Keeping busy (and educated!) this February in Chicago

Keeping busy (and educated!) this February in Chicago

The interior of the Field Museum

Being the broke college student that I am, I hate spending money, but I’m always looking for deals and free activities and events to keep me occupied. Even though the weather is pretty dreary, there’s still always things to do, especially in February.

As Loyola students, we of course get free entry to the Art Institute, and the Loyola University Museum of Art (located a block East of WTC), but it’s nice to have more options around the city to keep yourself occupied and write it off as learning!

For this whole next month, the Field Museum is offering free General Admission to all Illinois residents with a valid State ID, and the Illinois residents have the option to also buy discounted tickets (So even if you’re from out of state/country, grab your Illinois friends!). The Field Museum has a great selection of cool things such as the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex in the world, Sue, as well as various cultural artifacts through history and throughout the world, as well as special exhibits (That cost a little bit extra) such as a Tattoo exhibit and an exhibit on China.

If that’s not your vibe, and you’re more so into astronomy, the Adler Planetarium has free days in February from 6-10, and then later in the month from 20-24 for Illinois residents (and groups who have an Illinois resident with them). The free pass grants access to all the permanent exhibits at the Planetarium, as well as the Doane Observatory if the weather permits. (If you’re unsure, you can also call in to see if it’ll be open that day or not.) The only thing you don’t get access to is one of the six 6 30-minute sky shows, but can add them for $12.95 a person.

As a third option, The Shedd Aquarium is free for Illinois residents Feb 6,7,10-14, 21, 27, and 28. Unfortunately the general admission doesn’t include a show to see the dolphins, but you can pay extra for that if you REALLY want to see that. (I don’t blame you, it’s pretty cool.) Otherwise you get access to most other exhibits.

If you like to save money like I do, but still want to experience Chicago for the plethora of knowledge it has in all of it’s museums and the like, I definitely recommend checking out these great places if you have the chance to.

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