School Field Trips
Teacher-led school field trips inspire students to ask questions and understand the impact of science on their lives.
Groups and Field Trips
Griffin MSI is better with others
Whether you're a teacher, professional tour operator or group planner, we've got your group visit covered. Get in touch to learn about special itineraries, activities, tours, lunch options, and other accommodations that will make your group visit memorable and fun. Groups of 15 or more get a discount when booking two or more weeks in advance.
Tour Operators
Professional tour operators receive discounts on bringing memorable experiences to their groups.
Group Planners
Groups of 15 or more — scouts, social groups, hobbyists, even huge families — can receive discounts and book guided tours. Read more below.
Gather your group at Griffin MSI
With advance prepaid reservations, your group of 15 or more receives discounts on General Admission, Giant Dome Theater films, temporary exhibits, tours and any experience you choose to add. Booking in advance also reserves your preferred times, avoiding any potential sold-out experiences during busy seasons.
For groups of 15 or more – from scouts to social groups – see our planning guide for pricing and other information.
Pricing for group planners
Your group can have access to a dedicated entrance, including easy access for motor coaches and buses. A representative will meet your group, answer any questions, and get your visit started quickly and smoothly. Arrival options may be subject to availability.
Ready to book your group visit? Start your reservation today.
Frequently asked questions
Have questions about planning your group visit? Find answers on tickets, accommodations and more below. Don't see the answer you're looking for? Get in touch with us using the form below.
The Museum is located at 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, in the beautiful Hyde Park neighborhood — steps away from Lake Michigan and minutes from downtown Chicago.
Our regular hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Extended hours are offered during spring break, summer and winter holidays — check our full calendar of extended hours. We are open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Full payment is due 14 days before your visit or your reservation will be canceled. Cancellations made less than 14 days in advance will not be refunded. Please provide your final group count 14 days before your visit; students or chaperones not included in the final count will be charged full-price admission.
We ask for your lunch plan during your reservation process. When bringing your own lunches, a time and space for your lunch must be prearranged. These lunch options are available:
Group Lunch Vouchers (pre-paid vouchers, open seating)
Museum Vouchers ($22 per person) are good for one entrée, one side and one canned water or fountain soda in the Museum Kitchen. Seating is open and is subject to availability. Select this lunch option during your reservation request.
View group lunch voucher information
Bringing Your Lunch (requires seating reservation)
Bringing lunches still requires scheduling a time and space to eat. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to choose the "Bringing our own" lunch option during reservation.
Convenient motorcoach access is available for group drop-off and pick-up. Your reservation will confirm your location at either the Group Center entrance (west side) or the main entrance drive (north side).
Motorcoach parking is not available at Griffin MSI but can be found at McCormick Place’s truck marshalling yard (31st & DuSable Lake Shore Drive). Visit Choose Chicago for more details on motorcoach parking and loading zones in Chicago.
Paid automobile parking is in Griffin MSI’s underground garage. Oversize and van-accessible spots are in the Blue (D) section (height clearance: 8'2"–7'2"). Accessible spaces are in all sections (clearance: 6'6"). The garage entrance to the Museum is wheelchair accessible.
