Educator Open House

Pinned, Preserved, and Powerful: How Collections Help Us Do Science

Moth Week! The Secret Lives of Moths: Uncovering Hidden Nighttime Stories

Statues and the garden in the Rice Native Gardens

Drawing Inspiration: Art in the Gardens 

Cover of ¡Tocamos! © 2025 Lee & Low Books.

¡Tocamos! Oaxacan Folk Art by Avelino Pérez

Poetry Pop-up: On the Wings of Pterosaurs

Poetry Pop-up: Animal Theater

Poetry Pop-up: Poets in the Field

A monarch in the Field Museum's Rice Native Gardens.

PlayLab PlayDate: Pollinator Week Storytime with Chicago Public Library

Adult monarch butterflies can be spotted around the garden in the summer. In addition to milkweed, they eat the nectar of flowers like coneflower, or Echinacea. 

PlayLab PlayDate: Pollinator Week Storytime with the Field Museum Science Action Center

PlayLab PlayDate: Mother's Day Storytime & Craft

PlayLab PlayDate: Father's Day Storytime & Craft

PlayLab PlayDate: Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Storytime with Chicago Public Library

PlayLab PlayDate: James Hutton Turns 300! 

PlayLab PlayDate: Fossil Fun Fest

PlayLab PlayDate: Pride Month

PlayLab PlayDate: Pride Month & Stonewall Day Storytime and Craft

The Juneteenth flag hanging from a balcony at the Field Museum of Natural History

PlayLab PlayDate: Juneteenth Celebration

Early Morning: The Pokémon Fossil Museum  

Dozin' with the Dinos 

Collection Quest, June 4, 6-10pm, for ages 21+

Collection Quest

Meet a Scientist in the Grainger Science Hub

Meet a Scientist: Our Cosmic Origins

Field Associates Brunch Cruise

Meet a Scientist: Caribbean Fossils

Field Museum Gala

PlayLab PlayDate: Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Storytime 

PlayLab PlayDate: Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Family Night featuring The Pokémon Fossil Museum

PlayLab PlayDate: Jewish American Heritage Month Storytime

Focus: Meteorites

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Image for Focus: Meteorites

PlayLab PlayDate: May the Fourth Space Rocks Celebration

Armour Seminar: Jane Buikstra & John Rick

See an Archaeopteryx come to life, then discover how its body became fossilized.

Illinois Free Wednesday  

Young visitors and a museum educator examine a teaching specimen together in the Grainger Science Hub

Papua New Guinea Collections Celebration

Jewish Botany: Plant Medicine and Magic in the Jewish Diaspora

Armour Seminar: Scott Weidensaul

 Nectar Feeders vs. Insect Hunters: A Closer Look at Bats 

Pokémon Fossil Museum Member Preview Days 

What Insects Call Our Garden Home (and Maybe Yours Too!)

James Hutton, the father of Modern Geology, turns 300 years old

Bee Curious: Up Close & Un-bee-lievable

Armour Seminar: Grace Burgin

Can I purchase the Pokémon Fossil Museum merchandise outside of the Field Museum?

Do you have plans to restock Pokémon Fossil Museum merchandise should items sell out?

What are the purchase limits for Pokémon Fossil Museum merchandise? 

Will there be a retail experience for the Pokémon Fossil Museum?

 How long should I plan to spend in the exhibition? 

I have more questions. Who can I talk to? 

What happens if I miss my scheduled entry time? 

At what time should I arrive at the museum to see the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibition? 

How do I purchase a ticket to the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibition? 

Are there packages I can purchase to save money when visiting Chicago?

I have Chicago CityPASS®, Go City pass, or am eligible for discounted admission that I cannot reserve online—how can I secure tickets to the Pokémon Fossil Museum?

I'm a teacher, what should I expect in the exhibit?

What happens if I need to reschedule my group's visit? 

Can I purchase tickets for the exhibit on the day of my group’s visit? 

Can I receive a refund for students who missed the field trip?

 How long should my group plan to spend in the exhibition? 

Is there any special programming for my students?

