CHICAGO ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE
Home School Day at the Downtown Aquarium: A Hands-On, Self-Guided Learning Day for Families
A self-guided, education-focused visit that combines discounted aquarium admission, targeted classroom programs, and animal ambassador encounters—ideal for organized home-school groups who pre-register in advance.
Home School Day at the Downtown Aquarium: A Hands-On, Self-Guided Learning Day for Families.
The Downtown Aquarium opens its galleries to home-schooled students and their families for a day of close-up marine exhibits, curriculum-aligned classroom sessions, and scheduled visits from animal ambassadors. This special Education Department program requires pre-registration and pairs a self-guided exploration of tanks and displays with optional, age-specific classroom experiences designed to engage learners from early years through secondary grades.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Self-Guided Exploration of Aquarium Galleries
Families move through the Aquarium at their own pace, observing tanks and interpretive displays that anchor the day’s informal lessons and worksheets. Every attendee must hold a self-guided tour ticket for admission.
Add-on, Age-Specific Classroom Programs
For a small additional fee, students can join a 45-minute classroom program tailored to specific grade levels; programs are limited by registration rules and some classes are drop-off while younger classes allow one adult participant per family.
Animal Ambassadors and Community Connections
Home School Day includes visits from animal ambassadors and opportunities to connect with other home-school families, all coordinated through the Aquarium’s Education and Group Sales team with mandatory pre-registration.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
The day blends independent discovery and structured learning: families circulate among exhibit pathways, pause for a teacher-led or drop-off classroom session, and gather for scheduled ambassador visits. Organized worksheets and a clear reservation system keep groups moving, while staff and volunteers oversee program flow to maintain a focused, educational atmosphere.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who benefits most from this offering and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Download and print student worksheets from the confirmation email, dress warmly for outdoor lunching, bring any required chaperone supplies, and note that strollers are not permitted inside certain classroom sessions.
Pre-registration and online payment are required to reserve spots; everyone attending Home School Day must purchase a self-guided tour ticket in advance—tickets purchased the day of the event are full price through the Ticket Office and no on-site discounted payment is accepted.
Add a 45-minute classroom program for $3.00 per child when booking self-guided tickets; classroom programs are grade-specific and registration is limited to a maximum of two programs per child.
Plan to keep lunches outside on the grass next to the Aquarium; indoor space is extremely limited in poor weather and there is no storage for lunches, coats, or backpacks.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need to pre-register for Home School Day?
Yes. Pre-registration and online payment are required to reserve your spot for Home School Day; no discounted payment at the door is accepted.
Does everyone need a ticket?
Everyone attending Home School Day must purchase a self-guided tour ticket for admission to the Aquarium for the day.
How much does the classroom add-on cost and how long is it?
You can add a 45-minute classroom program for $3.00 per child when booking self-guided tickets.
Are there age or chaperone rules for classroom programs?
Classroom programs are developed for specific age/grade levels; 1 adult per family may join preK–2nd grade classes, while classes for older students (3rd–12th grade) are drop-off programs. There is also a registration maximum of two classroom programs per child.
Can I store lunches or backpacks at the Aquarium?
No. The Downtown Aquarium does not have a storage area for lunches, coats, or backpacks; plan to keep lunches outside.
Are discounts or coupons accepted for this special event?
No. This Education Department event does not accept additional discounts (for example City Pass, Get Out Pass, 5x5 cards) or coupons.
What if I arrive early?
Please arrive at your reserved time to allow for proper social distancing; the Aquarium is not able to accommodate early arrivals.