How to Visit Field Museum Family Days

The Field Museum in Chicago is one of the most renowned natural history museums in the world, home to over 40 million specimens and artifacts that span the globe and millions of years of history. Among its most cherished offerings are Family Days—special, interactive events designed to engage children, parents, educators, and caregivers in hands-on learning, immersive experiences, and discovery-driven fun. These events transform the museum from a static exhibition space into a dynamic, participatory environment where curiosity is nurtured, questions are encouraged, and learning becomes an adventure.

Family Days at the Field Museum are not just weekend outings—they are carefully curated educational experiences that align with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) principles, cultural awareness, and developmental milestones for children of all ages. Whether you're visiting from out of town or are a local resident looking for meaningful activities, understanding how to plan, prepare for, and maximize your Family Day experience is essential to making the most of this unique opportunity.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you navigate every aspect of visiting the Field Museum during Family Days. From registration and scheduling to navigating exhibits, managing crowd flow, and extending the learning beyond the museum walls, this tutorial ensures your family leaves not just entertained—but inspired.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Understand What Family Days Offer

Before planning your visit, it’s critical to know what distinguishes Family Days from regular museum days. Family Days typically occur once a month on select Sundays and are themed around topics such as dinosaurs, ancient civilizations, biodiversity, indigenous cultures, or space exploration. Each event includes:

• Interactive science stations led by educators and scientists
• Live demonstrations (e.g., fossil excavation, artifact restoration)
• Hands-on craft activities using sustainable materials
• Storytelling sessions featuring global folktales or scientific narratives
• Special access to exhibits with guided family-friendly commentary
• Photo opportunities with costumed interpreters or replica specimens

These activities are designed for children ages 3–12, but many are enjoyable for teens and adults alike. The museum intentionally avoids age-restricted zones to encourage intergenerational learning.

2. Check the Official Family Days Calendar

Family Days are not held every weekend. They follow a seasonal schedule that is updated annually. The best place to find accurate dates, themes, and activity details is the Field Museum’s official website under the “Events” or “Family Programs” section.

Visit fieldmuseum.org/events/family-days and look for the current year’s calendar. Each listing includes:

• Date and time (typically 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
• Theme description
• List of featured activities
• Recommended age ranges
• Any special notes (e.g., outdoor activities, weather-dependent events)

Bookmark this page and set a calendar reminder for the next Family Day. Many families plan their visits months in advance to coordinate with school breaks or vacation schedules.

3. Purchase or Reserve Your Tickets in Advance

While general admission to the Field Museum is required for entry, Family Days often include complimentary access to all activities and do not require separate tickets for events. However, the museum operates on a timed-entry system to manage crowd flow and enhance visitor experience.

Follow these steps to secure your entry:

1. Go to fieldmuseum.org/tickets
2. Select your desired Family Day date from the calendar
3. Choose the number of adult and child tickets
4. Complete your purchase using a credit or debit card
5. Receive a digital ticket via email (save to your phone or print)

Children under 3 enter for free. Members of the Field Museum receive complimentary admission and priority access during Family Days—consider joining if you plan to visit regularly. Membership benefits also include early entry, exclusive previews, and discounts on parking and gift shop purchases.

4. Plan Your Transportation and Arrival Time

The Field Museum is located on Chicago’s Museum Campus, adjacent to Soldier Field and Shedd Aquarium. It is easily accessible by car, public transit, bike, or rideshare.

By Car: Parking is available in the museum’s underground garage. Rates are $20 for the first hour and $3 per additional hour, with a daily maximum of $28. Arrive by 9:00 AM to secure a spot near the entrance and avoid weekend congestion.

By Public Transit: The CTA Red Line stops at Roosevelt Station, a 10-minute walk to the museum. The 146 Museum Campus bus also runs directly to the entrance. Use the Ventra app to load transit passes and check real-time arrivals.

By Bike: The museum offers free bike racks near the main entrance. Chicago’s Divvy bike-share stations are located within a 5-minute walk.

