit the Henry Crown Space Center, learn about the ocean plastic crisis and visit the Ships Gallery. The Museum also welcomes traveling exhibits, so be sure to double check dates before traveling. The current list of exhibits is available here.
Things to Know Before You Go
Hours & Admission
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. It is closed some holidays, be sure to check the website before you travel to confirm hours and dates.
Admission is currently:
$25.95 for ages 12+
$14.95 for ages 3-11
Discounts are available for Chicago residents, as well as through Groupon and CityPASS. ASTC Reciprocal rates may also apply.
Additional fees apply for certain temporary exhibitions, as well as the U-505 Submarine Tour and the Giant Dome Theater.
Accessibility
Wheelchair and stroller rentals are available and wagons are NOT permitted. The Museum’s website has a lot of accessibilty information available. Travelers with sensory sensitivities should take note of several areas with changing lights and sounds. Details are located here.
Dining
The Museum has a few different dining locations. The Museum Kitchen offers the most options. There is also Stan’s Donuts, with donuts, milkshakes, soup & sandwiches on the menu. The ‘One Small Snack’ shop is a grab and go area with snacks and drinks located near the Henry Crown Space Center. Vending machines are located around the Museum as well.
You are able to bring your own food to the Musuem but may only eat in designated areas.
Getting Here
The Museum is located at:
5700 S. DuSable
Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637
Convenenient parking is available in a garage which is connected to the Museum. While it is located a bit away from the main Museum Campus and shopping in Chicago, there is a beach nearby to enjoy.
Looking for more museums to visit with your children? Here’s our growing list-
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Blue Ocean Discovery Center- New Hampshire
U.S. Space and Rocket Center- Alabama
The Smithsonian
Frist Art Museum-Nashville
The Science Adventure Center-Nashville