Chicago's Most Popular Attractions

School trips are a great chance for students to learn new things. Viewing parks, historical sites and museums is exciting. If you don’t know where you’re going, however, it can also be a frustrating or overwhelming experience. Especially when visiting a large city, it’s important to remember that there won’t be time to see everything. The best thing to do is to visit the things that are the most important and the most popular. When traveling to Chicago, here are some things you won’t want to miss out on.

Chicago is home to several great museums. Three of the most popular ones form the Museum Campus Chicago. Included in this complex is the Adler Planetarium, where students can learn about various constellations and space related subjects, the Shedd Aquarium, where guests can view dolphin shows and giant sharks, and the Field Museum of Natural History where the most visited exhibit is a giant T-Rex skeleton named Sue. The Chicago Art Institute is another popular museum and art fans won’t want to miss it.

Navy Pier is another popular Chicago attraction. It was originally used as a boat dock, but was commonly considered to be a place where the public would gather to catch a cool breeze in the pre-air conditioning era. In recent years it has undergone a renovation and emerged as one of the most visited tourist attractions, complete with dining, shopping and entertainment. Guests will immediately notice the giant Ferris wheel, old-fashioned swings and carousel located in the midst of the hustle and bustle. There is a miniature golf course and a funhouse maze as well as an IMAX Theater for more entertainment options. Navy Pier also contains the Chicago Children’s Museum, which is a great place for elementary aged children, and contains interactive displays and exhibits with plenty of space to wiggle, climb and learn. The Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows is another museum on the pier and guests can browse the displays free of charge. Navy Pier is a great place to take older students for a senior trip, or a viable option for an evening activity.

For a great view of the city, plan a visit to the Hancock Center. This 100 story building is one of the tallest skyscrapers in Chicago, and guests can ride an elevator to the 94^th floor observation deck. Take some time to look at the time-lines, maps and various exhibits that show the history and construction of this building. If your group needs a snack or a meal, visit the 95^th floor restaurant.

Students won’t want to leave the Windy City without a taste of its famous pizza. Chicago style pizza is all about the cheese. About a pound of cheese is placed on a thick crust, with toppings being added next, and finally the sauce. The result is a deep-dish pizza that has to be eaten with a knife and fork due to the gooeyness. Popular places to get a pizza are Gino’s, Giordano’s, and the pizza’s inventors, Pizzeria Uno.

These are a few activities to introduce your group to popular destinations in Chicago. Of course your group won’t have time to see everything, but getting a taste of the city and its attractions will make for a memorable trip.