Plan to arrive 30 minutes before the official start time (10:00 AM). This allows time to:

• Check coats and bags at the free coat check
• Use restrooms (family-friendly and accessible facilities are located on every floor)
• Review the day’s activity map
• Join the welcome circle where staff introduce the day’s theme and schedule

5. Pick Up Your Family Activity Passport

Upon entry, stop by the Family Days information desk near the main lobby. Here, you’ll receive a free, laminated “Family Activity Passport.” This colorful booklet serves as your guide to the day’s events and includes:

• A map of all activity stations
• Descriptions of each hands-on experience
• Checkboxes to mark completed activities
• A puzzle or scavenger hunt tied to the day’s theme
• A space to write down your favorite discovery

Completing at least five activities earns your child a small, themed souvenir (e.g., a fossil replica, cultural artifact sticker, or plant seed packet). Encourage your family to collect stamps or stickers at each station—this gamification keeps children engaged and provides a tangible record of their learning journey.

6. Prioritize Activities Based on Interests and Energy Levels

With 15–25 activity stations spread across multiple floors, it’s impossible to do everything. Use these strategies to maximize your time:

• Start with high-demand stations: Popular activities like “Dig for Fossils” or “Ancient Egyptian Mummy Wrapping” often have lines. Head there first.
• Balance active and quiet stations: Alternate between physical activities (e.g., building a bridge with logs) and calm ones (e.g., listening to indigenous music or coloring cultural patterns).
• Use the “Family Flow” route: The museum often designates a recommended path on the activity map that minimizes backtracking and maximizes engagement. Follow it unless your child has a specific interest.
• Reserve time for exhibits: Don’t skip the permanent galleries! The Hall of Dinosaurs, Sue the T. rex, and the Ancient Egypt exhibit are highlights that complement Family Day themes. Use the activity passport to find connections between the day’s activities and the permanent displays.

7. Engage in Interactive Learning

The true value of Family Days lies in active participation. Encourage your children to:

• Ask questions of educators and scientists
• Use tools like magnifying glasses, brushes, and measuring tapes during activities
• Record observations in a small notebook or voice memo app
• Compare findings with siblings or other families

Adults play a crucial role in modeling curiosity. Instead of providing answers, ask open-ended questions: “What do you think this bone belonged to?” or “Why do you think this tool was made this way?” This approach fosters critical thinking and deepens retention.

8. Take Breaks Strategically

Family Days are intense. Children (and adults) can become overwhelmed by sensory input. The museum offers several quiet zones:

• The Family Lounge on the second floor: features soft seating, books, and calming audio of nature sounds.
• The Water Feature Courtyard: an outdoor space with misting fountains and shaded benches.
• Seating areas near the Evolutionary Tree sculpture in the atrium.

Schedule 15–20 minute breaks every 90 minutes. Use this time to hydrate, snack, and reflect on what was learned. Avoid skipping breaks—fatigue leads to disengagement.

9. Explore the Family-Friendly Dining Options

The museum offers several dining options tailored to families:

• The Field Museum Café: Offers kid-friendly meals like turkey wraps, veggie pasta, and fruit cups. All meals include a reusable water bottle with purchase.
• Snack Carts: Located on the first and second floors, offering granola bars, apple slices, and hummus cups.
• Picnic Area: Outside near the lakefront, families may bring their own food and eat on the grass. No alcohol or glass containers permitted.

Remember: food and drinks are not allowed in exhibit halls. Designate a break area for meals to avoid damaging artifacts or disturbing other visitors.

10. Collect Your Souvenir and Leave with a Plan

At the end of the day, return your completed Family Activity Passport to the information desk to claim your souvenir. You’ll also receive a take-home packet that includes:

• A list of recommended books and documentaries related to the day’s theme
• Links to online games and virtual tours
• A printable “Family Science Journal” template
• An invitation to join the next Family Day

Before leaving, take a moment to ask your child: “What was your favorite thing today? What would you like to learn more about?” Use their answer to plan future visits or home-based learning activities.

Best Practices

1. Prepare Your Child in Advance

Children respond better to new experiences when they have context. A week before the event, watch a short video together (the museum’s YouTube channel has 5-minute previews of upcoming themes). Read a picture book related to the theme—e.g., “Dinosaurs Before Dark” for a paleontology day or “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” for an innovation-themed event.

Discuss what to expect: “We’ll get to touch real fossils!” or “We’ll meet someone dressed like an ancient Egyptian.” This reduces anxiety and builds excitement.

2. Pack Smart

Bring these essentials:

• Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll cover 2–3 miles)
• A small backpack with water bottles, healthy snacks, and a change of clothes (for messy activities)
• Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
• A lightweight jacket (museum interiors are cool)
• A portable phone charger
• A small notebook and crayons or pencils

Leave bulky strollers at the coat check. The museum provides lightweight, collapsible loaner strollers on a first-come, first-served basis.

