Field Museum of Natural History Tours and Activities

Photo provided by City Of Chicago
Field Museum of Natural History which includes interior views
Field Museum of Natural History showing signage, interior views and a city
Photo provided by © Choose Chicago
Field Museum of Natural History showing interior views


Dinosaur bones, rare gems and real Egyptian mummies are among the displays at this family favorite.

The Field Museum is located just south of downtown in Chicago Park in a complex known as the Museum Campus. (The John G. Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium are next door.) This museum has a collection of over 2 million objects (not all of them on display) that are related to archaeology, history and science. 

The prize possession is Sue, the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton ever found. The fossil is 42 feet long, 13 feet high at the hip and more than 65 million years old. Sue is on display among a large collection of dinosaur skeletons in the Evolving Planet exhibit. Learn about the evolution of life over four billion years through bones, rocks and interactive displays.

Sue alone is worth a visit to the museum, but there's plenty more to keep you fascinated for at least half a day. There are several exhibits that explore Ancient civilizations, including Egypt and the Americas. Inside Ancient Egypt has 23 human mummies on display as well as mummified animals, tombs and shrines.

There's a huge collection of taxidermy animals spread out across three exhibits: Nature Walk, Mammals of Asia and Mammals of Africa. Among them are lions and elephants.

Gaze at rare diamonds and gems from around the world at the Grainger Hall of Gems some of which are 8,000 years old. The Underground Adventure shows what life is like for bugs under the ground. If you're curious about how a science lab works, explore several within the museum. Watch how scientists prep fossils or extract DNA at the McDonald's Fossil Prep Lab and DNA Discovery Center.

There are regular traveling exhibitions and special events, so check the Museum's official website and plan ahead. It’s open every day except Christmas Day. There are discounts for children and seniors.

Plan a trip to see Field Museum of Natural History

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago
Hotel Felix River North/Magnificent Mile
Park Hyatt Chicago

Tours & day trips

See all 179 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 35 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 31 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 13 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Field Museum of Natural History

Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Congress Plaza Hotel
Best Western Grant Park Hotel

Best Western Grant Park Hotel

2.5 out of 5
1100 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Best Western Grant Park Hotel
Hilton Chicago

Hilton Chicago

4 out of 5
720 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Hilton Chicago
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG

4.5 out of 5
505 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

2 out of 5
65 E Harrison St, Chicago, IL
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
citizenM Chicago Downtown

citizenM Chicago Downtown

4 out of 5
80 East Wacker Place, Chicago, IL
citizenM Chicago Downtown
Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park

Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park

4.5 out of 5
200 North Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL
Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop

3 out of 5
55 E 11th Street, Chicago, IL
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Field Museum of Natural History

At the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, immerse yourself in natural adventures and explore the city's vibrant culture. Consider joining a tour group for guided experiences or opt for engaging photo tours to capture stunning moments. Whether you’re planning a budget outing or seeking unique activities, the museum offers a variety of options to enhance your visit and create lasting memories.

Shopping

For shopping near the Field Museum of Natural History, visit Maxwell Street Market, just 1.6km away, for unique finds. Chicago Place Mall and 900 North Michigan Shops are both 3.2km away, offering a mix of family and entertainment vibes. If you're up for a drive, explore more options in the city.

Recreation

Soldier Field, 483m from the Field Museum, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. For a cultural experience, the House of Blues Chicago, 3.2km away, provides lively music and entertainment. Enjoy nature and tranquility at Northerly Island Natural Area, located 1.4km from the museum.

Adventure

For an adventurous experience near the Field Museum of Natural History, hike the Salt Creek Trail, located 13.2km away, surrounded by beautiful scenery. For family fun, visit Rainbow Falls Waterpark, 23.2km away, offering thrilling water slides and entertainment for all ages.

Nightlife

The Field Museum of Natural History offers vibrant nightlife options nearby. The Chicago Theatre, 1.6km away, provides a romantic cultural experience. Bally's Casino, two miles out, buzzes with city excitement, while the Film Row Cinema, half 1.6km away, is perfect for family-friendly entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Field Museum of Natural History

When visiting the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, you'll find a wealth of attractions, including urban parks, iconic skyscrapers, and historic buildings. The area offers rich cultural experiences suitable for families and city enthusiasts alike. Don't miss nearby highlights like the Chicago History Museum and other fascinating history museums that showcase the city's vibrant past and best attractions.

  • McCormick Place: As the largest convention centre in North America, McCormick Place offers a bustling atmosphere filled with business energy. It hosts numerous events, making it a hub for networking and innovation. Even if you're not attending a conference, the architecture and scale of the venue are impressive to explore.
  • Michigan Avenue: Known as the Magnificent Mile, this iconic street features upscale shops, dining, and cultural attractions. Stroll along Michigan Avenue to experience the vibrant city vibes, with stunning architecture and a lively atmosphere that showcases the heart of Chicago.
  • Navy Pier: This scenic jetty offers a blend of urban fun and beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Enjoy attractions, art installations, and friendly people while taking in the lively ambiance. It's a perfect spot for relaxation and exploration.

Best time to go to Field Museum of Natural History

Visitor numbers around Field Museum of Natural History is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Field Museum of Natural History is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January25.7°F (-3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February27.0°F (-2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March37.0°F (2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Field Museum of Natural History

Visiting the Field Museum of Natural History can be budget-friendly with a few smart choices. Explore nearby free attractions like Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, and Grant Park. For accommodation, consider visiting between December and February for lower prices, with Tuesdays being the most affordable days to stay. Utilize Expedia to find discounted hotels and flexible booking options, and save further by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities. Remember to sort by price to secure the best deals for your trip!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Field Museum of Natural History are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Field Museum of Natural History is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Field Museum of Natural History is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the most affordable prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Field Museum of Natural History with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.