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Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL
MuseumsFamily FavoriteRainy-Day Pick

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr · Chicago, IL

Why you should go…

Housed in a palace from the 1893 World's Fair, this Hyde Park giant lets you tour a real German U-505 submarine, ride down a simulated coal mine, and chase a 40-foot indoor tornado. It's hands-on science on a scale no other museum matches. Budget a full day, you'll still leave wanting more.

  • #science museum
  • #hands-on
  • #U-505 submarine
  • #hyde park
  • #kids

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Frederick C. Robie House

    Under $25

    Tour Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie style house in Hyde Park, with its cantilevered roofs and art glass.

    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    History Buff

    DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

    Under $25

    Browse Chicago's long-running Black history museum, with art, artifacts and a wing devoted to Mayor Harold Washington.

    1.2 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Rate Field

    $25–$50

    Catch a Chicago White Sox game on the South Side, with a center field Fan Deck, a Kids Zone and a 2005 World Series sculpture.

    3.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Eat & Drink
    Date Night

    Chicago Oyster House

    $50+

    South Loop seafood and steak restaurant near McCormick Place known for fresh oysters and prime steaks.

    4.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Museums
    Iconic

    Adler Planetarium

    $25–$50

    America's first planetarium, perched on Northerly Island with dome sky shows and the best skyline view in Chicago.

    5.4 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Field Museum

    $25–$50

    Meet SUE the T. rex and roam ancient Egypt in one of the world's great natural history museums.

    5.5 mi awayMore like this