3. Set Realistic Expectations

Family Days are not meant to be rushed. Don’t expect to see every exhibit or complete every activity. Focus on quality over quantity. One deeply engaging experience can spark a lifelong interest in science or culture.

Some children may be overwhelmed by crowds or noise. Have a quiet exit plan ready. It’s okay to leave early if your child is overstimulated.

4. Involve All Family Members

Assign roles to make everyone feel included:

• “Map Master”: responsible for tracking activity stamps
• “Question Captain”: asks one question per station to an educator
• “Photo Historian”: takes pictures of favorite moments
• “Memory Keeper”: writes down one thing learned each hour

This encourages responsibility, reduces sibling rivalry, and creates shared ownership of the experience.

5. Extend Learning Beyond the Museum

The most powerful Family Days are those that continue after you leave. Use the take-home materials to:

• Create a family science journal with drawings and notes
• Watch a documentary together and discuss it over dinner
• Visit a local park and look for natural patterns or fossils
• Build a model of a dinosaur or pyramid using household items

These extensions reinforce learning and show children that education doesn’t end at the museum door.

6. Be Inclusive and Accessible

The Field Museum is committed to accessibility. All Family Day activities are designed to be inclusive of neurodiverse learners, physical disabilities, and language diversity.

• Visual schedules and social stories are available upon request.
• ASL interpreters are present during key demonstrations.
• Quiet rooms and sensory kits (noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools) are available at the guest services desk.
• Multilingual activity guides are provided in Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic.

If your family has specific needs, email familyprograms@fieldmuseum.org in advance to arrange accommodations.

7. Practice Museum Etiquette

Teach children the “Museum Rules” before entering:

• Walk, don’t run
• Use inside voices
• Don’t touch exhibits unless marked “Touch Me”
• Wait your turn at activity stations
• Ask before taking photos of people

Modeling respectful behavior ensures a positive experience for everyone.

Tools and Resources

Official Field Museum Resources

• Website: fieldmuseum.org — Central hub for calendars, tickets, and program details
• Family Days Email Newsletter: Subscribe at the bottom of the Family Days page for monthly updates
• YouTube Channel: Search “Field Museum Family Days” for past event highlights and activity tutorials
• Mobile App: The “Field Museum” app includes an interactive map, audio guides, and real-time wait times for activities

Third-Party Educational Tools

• Khan Academy Kids: Free app with science and culture lessons aligned with museum themes
• Google Arts & Culture: Explore high-resolution images of the Field Museum’s collections from home
• Science Buddies: Offers printable STEM projects that mirror Family Day activities
• Libby by OverDrive: Borrow free children’s books on dinosaurs, archaeology, and global cultures

Community and Local Partners

Chicago-area libraries often host pre-Field Day workshops:

• Chicago Public Library’s “Museum Explorers” program offers free family kits with activity sheets and book lists
• Local STEM centers like the Museum of Science and Industry sometimes co-host Family Day prep events
• Community centers in neighborhoods like Hyde Park and South Shore offer transportation assistance for low-income families

Printable and Digital Worksheets

Download these free resources to enhance your visit:

• “Dino Detective” Scavenger Hunt — PDF with clues tied to the Hall of Dinosaurs
• “Culture Connect” Matching Game — Match artifacts to their regions of origin
• “My Museum Day Journal” — Fill-in-the-blank template for reflection

All are available at fieldmuseum.org/learn/family-resources.

Real Examples

Example 1: The “Dinosaurs & Fossils” Family Day

The Johnson family from Naperville attended the “Dinosaurs & Fossils” Family Day in March. Their 7-year-old daughter, Mia, had been obsessed with dinosaurs since watching “The Land Before Time.”

They arrived at 9:15 AM, picked up their passports, and headed straight to the “Dig Pit,” where kids used brushes and sieves to uncover replica fossils buried in sand. Mia found a Triceratops tooth and screamed with joy.

Next, they joined a paleontologist-led talk on how fossils form. Mia asked, “How do you know it’s a tooth and not a rock?” The scientist showed her the difference under a magnifying glass.