I missed my group’s entry time. What should we do? 

In order to ensure that groups have a great visit, pre-K through 5th-grade students must be accompanied by a minimum of one adult for every five students and a maximum of one adult for every child. Students in 6th through 12th grade must be accompanied by a minimum of one adult for every ten students and a maximum of one adult for every child.

How many chaperones can my Illinois School Group bring?

After you submit your registration form, you will receive an email with an invoice PDF. You can submit that payment amount by mailing a check before the trip or calling our office at (312) 665-7500 with a credit card.

Payment must be received 2 weeks prior to your trip date. If payment is not received 2 weeks prior to the field trip date, tickets will be released to the general public.

How do I submit payment?

Illinois groups registered at least 2 weeks in advance are allotted a discounted price of $7 per person to enter the &nbsp;Pok&eacute;mon Fossil Museum exhibition. Every person entering the exhibit will need a ticket.

Your group will still be able to enter all General Admission exhibits on your trip.Limited tickets are reserved for Illinois field trip groups each day.

How much are tickets for the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibition for Illinois field trip groups?

Starting March 3, Illinois field trip groups may register using our <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/page/register-your-field-trip-group">field trip registration form</a>. &nbsp;All field trips should be booked at least 2 weeks in advance. Limited tickets are reserved for Illinois field trip groups each day.&nbsp;

How can my group register for a field trip to see the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibition?

When will tickets be available for Illinois school groups?

Unfortunately, there are no scholarships available for this special exhibition. All Illinois students, chaperones, and teachers on the field trip who are visiting the exhibit must pay $7 to enter. You can still book your <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/landing/field-trips">General Admission field trip</a> for free, and visit the Evolving Planet exhibition to learn about fossils.

My group can not pay the $7 per person fee to see the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibition. Are there any scholarships or free programming?

What happens if I need to reschedule my visit? 

Are tickets to the exhibition timed?

Are tickets transferable?

Tickets for the date I want to visit are not yet available. When will I be able to access those?

How long will tickets be available for the Pokémon Fossil Museum? 

I’m a member—how can I redeem my member benefits for Pokémon Fossil Museum?

Are there any other websites that sell Pokémon Fossil Museum special exhibition tickets?

I didn’t receive an email confirmation for my tickets—who can help me? 

I have another question about visit Pokémon Fossil Museum—who can I reach out to? 

When can I make reservations for Pokémon Fossil Museum?

What’s the best way to stay up-to-date on Pokémon Fossil Museum?

How will I be able to make reservations for Pokémon Fossil Museum?

 How many Pokemon Fossil Museum special exhibition tickets are included with my membership?

 What does my membership include?

Do the tickets required for the Member Preview Days count against my allotment of Pokémon Fossil Museum tickets?

Do you have a lost and found?

How can I purchase tickets?

Does the Field Museum have parking available?

Do you have an adult-sized or universal changing space?

Do you have lockers or storage?

Do you have educational resources for students?

Do you have an area for nursing parents?

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Do you have sensory-friendly hours?

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

How do I book a group visit to the Museum? 

How do I get to the Field?

How do I schedule a field trip to the Museum?

Is there wheelchair-accessible parking? 

What is there to eat at the Field?

Where can I park?

Why can't I apply a community discount to my online ticket purchase?

Will the Field Museum donate tickets to support my fundraiser or event?

Can I take pictures?

Can I leave and come back later?

Can I have my wedding, party, or other event at the Field?

Can I bring a wheelchair or stroller?

Can I bring a bag?

Are there programs that offer free or discounted admission?

Are there hotels near the Field?

When is the Museum open?

What has SUE taught us?

Why is SUE so important?

How did SUE get to the Field Museum?

Do I have to wear a mask?

Do I have to be vaccinated to come to the Field?

Do you have wheelchairs or strollers to borrow or rent?

Does the Field Museum have an approved or preferred vendor list?

What are the venue rental fees for an event?

Is a deposit required? Is my deposit refundable?

Do you offer free days for Illinois residents?

Do active military personnel and Illinois teachers get in free?

