Exploring the Wonders of Science: Chicago With Your Grandchild

Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please check in with your Group Leader. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Grandparent program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Children are never to be left unsupervised. Transportation will be provided by motorcoach. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At a local restaurant.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At the hotel.

We will take the motorcoach to the Museum of Science and Industry, where we will take a closer look at some of our planet’s natural forces at work. As we explore we will consider the relationship between humans and their environment while observing chemical, physical, and mathematical principles.

At the museum.

In the afternoon, we will learn about robotic and engineering concepts as we build robots of our own! Exercise critical thinking and spatial awareness skills while considering how robots may be helpful in learning more about the planet.

At a local restaurant.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

We will head to the Chicago River for a scenic and science-filled cruise out onto Lake Michigan. We’ll be joined by Professor Mercury who will introduce us to the Scientific Method and conduct cool experiments right in front of our very eyes!

At a local restaurant.

We will board the motorcoach and head to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. A Museum Educator will lead us as we wander the museum grounds which include prairie, wetland, and urban woodland ecosystems. We will observe living and non-living things and consider how both interact and rely on each other to create a healthy system. *The Nature Center has walkways made from a variety of materials so it is advised to wear close-toed shoes.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

Get ready to unleash your wild side as we venture into the Lincoln Park Zoo for a day filled with wildlife! We’ll get the chance to see more than 200 species from all over the globe and learn about the Zoo’s current conservation efforts.

At the zoo.

After lunch we will meet with a Zoo Educator who will teach us about animal care, welfare, and what it takes to make a good home for a zoo animal. We will apply this knowledge into designing a habitat of our own for one of the zoo’s most popular residents: The African Lion!

At a local restaurant.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

Our morning will be spent exploring the Field Museum. The Field is one of the world's leading natural history museums and boasts a collection of over 40 million artifacts. We will explore several billion years of Earth's history from it's inception to the dinosaurs to ancient civilizations. The coach will then depart making stops at both Navy Pier and the hotel.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

At your leisure. Take this opportunity to explore the city. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

At the hotel. This concludes our program.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!