Chicagoland Attractions Set Tier 2 Reopening Plans

After more than two months of closure under Illinois' Mitigation requirements to reduce the spread of COVID-19, museums and cultural institutions are set to reopen as Chicago and the regions surrounding it enter Tier 2. 

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced on Jan. 18 that museums could begin reopening with reduced capacities and a high cleaning schedule beginning Jan. 22. These protocol are similar to what most museums experienced during the Summer of 2020, with smaller-than-usual crowds, hand sanitizing stations and constant cleaning.

We'll update this article as new information arrives.

360 Chicago

Note: Reopens Jan. 28

Purchase timed tickets online (and take advantage of promotional offers) and wear a mask when you visit. Handrails and glass on TILT will be sanitized after every use, and food options from the bar and cafe will be grab-and-go. If you're not ready to visit, check out 360Chicago’s list of 360 Things to do at Home or ride Chicago’s tallest thrill ride with a Virtual TILT.

Art Institute of Chicago

Note: Closed until further notice. 

Virtual visits to the Art Institute include exploring old collections, a trip behind the scenes of some of the hot spots at the museum and art activities for young learners. Many are free and accessible for families with kids of all ages. Older budding artists can enjoy a lecture about “Toulouse-Lautrec and the Celebrity Culture of Paris” on Feb. 25 (registration is required).

Brookfield Zoo

Note: The zoo has scheduled a two-month shutdown and will reopen March 1

While the zoo is closed during its previously scheduled two-month shutdown, families are encouraged to visit Brookfield Zoo's Facebook page for weekday chats about zoo animals. Also, patrons are allowed to name one of the Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches that live in the Hamill Family Play Zoo after a friend or foe for a $15 donation. The board of names will be revealed Feb. 14. Families of kids in preschool through second grade are encouraged to check out the Virtual Learning Series for ways to learn more about animals and the zoo.

Cantigny Park

Note: Museum reopens Feb. 5

The museum plans to reopen Feb. 5 with social distancing protocol in place, and outdoor areas are still available. Masks are not required outdoors, but are required inside buildings and while in restrooms. Check the park website for virtual events.

Chicago History Museum

Note: Reopens March 4

The Chicago History Museum will remain closed during the colder months and has elected to reopen on Chicago's birthday: March 4. Free admission will welcome all visitors on reopening day. In the meantime, virtual tours and seminars are continually added to the museum’s schedule. Teens and tweens can explore the extensive collection of online exhibits, including “A Wheel With A View” about the 1893 Ferris Wheel and “Exploring Chicago’s Culinary History.”

Chicago Park District

Parks are open for walking and ice skating. Families can rent skates and reserve times at the Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park or visit the rinks closest to them. Families can visit chicagoparkdistrict.com for a schedule of virtual events, including the National Girls Day of Play online games on Feb. 5.

Chicago Botanic Garden

During the day, visitors can see the perimeter walk, Thomas English Walled Garden, Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden and most areas of the Malott Japanese Garden. Restrooms will be available in the Visitor Center and Regenstein Center’s Greenhouse Galleries. Though the Orchid Show was canceled this year, online programming includes classes for artists of all ages.

Chicago Riverwalk

The Riverwalk is open from 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily, though verify the hours on any stores or restaurants you plan to visit. Face coverings are required and gatherings of more than 10 are prohibited.

Brookfield Zoo

The zoo has scheduled a two-month closure during the winter. Meanwhile, keep an eye on the zoo’s Facebook page for live chats with zookeepers and learn about the animals that call Brookfield home. Families can also check out the zoo's Learning Weeks for virtual content for preschoolers, or Art Adventures for kids ages 6-8.

Chicago Architecture Center

While the building is closed, online events and virtual tours are still available. The CAC@home series launched last year is frequently updated with new content and live, virtual events. In February, enjoy a live, virtual walking tour of East Hyde Park or learn about Chicago’s most endangered buildings of 2021.

Cosley Zoo

Tickets provide zoo access for one hour. Masks are required for all guests over the age of 2 when social distancing cannot be maintained. The caboose, nature play areas and inside viewing of rabbits and chickens remain closed and daily duck and chicken feedings are suspended.

Discovery Center Museum

Note: Reopens Jan. 24

The museum has a new special exhibit – Hot Wheels Race to Win – scheduled to open Jan. 24 when the museum reopens. Online tickets and reservations are good for two-hour stays. Temperature checks and health screenings will apply to both staff and guests, and hand sanitizer will be available for use as guests enter. Staff and guests ages 6 and older are required to wear masks; guests 5 and younger are encouraged to wear masks, but not required. Check out the museum’s “Playful Learning at Home,” which includes curbside pickup of science kits.

Elmhurst Art Museum

Note: Reopens Jan. 28. 