Can you help me with an online ticketing purchase?

The Field Museum

Media for Staff Profile

Join us for an exciting professional development opportunity for Pre-K-12th grade educators.

For this week's PlayLab PlayDate, families with 2-6 year olds are invited to a free, drop-in music and movement program led by Ivelisse Bombera De Coraz&oacute;n Diaz with <a href="https://www.bomberadecorazon.com/">La Escuelita Bombera de Coraz&oacute;n</a>. La Escuelita Bombera de Coraz&oacute;n is an Afro-Puerto Rican diasporic performing arts school in Humboldt Park committed to the preservation of Bomba through percussion (buleo, maraca, c&uacute;a), dance (baile), vocals (canto), and history. Join us for this fun, interactive presentation complete with music, movement, instruments and more!
Learn more about La Escuelita Bombera de Coraz&oacute;n on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LaEscuelitaBDC">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laescuelitabdc/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.bomberadecorazon.com/">their website</a>.

PlayLab PlayDate: Music & Movement with La Escuelita Bombera de Corazón

Drop in to the Crown Family PlayLab for free weekly activities for 2-6 year olds!

PlayLab PlayDates

Dinopalooza 2026

Join us for our fourth annual paleontology extravaganza!

Dinopalooza

Dinopalooza is back!

Educators, join us for Pollinator Week and explore how scientific collections support conservation, biodiversity research, and the process of doing science. Designed for 6&ndash;8th grade educators, this hands-on workshop features pollinating insects, specimen mounting and preservation practices, and inquiry-driven strategies that highlight how collections preserve the evidence scientists use to study our changing world.
Participants will:
<ul>
<li>Explore how scientific collections preserve evidence used to study biodiversity, environmental change, and conservation over time.</li>
<li>Engage in authentic scientific practices through pollinator specimen observation, mounting, preservation, and inquiry-driven investigation.</li>
<li>Discover classroom-ready strategies that connect pollinators, community science, and NGSS-aligned &ldquo;doing science&rdquo; experiences for students.</li>
</ul>
Educators who complete the workshop will receive 4 hours of Illinois Professional Development Credit (CPDUs)

Join us in person at the Field Museum for a professional learning experience and workshop!

Professional Development for Educators

This hands-on workshop uses scientific collections to help educators explore conservation, biodiversity research, and the authentic process of doing science through observation, inquiry, and evidence-based learning. 

We had such a great time at the first Silent Listening Party that we had to bring it back! Grab another chance to see your favorite Chicago DJs, Ryan Moses, Bonita Appleblunt, and Mo Mami. Enjoy our specialty drinks and menu, plus the stunning work of our live visual artist Kudzai Mutasa.
This experience is included with general admission, but headphone reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis on-site. Arrive early to reserve your spot!
Guest DJs <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mixedbymoses_/reels/">Ryan Moses</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bonitaappleblunt_/">Bonita Appleblunt</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/momamimusic/">DJ Mo Mami</a> 
Host&nbsp; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/binkey1/">BINKEY</a>
Visual Artist <a href="https://www.iamkudzai.com/about">Kudzai Blessing Mutasa</a>

Silent Listening Party-Volume No. 2

Living Cultures: Global Sounds, Shared Stories

DJ Ryan Moses

DJ Mo Mami

DJ Bonita Appleblunt

Featuring Chicago DJs and Visual Artists

Two people walk at the base of the north stairs outside the Field Museum.

Field Forward Symposium

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Stay in touch

<div>Most moths live their lives after dark &mdash; and most of their stories go untold. Celebrate Moth Week with Field Museum scientists from the Negaunee Integrative Research and Keller Science Action Centers to explore the secret lives of moths, from their stunning diversity and surprising behaviors to their roles as pollinators and indicators of environmental change! See real specimens, ask questions, and discover why these nighttime insects matter. You&rsquo;ll be enchanted by spectacular specimens of the moths you know and love, and be astonished to meet some surprising native pollinators that call Chicago home, too. Learn about how you can take action to help native plants and pollinators, and take home a free Field Guide to help you identify the native plants and pollinators of Chicagoland.</div>
<div>Presenters for this session include Alissa Doucet, Field Museum Scientific Affiliate (Insects), and Nicole Machuca, Environmental Social Scientist, Chicago Region (Field Museum's Keller Science Action Center)</div>
<div></div>

See the latest science firsthand in the Grainger Science Hub.

