Overview
Blow everyone away with your next ensemble performance in the Windy City. Music, dance, and theatre groups alike will feel inspired to shine in Chicago venues such as the Lincoln Park Zoo, Richard J. Daley Center, or Six Flags. Head into the city to browse the boutiques on the Magnificent Mile and enjoy the beauty of the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Chicago, IL
Shedd Aquarium visit
See, touch, and experience the aquatic world in a new way at this award-winning aquarium with over 32,000 animals, and one of world's largest marine mammal estuaries featuring beluga whale and sea lions.
Adler Planetarium visit
Let your curiosity soar as you explore astronomy, space, and the universe through the many, immersive exhibits at America's first planetarium. Locate celestial objects using an advanced telescope, learn about human space flight, and discover other galaxies through simulated experiences and videos.
John Hancock Center's 360 CHICAGO visit
Soar 1,030-feet high to this renowned observation deck for stunning views of the magnificent Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan, and its four neighboring states. Get a 30-degree downward-facing view of the city and learn about landmarks, like the Navy Pier, through interactive touchscreen displays.
Day 2
Museum of Science and Industry
Find your inner inventor and visionary as you learn about advancements in physics, manufacturing, genetics, environmental science, and human biology. Explore a full-size U-505 submarine, a 40-foot, controllable tornado, a simulated coal mine, plus live science demonstrations.
Magnificent Mile
Traverse the 13 most legendary blocks in Chicago and explore its architectural highlights, such as the Wrigley Building, the Tribune Tower, and the still-standing 1869 Water Tower.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert
Day 3
Millennium Park visit
Discover the power of urban planning to transform and reinvent at this special park that was once a former rail yard. Visit an array of public art and innovative landscape design, including a 50-foot glass tower displaying video images, the serene Lurie Garden, and the famous Cloud Gate.
Band Clinic
Orchestra Clinic
Depart for home
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
WorldStrides Course Leader - a dynamic destination expert who brings learning to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Scenes from Chicago
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.