5. Shedd Aquarium

summer vacation ideasAfter snapping a selfie with Cloud Gate, make sure your trip to Chicago includes a day at Shedd Aquarium, which is home to 32,000 critters.

On top of exotic types of fish, the three-level Abbott Oceanarium features dolphins, beluga whales, sea lions, otters, and more of your favorite sea dwellers. At their aquatic presentations, you’ll learn about these amazing animals’ natural behaviors and how they act in the wild. You can even get hands-on by touching stingrays and starfish.

Want a special night to remember? You can have a slumber party with the aquatic creatures at Shedd Aquarium’s Asleep with the Fishes overnights!

No matter where you’re heading on vacation, there’s a good chance that you can add a little STEM to your trip. And even if your plan is to stay local this summer, research local museums, aquariums, and national parks for an amazing day trip. Hey, you might even learn a few things that will help you during the upcoming school year.

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