Meet a Scientist

Everyone is invited to come observe and participate in Art in the Gardens! Field Museum staff and volunteers who dabble in the arts professionally or for fun will be scattered throughout Rice Native Gardens &ndash; the Museum&rsquo;s largest and free outdoor exhibit, creating art inspired by the gardens in a variety of mediums. Wander through to observe and chat with them.&nbsp;
Bring your own art supplies if you want to join in! Drop in and leave anytime.

Community Engagement Programming

Rice Native Gardens

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Image for Rice Native Gardens

The Field Museum is proud to showcase new sculptures from the collection by&nbsp;Oaxacan artist Avelino P&eacute;rez. These beautifully carved and painted figures&nbsp;were created in collaboration with the bilingual children's book author,&nbsp;Cynthia Weill, for her latest publication &iexcl;Tocamos! View our newest&nbsp;acquisitions from Oaxaca and learn about the Field Museum&rsquo;s longstanding&nbsp;partnership with author Cynthia Weill.
Presented by Emma Turner-Trujillo, Assistant Registrar, Anthropology Collections.

Let your poems soar with our pterosaurs. Eric will be on the upper level near the perching quetzalcoatlus replica.

Imagine what it would feel like to stand next to a T. rex. Ponder what flowers smelled like 30 million years ago. See what inspiration you'll find and start turning your ideas into poetry with Eric Elshtain, the Field Museum's first poet in residence.&nbsp;
Join us for a series of weekly events that change how you see the museum—whether you’ve visited once or dozens of times. Encounter objects from our collection. Tour an exhibition. Find our poet in residence at a typewriter station to craft your own poem!
Eric hosts pop-ups most Thursdays from 10am–12pm, in locations across the museum. No prior knowledge of poetry needed. &nbsp;

Discover the natural world through poetry at weekly pop-up events featuring the Field’s poet in residence.

Poetry Pop-up

A group gathers at the corner of a diorama case. One man sits a desk with a typerwriter. He looks up to a family of three standing over him. The man in the middle stands with arms around the other two individuals. Both are smiling down at the man seated at the desk. A black box with a glass front holds a rock specimen and is propped up against the leg of the desk.

Poetry Pop-Up

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Write a poem about your favorite diorama with Eric as he sits in the Hall of Mammals.

Imagine what it would feel like to stand next to a T. rex. Ponder what flowers smelled like 30 million years ago. See what inspiration you'll find and start turning your ideas into poetry with Eric Elshtain, the Field Museum's first poet in residence.&nbsp;
Join us for a series of weekly events that change how you see the museum&mdash;whether you&rsquo;ve visited once or dozens of times. Encounter objects from our collection. Tour an exhibition. Find our poet in residence at a typewriter station to craft your own poem!
Eric hosts pop-ups most Thursdays from 10am&ndash;12pm, in locations across the museum. No prior knowledge of poetry needed. &nbsp;

Join Eric and Special Guest Poet Scott Sprunger in the Main Hall for Specialized Poems just for you! 

Join us in the Crown Family PlayLab for a free, drop-in PlayDate outside in the <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/exhibition/halls-and-galleries/rice-native-gardens">Rice Native Gardens</a>, celebrating Pollinator Week among the flowers and trees surrounding the Field Museum! &nbsp;Families with 2-6 year olds are invited to a free, drop-in, storytime and movement session hosted by the Chicago Public Library (CPL) and our PlayLab staff. Throughout this interactive read-aloud, CPL readers will feature stories about our favorite pollinators, followed by a movement session to move like a pollinator. Join us outside for a fun-filled PlayDate with stories, songs, and more! (An alternative weather location will be available.)

