Things to do in Chicago

7 Chicago Museums to Visit Over Spring Break

Spring break in Chicago is a great time to check out one of the city's many museums

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 12: Performers pose during Museum of Ice Cream SoHo Flagship Opening Party on December 12, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Museum of Ice Cream)

With spring break for Chicago Public Schools falling next week, this may be just the time visit one of Chicago's many museums that you've been hoping to check out.

And from fish to fine art, Chicago's museums have it all.

Here are seven museums that you may want to consider visiting before spring break 2023 comes to a close.

Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions in Chicago, located at 25 E. Washington Ave. near Millennium Park, is where "nothing is quite as it seems."

According to the museum's website, "guests will enjoy more than 60 visual and educational exhibits featuring holograms, stereograms, optical illusions, and immersive rooms that are designed to tease the senses and trick the mind."

Tickets start at $19 for children ages 5-12, $22 for seniors and $24 for adults.

Museum of Ice Cream

It's just as it sounds -- a museum where you can eat, learn about and play with ice cream.

"Rediscover your inner child on a colorful journey that includes exclusive ice cream hot dogs, dessert-themed putt-putt golf and a dive in the world-famous sprinkle pool," the website says.

Tickets start at $25, with discounts offered for certain time slots.

The museum is located at 435 N. Michigan Ave.

MORE: Full List of Upcoming Chicago Museum Free Days For 2023

Adler Planetarium

Stargazers and astronomy lovers can visit the Adler Planetarium, located at 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Tickets start at $8 for children and $19 for adults, but on Wednesday, Illinois residents can enter free of charge.

Shedd Aquarium

From tours, to dolphin shows, to sea otter encounters and more, the Shedd Aquarium "connects nature lovers and animal enthusiasts with the aquatic animal world."

Located at 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, tickets to the Shedd begin at $19.95.

Chicago Children's Museum

The Chicago Children's Museum, located inside Navy Pier, has extended hours March 27 through April 9, and offers a "Spring Break Free Family Day on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum includes a variety of exhibits for youth of all ages, ranging from babies and toddlers to those 9 and older.

Tickets and location information can be found here.

Art Institute

The Art Institute of Chicago, located at 111 S Michigan Ave is open Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursdays 11 - 8 p.m. "The Image Disappears," the museum's first solo Salvador Dali exhibit, is currently on display.

Tickets begins at $14 for Chicago residents.

Museum of Contemporary Art

The MCA in Chicago is one of the world's largest museums dedicated to contemporary art, the museum says. Current exhibitions include "Interiors," "Enter the Mirror," and "Duane Linklater: mymothersside."

Tickets begin at $15 for adults, and those under the age of 18 are free.

The museum is located at 220 E. Chicago Ave.

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