What to do in Chicago for STEM and STEAM Fun in January
Sure, it’s tempting to huddle up in the house with your new tech toys and books, but hopefully, you’ve got a good stash of mittens and scarves, and maybe those little hand warmers (how do they work, anyway?). There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing, so bundle up for a trip across town or a chance to enjoy the outdoors. [Read more…]
2020 Chicago Free Museum Days
Chicago is known for its world-class museums, but a day out at one of them with the family can be a budget-buster. Happily, Illinois residents can gain free basic entry at the best museums on select days throughout the year. We’ve got this year’s list below! Chicago residents can check out free museum passes from the Chicago Public Library.
Find other free museum days as well as an awesome list of free and low-cost family-friendly STEM and STEAM programs around Chicagoland on our event page. Join our newsletter to receive an awesome roundup of news and events twice a month.
Free Days at the Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium free days are back! For 52 days each year, this world-class institution opens its doors to Illinois residents for free! This is one of those times it pays to be an Illinoisian.
2020 Shedd Aquarium Free Days
January 16-20
February 3-7, 10-14, 17-21, 24-28,
June 15, 16, 22, 23
Stay tuned for more!
Plans sometimes change; please confirm details via the Shedd Aquarium website.
STEM Summer Camps in Chicago 2020
We’re excited to bring you our biggest guide to the best STEM camps in and near Chicago. There are loads of great options for elementary school students up to high school students to build and apply their science, math, technology, and engineering skills in informal, creative environments this summer. These camps help students up through high school grow valuable 21st-century skills while having fun. Your child can grow engineering expertise and observational skills, enhance critical thinking and creativity while coding apps and computer games. They can develop increased coordination while learning to pilot drones, or maybe they’ll invent the Next Big Thing.
Sign up for our newsletter to keep tabs on STEM fun throughout Chicagoland. Click to see our Spring Break STEM Camp Guide, our Guide to Coding Classes, or our Guide to STEM Enrichment Programs.
Summer Camps can contact themakermom (at) hotmail.com for information on enhanced listings in our guide.
Free Days at Chicago’s MSI, Museum of Science and Industry
MSI, Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry recently announced their 2020 free days for Illinois residents. Chicago’s South Side tribute to science and technology has educated and inspired generations of Chicagoans and continues to spark the curiosity more than a million visitors per year.
20 Amazing Options for STEM After School Programs
We already brought you a Guide to Coding Classes around Chicago and the metro area, but that only covers the T in STEM. So we’re rounding things off with a guide to 20 Amazing Options for STEM After School. Chicago is fortunate to be home to several innovative enrichment providers who are committed to fostering the next generation of problem-solvers. Look below to find workshops, programs, clubs, and even teams that will help your elementary or middle school student build their science, technology, engineering, and math skills while having a blast.
This guide is brought to you by Codeverse, which has locations in Chicago, Naperville, and Wilmette.
10 Best Coding Classes for Kids around Chicago
Where can a kid learn to code in Chicago? We’ve got 10 great options plus a few bonus ideas! These days it’s not hard to find coding classes for kids. There are plenty of options for afterschool and weekend options around the Chicago metro area. Coding, or computer programming classes and workshops not only strengthen your child’s logic skills, but help build some of the most useful, lucrative job skills around. [Read more…]
What to Do in Chicago in December for STEM and STEAM Fun
December starts with a bang! The first week of the month is Computer Science Education Week. CS Ed Week is best known for its Hour of Code, which aims to introduce people, especially young people, to computer programming through a basic coding activity that takes about an hour. Our event list is packed with the Chicago area’s Hour of Code events that families can participate in at low or no cost. But wait, there’s more fun to be had this month!
Library Makerspaces Near Chicago
There’s a lot you and your kids can create in your own home with basic supplies, like cardboard, scissors and tape, or even wood, hand tools, and screws or nails. But there’s no substitute for a 3D printer, laser cutter, sewing machine, or vinyl cutter. However, that equipment comes at a cost–we’re talking hundreds or even thousands of dollars to purchase, not to mention maintain it. And who will train you? We’re fortunate that there are many library makerspaces near Chicago to fill in the gap. Many are open to a wide range of visitors, meaning that you don’t need to live in that town to use the equipment, you simply need to register your card there. [Read more…]