Overview
Discover the rich culture and fascinating history of the Windy City on this two-day educational journey designed to engage students and further enrich their learning. You and your students will explore the Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Field Museum—home to the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton in the world. Plus, explore the Museum of Science and Industry and cruise down the Chicago River to marvel at the city’s architecture.
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.
Lunch
Field Museum of Natural History visit
Dive into the rich and expansive history, evolution, and culture of our planet at this world-class natural history museum which houses over 40 million specimens and artifacts. Visit the most complete known Tyrannosaurus Rex, an actual mummy, and rare gems and stones, like the 97-carat topaz.
Architectural River Cruise
Aboard this architectural cruise along the Chicago River you'll get a close-up view of the city's design and engineering history, from famed buildings like the Tribune Tower to Marina City.
Dinner
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
Breakfast
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.
Navy Pier visit
Explore one of the most visited destinations in the world—the Navy Pier. Find souvenirs to bring home, grab a sweet treat, and ride the iconic Centennial Wheel that soars 200 feet up in the air for 360-degree views of the Chicago skyline.
Lincoln Park Zoo visit
Visit the second oldest zoo in the U.S. and gain insights into wildlife conservation, animal behavior, and urban ecology through interactive exhibits and educational zoo-keeper chats. View close-up beloved animals from bears to penguins to monkeys, and visit a small working farm.
Lunch
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.
Dinner
Depart for home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
Transportation to and 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
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Field Research Guide (Discovery Journal)
Health & Safety
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.