The museum will re-open Thursdays-Sundays and is free on the first Friday of each month. One-way directionals will guide guests through the museum, and social distancing and masks are expected. The museum’s exhibition Wright Before the ‘Lloyd’ closes Feb. 14. Learn more about the next exhibit, There is Black Housing in the Future: Equitable Public Housing as Memorial, with online discussions and hear from the artists via videos (this exhibition opens March 4). Check out more online exhibits in the art museum’s “At Home” offerings.

Elmhurst History Museum

Note: Reopens Jan. 22

Timed tickets are required and visits are limited to one hour. With capacity limits in place, each group is allowed no more than five people. A new exhibit, Together We Cannot Fail: Overcoming the Great Depression, opens as the museum does and runs through May 2. Kids can also enjoy “Lessons from the Schoolmarm,” adapted for online learning lessons from the one-room schoolhouse. 

The Field Museum

Note: Reopens Jan. 23

Field opens to members Jan. 21-22 and the public Jan.23. It will offer free general admission to Illinois residents Jan. 25 and Jan. 28. It will cap daily attendance at 25 percent, install floor markers to ensure social distancing and masks are required inside the museum. High-touch areas and screen interactives as well as the Crown Family PlayLab and smaller galleries will not be available. After reopening, the museum will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Visit the museum’s website for virtual events like “Meet a Scientist” and learn more about other STEM exhibits with “SUE Science Saturdays.”

The Forge: Lemont Quarries

The Forge is the area’s newest high climbing adventure area, open seven days a week. Ice skating and outdoor dining are available with reservations.

Illinois Holocaust Museum

Note: Reopens Feb. 3

The museum will host visitors with free admission on Wednesdays in February and March when it reopens Feb. 3. Masks are required and temperature checks will be given upon entry. Before reopening, guests can register for virtual tours of “The Notorious RBG” exhibit and join national movie and book discussions on the museum’s events page. A new exhibit, “Mandela: Struggle for Freedom,” opens Feb. 18, and families can experience the tiny cell where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in jail. Guests can also learn Holocaust history and tour the museum virtually.

Kohl Children's Museum

Note: Reopens Jan. 29

When the museum reopens Jan. 29, it will restart the VIP (Very Important Play) program when families can reserve two hours of museum time for as many as 10 guests. Costs vary by package and range from $100-$200 as kids up to age 8 can enjoy climbing on Thomas the Tank Engine, exploring Kohl's Main Street or playing with six of the museum's top attractions. Meanwhile, families can take Virtual Field Trips with Kohl, as curated programs are designed for kids in grades K-3 or PK-1.  

Lakefront Trail

Families are encouraged to bike, run, walk and rollerblade in the same family unit. Due to winter conditions, the trail will close if there is a threat that it will ice over or if there are high waves. Check the Chicago Park District website for related closure information.

Legoland Discovery Center

Note: Reopens Jan. 22

Reserve a two-hour playtime to enjoy the attractions and play zones at the Legoland Discovery Center. Bricks and play spaces are cleaned between appointments. Playtimes are available Fridays-Sundays and the retail store is open Fridays-Tuesdays.  

Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo will be closed Jan. 4-March 4, but virtual events can still be accessed online. Members only can visit the zoo Feb. 27-28.

Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

Note: Reopens Jan. 20

Preregister for tickets on the museum's website. Face masks are required and temperature checks will be given at the door. Capacity limits are in place as the museum reopens. Future geologists can check out the museum’s calendar of virtual activities.

Morton Arboretum

Walking and hiking trails are available and the Troll Hunt ends Jan. 31. The Visitor Center, the Arboretum Store and the Ginkgo Café are available with adjusted hours.

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

While the museum is closed, check out a slate of new exhibits opening exclusively online. A full calendar of virtual events and discussions continues on the museum’s website.

Museum of Illusions

Note: Reopens Jan. 29

Chicago's newest museum had a short opening run before the November shutdown and will have sanitary precautions in place upon reopening. Timed tickets are required and masks and temperature checks are mandatory. The museum has installed an air purification system into the HVAC to help maintain cleanliness.

Museum of Science & Industry

Check out science at home activities as well as virtual events and storytimes focused around the museum’s top exhibits. The museum is preparing to open Marvel: A Universe of Super Heroes in March.

Navy Pier

Chicago's largest tourist attraction has closed until Spring 2021. The Chicago Children's Museum located at Navy Pier has recipes for play at home and online projects with kids available on its website.  

Shedd Aquarium

Note: Reopens Jan. 27 to members, Jan. 30 to general public. 

Member families can begin purchasing tickets for the reopening at noon Jan. 21 and tickets open for the general public at noon Jan. 23. Masks will be required indoors and out and advanced ticket purchases are recommended. Social distancing is required in every gallery and exhibition space and hand sanitizer will be available for staff and guests. For families not ready to leave home, virtual programs include animal encounters, camps, activities and videos. Watch Shedd’s social media feeds for the continued adventures of Wellington the rockhopper penguin.

Skydeck Chicago

Take a virtual tour of The Ledge, looking over Chicago from 103 floors in the air. Also, download new Zoom backgrounds to impress teachers and classmates during remote learning Zoom calls. 

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