Back to School

Okay Chicago, so you’ve agreed to be a mentor. Now what? What can you do to keep students pointed in the right direction without reaching deep into your pockets? Check out these nine penny saving activities that are fun, but can still boost grades in the classroom!

1. Museum of Science and Industry
Learn how tsunamis work by making your own! The Museum of Science and Industry approaches science with a very hands-on approach. These interactive activities make students excited about learning. Find out when you can take your students here for FREE!

2. Field Museum
Is your student obsessed with bling? Then they will definitely not want to miss the Field Museum’s exhibit on gold. Known as one of the rarest and most prized minerals in the world, gold has captured the world’s fascination for centuries. Discover its beauty for FREE every second Monday of the month in addition to the other FREE basic admission days.

3. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Check out nature’s food cycle – from the farm to the market to the compost bin. If your student is passionate about saving the world, the Nature Museum is a must-see. Children under 3 are always free and Thursdays are suggested donation days.

4. Museum of Contemporary Art
Is your student a young artist? Make sure to plan a trip to the Museum of Contemporary Art where they will get to see some of the most significant influential artists of the modern world. Stop by on Tuesday – It’s FREE!

5. Chicago Children’s Museum
It’s important to get kids excited about learning at a young age. Venture down to Navy Pier with your young one for a day at the Chicago Children’s Museum where play and learning connect! It’s FREE for everyone on Thursday from 5-8 and FREE for everyone under the age of 15 every first Sunday of the month.

6. Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium is out of this world! With three theaters and numerous exhibits, your day will inevitably turn into an unforgettable experience. The immersive theaters draw a lot of attention and combine media interest with education. Make sure to stop by on any Tuesday before Christmas when it’s absolutely FREE!

7. Art Institute of Chicago
Though this has always been a personal favorite, the Art Institute has recently started to gear their massive collection towards students. They’ve moved into a new education center that has tripled the amount of space dedicated to students and teachers. Galleries such as African art, Indian art of the Americas, Japanese art, and arms and armor are easy to educate as well as marvel at unique craftsmanship. Expect to pay no charge every Thursday from 5-8.

8. Lincoln Park Zoo
This oasis for animal lovers is FREE every day! Whether you want to tackle the entire zoo in one day, or just want to supplement a lesson in school on bird anatomy with the Regenstein birds of prey exhibit, this can be a useful educational tool to motivate learners of all ages.

9. McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Beginning Nov 17, the ice rink in Millennium Park will be up and running for the tenth consecutive season. This rink, which is FREE and open to the public serves 100,000 skaters annually. They also offer skate rentals for $10. Active kids are more likely to be healthy, academically motivated, alert, successful, and can build self-esteem.

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