Founded in 1933, Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry is one of the largest science museums in the world. It houses more than 35,000 artifacts and includes 400,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits. Visitors can enjoy live science experiences, tour a World War II submarine, and view a replica of the plane used by the Wright brothers.
Parking and public transportation at The Museum of Science and Industry
On-site parking is available at the museum's underground garage for a fee of $22 per vehicle. A metered outdoor lot is available a short walk from the museum. For visitors taking advantage of Chicago's public transportation system, bus access is available in front of the museum.
Best and worst time to go to The Museum of Science and Industry
Visitors should consider arriving after 1 p.m., when the museum becomes less crowded. If you are planning to spend the day at the museum, try to arrive prior to opening time to get a place in line. September and October as well as January through March are the least busy months for the museum.
Admission to The Museum of Science and Industry
A variety of ticket packages are available, with prices for adults ranging from $18-36. Tickets for visitors aged 3-11 range from $11-25. A total of fifty-two free admission days are available for Illinois residents. The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours offered on various dates throughout the year. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Must see and must do at The Museum of Science and Industry
A visit to the museum should include the U-505 Onboard Submarine Tour. The U-505 at the Museum of Science and Industry is one of only five still in existence and is the only submarine available for touring in the United States. The onboard tour takes fifteen minutes.
Other places to visit near The Museum of Science and Industry
Less than 7 miles from the museum is Shedd Aquarium, featuring Beluga whales, the Abbott Oceanarium, sharks, stingrays, and live corral. Behind the museum, visitors can tour Jackson Park and its lagoons or the secluded Japanese Tea Gardens.
Insider Tip for visitors to The Museum of Science and Industry
In order to avoid long lines at the main ticket counter, purchase tickets inside the Henry Crown Space Center. Purchasing at this location will put you close to the U-505 Submarine Tour.
Author's Bio: Heather Hurley is a publishing professional and freelance writer living in Carmel, Indiana. She has enjoyed visiting family-friendly attractions in Chicago.
As the center of Silicon Valley geographically, it makes sense that San Jose would host a museum entirely devoted to technology and innovation. The Tech Museum of Innovation, lovingly referred to by locals as "The Tech," lives up to it's name with a frequently rotating roster of technology themed installations that always offers something new and interesting for tech savvy locals and tech curious out-of town visitors alike.
Best and worst time to go to the Tech
Locals crowd to the Tech on the first full weekend of every month, when Bank of America sponsors free admission to all card holders, and the venue gets packed. If you are looking for a quieter museum experience, go during summer, between June and August, when local schools aren't in session and you won't run into the otherwise frequent field trip groups.
Must see/do at the Tech
The Tech's IMAX theater is a must visit, as the IMAX experience translates brilliantly to the science and nature films often shown here. The "Earthquake Simulator" found on the first floor is a perennial favorite for Californians especially. And don't miss the "Social Robots" installation, where you can build a real robot for free.
Admission to the Tech
Admission for the museum runs in the $20 range, with an extra fee for IMAX entry. Small discounts are offered for youth and seniors, as well as AAA members and military affiliates. The Tech is a supporter of the "Open Access" policy, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds if entry fees are prohibitive. Check-in at the front desk for discount details.
Parking and public transportation to the Tech
Parking at the Tech usually isn't too hard, with the nearby San Jose Convention Center offering all day parking for $5 with validation. Another lot, located at the corner of Second and San Carlos, has the same rates. VTA lightrail also provides easy access, with the 900 and 902 trains stopping at the McEnery Convention Center less than two blocks away.
Food at the Tech
The Tech Cafe presented by Lunch with Tony, located on the ground floor level of the Tech, has a full menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, and breakfast themed a la carte items. Expect to pay around 10 dollars for an entree, with some discounted kids options. And don't miss the "made from scratch" soups if you are looking for a very impressive bowl of local goodness.
Insider tips for visitors to the Tech
The second Thursday of every month offers a 21+ "After Hours at the Tech Event" where the museum tweaks exhibits to cater to an older audience and serves cocktails. And you get into this event for free if it's the month of your birthday.
Author's bio: Cassidy Kakin is a local cyclist, writer, and entrepreneur. He is passionate about two things: exploring his city and sharing his findings with the world.
Boston's Museum of Science is a favorite museum among locals for its varied, relevant, and highly interactive exhibits. There is truly something for everyone; the MoS does not feel like your typical stand-around-and-stare-at-stuff museum. In addition to the museum's ever-changing and always exciting visiting exhibits, there are many permanent exhibits; plan for anywhere from two to five hours to explore the museum. Plus, you have to see an Omni film. And play in the massive gift shop. Maybe just plan to come back again and see what you didn't get to see the first time; there's always more.
Best and worst time to go to the Museum of Science
Because the museum is especially fun for kids and has so many interactive exhibits, it will be crowded when kids are out of school. If possible, go on a weekday, and avoid school vacation weeks when possible. If you must go during a vacation week, go later on in the week. Try to get there when the museum first opens at 9 a.m. or stay until after the kids are all in bed. The museum is open until 9 p.m. on Friday nights, making for a sweet albeit geeky date night.
Must see/do at the Museum of Science
See a movie at the Mugar Omni Theater. You'll get the most out of this immersive, domed screen experience if you choose a film featuring something underwater or adrenalin-inducing.
