When it comes to the weather, February can be a bummer. But Chicago in February is pretty amazing in so many other ways- there’s so much to do. Here’s the scoop on the month ahead with a nod to STEM, STEAM, and some great local traditions.
What to Do in Chicago in February for STEM and STEAM Fun
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February is full of free museum admission days for Illinois residents. In fact, the Field Museum is free all month long. You’ll also find free days at the Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry, and the Shedd Aquarium.
Engineers Week runs from February 17-23. Chicago traditions include the DuPage-Area STEM Expo, the Chicago Architecture Center’s Engineering Fest. and Argonne Lab’s popular Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, among other events.
February’s Polar Adventure Day at Northerly Island is just one of many opportunities to learn about the natural world this winter. Our event calendar includes opportunities for night hikes and other events at Chicago-area nature centers.
If nature is your thing, don’t miss the Wild Things Conference. It only takes place in odd-numbered years, so if your interest is piqued, get your tickets ASAP.
If you need more green in your life but a tropical vacation isn’t in the books, plan a visit to the Garfield Park Conservatory or Lincoln Park Conservatory
Science fiction fans will want to check out Capricorn 39, a local Science Fiction Convention
See our event calendar for a full list of activities.
Chicago STEAM
Add a little art and culture to your STEM with these events.
Building STEAM shows what happens when student teams and professional artists create sculptures with parts provided by area manufacturing companies.
MSI hosts an annual Black Creativity showcase and events.
Don’t miss the big celebration in Chicago’s Chinatown for the Chinese Lunar. In 2019, Chinese New Year falls on February 5. The Lunar New Year parade will be held on Sunday, February 10, 2019. In addition to Chinatown, look for related events at Navy Pier, Chicago Cultural Center, and in Argyle.
Take a deep dive into Chicago culture through Restaurant Week and Theater Week.
Think Warm Thoughts
Check out our latest guides: Spring Break, Summer STEM Camps, and STEM Camps for Girls. If you’re looking for afterschool or weekend programs, be sure to check our Guide to Coding Classes around Chicago and our Guide to 20 Awesome STEM Enrichment Classes.
February STEM at Home
If you homeschool, supplement after school, or work with youth groups, check out these February themes.
Don’t miss these tips to make the most of Engineers Week wherever you are.
World Wetlands Day Learn about the critical role of wetlands in our ecosystem as well as how they are affected by development and climate change.
Backyard Bird Count Be a part of this long-running citizen science project without leaving the comfort of your home! People of all ages count birds to create a real-time snapshot of where birds are. Get started with these resources.
Black history month Check out Joy Buolamwin’s TED talk about algorithmic bias and the “coded gaze.” Her work started after a facial recognition program didn’t recognize her face. Read about some black engineers you may not have heard of,
Celebrate Charles Darwin’s birthday on February 12!
International Polar Bear Day learn how a warming climate impacts polar bears and what your family can do about it.
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