PlayLab PlayDates are free, drop-in activities featuring storytime sessions, music and movement circles, science experiments, and more.

For more information, please see the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datocms-assets.com/44232/1771856923-general-playlab-programs-policies-faqs-updated.pdf">PlayLab&nbsp;Programs FAQs</a>. 

Still have questions? Contact the PlayLab&nbsp;team at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:playlabevents@fieldmuseum.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">playlabevents@fieldmuseum.org</a>.

Families with 2-6 year olds are invited to a free, drop-in storytime session with guests Librarian Megan and Scientist Nicole that will leave you buzzing with excitement. This event will take place in the <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/exhibition/halls-and-galleries/rice-native-gardens">Rice Native Gardens</a> (weather permitting) or in the Crown Family PlayLab in the case of inclement weather.

PlayLab PlayDates are drop-in activities, free to museum guests with children ages 2-6, featuring storytime sessions, music, crafts, science experiments, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pre-registration is not required! Sessions take place in the <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/exhibition/halls-and-galleries/crown-family-playlab">Crown Family PlayLab</a>.&nbsp;

Program length varies, usually from 20 minutes to 1 hour.

For more information, please see the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datocms-assets.com/44232/1771856923-general-playlab-programs-policies-faqs-updated.pdf">PlayLab Programs FAQs</a>. Still have questions? Contact the PlayLab team at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:playlabevents@fieldmuseum.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">playlabevents@fieldmuseum.org</a>.

Come celebrate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/activity/jewish-american-heritage-month">Jewish American Heritage Month</a> with a poetry reading by H. Melt. H. Melt is the author of There Are Trans People Here, which won the Heartland Booksellers Award, selected by independent booksellers across the Midwest.
This special program weaves together poetry, cultural reflection, and the natural world. In collaboration with Emma Turner-Trujillo, Assistant Registrar for Anthropology at the Field Museum, the session will explore themes of Jewish heritage, belonging, and cultural experience through both personal narrative and objects from the museum&rsquo;s collections. H. Melt&rsquo;s reading will include selected and new works, offering reflections on navigating identity, community, and connection to nature, followed by a brief moderated discussion and audience Q&amp;A.
If attending in person, please join us in the Founders' Room on the main level. If you are unable to attend in person, please <a href="https://fieldmuseum.zoom.us/j/93700131145?pwd=jqBkRKgTQsCiLEHhjoelItToxzKPrH.1&amp;jst=2">join this session on Zoom</a>.

Naturally Occurring Sweet Things: Jewishness, Transness & Nature - Poetry & Conversation with H. Melt

Cultural Programming

Families with children ages 2&ndash;6 are invited to a free, drop-in PlayDate to celebrate motherly figures in their lives on Mother's Day. During this storytime and craft session, there will be stories about Moms and a coloring craft for children to share with their loved ones. Join us for a fun-filled PlayDate with stories, coloring, and more!

Media

Families with children ages 2&ndash;6 are invited to a free, drop-in PlayDate to celebrate fatherly figures in their lives on Father's Day. During this storytime and craft session, there will be stories about Dads and a coloring craft for children to share with their loved ones. Join us for a fun-filled PlayDate with stories, coloring, and more!

Legendary Late Hours 

Legendary Late Hours: Open until 9pm on select dates

Programs & Series

Events by Audience

Educator Open House

Pinned, Preserved, and Powerful: How Collections Help Us Do Science

Moth Week! The Secret Lives of Moths: Uncovering Hidden Nighttime Stories

Heritage Months

Family Night featuring The Pokémon Fossil Museum

24

Thursday, September 24

27

Wednesday, May 27

13

Saturday, June 13

Guided Tours

Programs & Series

Events by Audience

Filter controls

Educator Open House

Pinned, Preserved, and Powerful: How Collections Help Us Do Science

Moth Week! The Secret Lives of Moths: Uncovering Hidden Nighttime Stories

Heritage Months

Filter controls

Family Night featuring The Pokémon Fossil Museum

24

Thursday, September 24

27

Wednesday, May 27

13

Saturday, June 13

Content to explore

Guided Tours