The Hayden Planetarium is also very popular as it is one of the most technologically advanced in the country, plus it offers psychadelic laser shows for a more chill evening.
The Lightning! demonstration is one of the museum's oldest and still best shows. The world's largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator will definitely spark your interest. Get to an early showing, as this popular demo fills up.
Admission to the Museum of Science
You'll pay just over twenty bucks to get in to the museum and only save a few for seniors and children (though kids under three are free). The Omni Theater, Planetarium, 4-D Theater, and Butterfly Garden each cost about another five dollars as an add-on to your museum entry. Each of these special tickets costs about ten dollars if purchased independently.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Museum of Science
Parking at the museum's garage is the most convenient option, though a little pricey. The garage does fill up on weekends and school vacation days; once again, get there early to find a spot and beat the museum crowds. You can also park a half a mile away at the Cambridgeside Galleria garage to save a few bucks (the shorter your museum stay, the more significant the savings, or take the T and save even more. Take the Green Line's E train to Science Park Station and then cross the Charles River over the bridge. Further details and directions from other T stops are available on the museum's website.
Food at the Museum of Science
The Riverview Cafe offers some yummy choices with a splendid view of Boston over the Charles River, but you'll pay a premium. There are a variety of other options including but not limited to burritos, a salad bar, and Starbucks, but if you're on a budget, pack a lunch and save your money for the awesome stuff at the gift shop.
Insider tip for visitors to the Museum of Science
It's certainly easy to spend hours aimlessly wandering around the museum, but you can also plan your day ahead of time to make sure you get to see the things you didn't even know you wanted to see. The museum lists daily schedules on the website including live animal demonstrations, drop-in activities and challenges, and theater showtimes. Get tickets online ahead of time for the Omni movie or Planetarium show you really want to see and plan your day accordingly while also spending less time on line at the museum buying tickets.
For Boston visitors or locals playing tourist, save money and time by purchasing a Boston CityPass or Go Boston Card, and search for discount codes for these online. For Boston area locals, check with your town library, as many offer free or discounted day passes.
Friday nights, you can also venture to the roof of the parking garage to visit the Gililand Observatory for free and see the stars with the guidance of a an astronomy expert. Weather permitting, March through November; check the website or call for more details and to see if you'll be the only one there or not.
Author's bio: Deborah Jarvis is a freelance writer who grew up and currently lives in the Greater Boston Area. She never pahks her cah in Hahvahd Yahd and tries not to drive like she's from Boston if she can help it. She still remembers spending an overnight in the museum with her Girl Scout Troop and getting a yellow t-shirt with a T-Rex on it. It was her favorite shirt until her parents went to Paris and got her a new, tres chic Eiffel Tower shirt.
The Hill Aerospace Museum located on the Hill Air Force Base is a perfect place to visit for both aviation enthusiasts and families. The museum boasts a number of old and new aircraft, interactive aviation exhibits, as well as a whole room dedicated to changes over the years in pilot outfits.
Best and Worst Time to Go to the Hill Aerospace Museum
The museum is open all year-round Monday through Saturday except for January 1, July 4, and December 24-25. While the museum's 30 acres is big enough to host large groups, if you want the whole place to yourself, it's best to go during the week when parents are at work and children are in school. Summers weekends, especially on days with airshows, can be more stressful to both find parking and peacefully enjoy the museum.
Must See/Do at the Hill Aerospace Museum
While the museum boasts a number of exhibits, you'll want to be sure to make time to see the SR-71 Blackbird and Sikorsky MH-53M helicopter located in the second hangar, where you can see these aircraft up close and personal. Additionally, if you've got an extra half hour, take some time to see the Vietnam War prison cell exhibit and accompanying movie, which will give you a new found appreciation for what the prisoners of war faced. Finally, don't forget the Women Air Force Service Pilots exhibit, a fascinating history and tribute to the women who flew during World War II.
Admission to the Hill Aerospace Museum
Admission is free to the museum, although there is a donation box near the entrance to the museum for those who would like to contribute. In addition, this part of the Air Force base is open to the public, so there is no need for a special access badge to visit the museum.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Hill Aerospace Museum
Driving to the museum is the best way to get there, as there is currently no public transportation options that drop visitors off at the museum itself. The museum is easily accessible with a car by taking Exit 338 off of I-15. Parking is also free at museum.
Food at the Hill Aerospace Museum
There are no food services at the museum itself, except for a couple of vending machines. However, the city of Roy is located just opposite the museum on the other side of the freeway with your choice of fast food establishments.
Insider Tip for Visitors to the Hill Aerospace Museum
During your visit, be on the lookout for employees and volunteers staffing the museum, especially those sitting near the exhibits in the hangars. Many of these volunteers are military veterans who love the opportunity to tell stories to visitors about the aircraft on display.
Author's bio: Clint T. lives has lived in Utah on and off for the past 20 years and will never grow tired of the great outdoors.
The Radio & Television Museum, which is operated by the Maryland-based Radio Historical Society, showcases a history of broadcasting. The museum displays vintage equipment and even allows guests to watch TV shows on television sets from the early 1900s. Be sure to visit the museum to see the evolution of broadcasting.
