Chicago Museum Trips with Book Lists, a Baby, and a Limited Budget

In my previous post I shared about group field trips my teen daughter and I enjoyed with our Classical Conversations community.  For other field trips we struck out on our own.  This was my intention long before we knew about any group opportunities. 

Using the our DuSable Black History Museum membership, we were able to visit the Adler Planetarium for the first time.  After reading the novel Carry On, Mr. Bowditch as part of the Challenge A reading list, it was fascinating to see the planetarium's extensive collection of nautical instruments from centuries ago, when Nathaniel Bowditch was navigating his way around the globe. I still hope to visit another related place, the Chicago Maritime Museum, to learn more about local maritime history.

Our whole family ventured out to the Chicago History Museum in January as well.  It was free for us to enter through our DuSable membership.  We had hoped to see the organ that Thomas Dorsey played when he wrote the hymn "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," but it was off display.  That song meant a lot to us as younger parents, and my daughter even requested that I sing it at her wedding.  We did get to recreate some playful memories of becoming a Chicago hot dog though!  Also this visit helped me prepare a Chicago history timeline activity, which is now available on the Teachers Pay Teachers platform. 

My little guy and I also visited the National Museum of Mexican Art in January, accompanied by my oldest daughter, who was finishing her senior year of college. She's an artist herself, and together we enjoyed taking in the rich colors and traditions on display in the various exhibit halls.  I was particularly interested in learning about the pioneering muralist Ray Patlan, as the Pilsen neighborhood is still well known for its murals.  Pilsen's murals also are a big feature of the novel Hello Beautiful, by Ann Napolitano, which was set in the same vibrant neighborhood.

And where else are we planning to go?  Chicago and its suburbs have many more places still beckoning us to visit and explore.  At the top of my list is the Pullman National Historical Park, which is free.  Next is the Osaka Garden in Jackson Park, followed by the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum nearby at the University of Chicago.  If you have been around Chicago, are there other budget-friendly places you recommend? If so, leave a comment!