They ended the day in the Hall of Dinosaurs, where Mia pointed out the exact spot where her fossil was found in the exhibit. That night, she drew a picture of Sue the T. rex and wrote, “I found a real dinosaur tooth!”

Three months later, Mia started a dinosaur club at school. Her teacher said it was the most engaged student project she’d seen all year.

Example 2: The “Indigenous Cultures of the Americas” Family Day

The Rivera family, who are of Mexican descent, attended the “Indigenous Cultures” Family Day in November. Their 5-year-old son, Mateo, had never learned about pre-Columbian civilizations.

At the “Weaving with Natural Dyes” station, Mateo learned how the Maya made purple dye from snails. His grandmother, who grew up in Oaxaca, whispered, “We used to do this too.”

They visited the Native North American Hall and saw a ceremonial headdress similar to ones worn by their relatives. Mateo asked, “Why is this here and not in our house?”

The educator explained how museums preserve cultural heritage. Later, the family created a family tree with symbols from their heritage and the museum’s exhibits.

That evening, they cooked tamales and told stories about ancestors. Mateo said, “I’m part of something big.”

Example 3: The “Climate and Ecosystems” Family Day

The Patel family from Evanston attended the “Climate and Ecosystems” event in June. Their 10-year-old son, Arjun, was nervous about climate change after learning about it in school.

At the “Build a Coral Reef” station, he used recycled plastic to construct a model reef. He was told that real reefs are dying because of warming oceans.

But then he met a marine biologist who showed him how communities in Florida are restoring reefs using 3D-printed structures. “We can fix it?” Arjun asked.

“Yes,” the biologist replied. “But you have to be part of the solution.”

At home, Arjun started a recycling campaign in his neighborhood. He even presented his project to his class. The Field Museum invited him to speak at the next Family Day.

FAQs

Do I need to pay extra for Family Day activities?

No. Family Day activities are included with general admission. There are no additional fees for hands-on stations, demonstrations, or souvenirs.

Are Family Days suitable for toddlers?

Yes. Many stations are designed for ages 3 and up. The museum provides sensory-friendly kits and quiet zones for younger children. Toddlers under 3 enter free and can participate in simplified versions of activities.

Can I bring a stroller?

Yes, but stroller parking is limited. Use the free coat check to store strollers if you plan to navigate crowded areas. The museum also offers loaner strollers.

Is the museum accessible for children with disabilities?

Yes. The Field Museum is fully ADA-compliant. Wheelchair-accessible paths, tactile exhibits, audio descriptions, and sensory kits are available. Contact familyprograms@fieldmuseum.org in advance for personalized support.

What if it rains on Family Day?

Most activities are indoors. Outdoor stations (like the courtyard science garden) may be relocated or canceled. Check the website or app for real-time updates.

Can I visit the museum outside of Family Days and still do similar activities?

While Family Days offer the most immersive programming, the museum’s permanent exhibits include interactive elements year-round. Look for “Touch & Learn” labels and “Ask Me” signs on exhibits. You can also request a family guide at the information desk.

How often do Family Days occur?

Family Days typically occur once per month from September through May, with a break during summer. Special holiday-themed Family Days (e.g., Halloween, Winter Solstice) may occur in December.

Is photography allowed?

Yes, non-flash photography is permitted in all public areas. Please ask before photographing staff or other visitors.

Can I volunteer or help run Family Day activities?

Yes! The museum welcomes volunteers aged 16 and older. Visit fieldmuseum.org/volunteer to apply. No prior experience is required—training is provided.

What if I miss a Family Day?

Don’t worry. Each theme is repeated annually, and many activities are archived online. Subscribe to the newsletter to be notified of the next occurrence.

Conclusion

Visiting the Field Museum on Family Day is more than a day out—it’s a catalyst for curiosity, connection, and lifelong learning. By following this guide, you transform a simple museum visit into a rich, intentional experience that nurtures your child’s imagination and deepens family bonds.

The magic of Family Days lies not in the number of exhibits seen, but in the questions asked, the discoveries made, and the conversations sparked. Whether your child leaves with a fossil replica in hand or a new fascination with ancient cultures, the impact endures.

Plan ahead, arrive early, stay present, and let your child lead the way. The Field Museum isn’t just a building filled with artifacts—it’s a living classroom where every family can become explorers, storytellers, and scientists.

So mark your calendar, pack your curiosity, and get ready to step into a world where history, science, and wonder come alive—for you and your family.