Chicago Shakes Up The Usual Student Trip Itinerary

Years ago, as a freshly minted professional working for a non-profit, I was asked to attend a conference in Chicago. My colleagues were jetting off to fabulous locations like Cancun, L.A. or Scottsdale for their conventions, so I was a bit disappointed that my destination was Chicago. In the middle of January. Ugh.

Fast forward a couple of decades and Chicago remains one of my very favorite cities ever! I’ve been back many times (and in every season), as Chicago is a chameleon of adventure. If you’re ready to shake up the usual student trip itinerary, consider Chicago- recently named one of the Student Youth Travel Association’s Top Ten Student Destinations in the U.S.

From the moment you hop off the El, Chicago’s vibrant energy draws you in to explore all her nooks and crannies. Start on the shoreline of Lake Michigan at Navy Pier, a 50-acre playground packed with fun. Get a bird’s eye view of the lake and the city as you soar 200 feet in the air on the Centennial Wheel. Then splash down with an incredible tour of the lake or the Chicago River on a cruise departing from the pier.

Once the group is back on land, continue exploring at Millennium Park, boasting a state-of-the-art collection of architecture, landscape design and art (all free!) and a fresh spin on the town square. So much fun! Stroll down Chicago’s renowned Magnificent Mile for some upscale retail therapy or a slice of that famous deep-dish pizza.

Thrill-seekers will rejoice with a visit to the Skydeck Chicago in Willis Tower. They’ll step outside the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere at a height of 1,353 feet and onto the Ledge’s glass boxes, which extend 4.3 feet out from the Skydeck. Oh my. As more of a low-altitude girl, I prefer to enjoy this attraction from street-level!

The Museum of Science and Industry is another extraordinary attraction unique to Chicago. Open since 1933, MSI is one of the largest science museums in the world and dedicated to bringing science to life for children of all ages.

When the kids are ready to get their fun on, a Blue Man Group show is a must. Wide eyes, blue bodies, paint and percussion are at the core of this unique performance. The silent humor is infectious, the drumming loud and the toilet paper abundant; a perfect recipe for entertaining teenagers.

The Great Escape Room Chicago is another awesome way to spend an hour as your group works together to solve puzzles and scavenge for items necessary to escape the room. You can choose the level of difficulty and the experience, ensuring that all have an amazing time. Once successfully liberated, it’s just a few steps to a Chicago staple, Stan’s Donuts and Coffee. Yum!

Whether it’s January, December, or any month in between, Chicago is a phenomenal destination for students. My naive twenty-something self just didn’t recognize the distinct style and flair of Chicago prior to that first visit. The slightly older and much wiser version knows a good thing when she visits – and so will your student group!

Kaleidoscope Adventures, a leader in student travel, is ready to help plan your Chicago trip. More than 25 years of experience and a former teacher at the helm means KA is equipped to handle your every need with ease. Trust the experts at Kaleidoscope Adventures to make your class trip one your students will remember for years to come!