Exploring STEM: The Best Museums and Aquariums for Educational Tours

Planning an educational tour that inspires, engages, and entertains? These top STEM-focused museums and aquariums across four major U.S. cities provide students with immersive hands-on experiences that make science, technology, engineering, and math come to life. These destinations are perfect for sparking curiosity throughout the classroom.

Chicago

Museum of Science and Industry (MSI)

As one of the largest science museums in the world, MSI offers over 400,000 square feet of exhibits exploring everything from space travel and genetics to weather and robotics. Highlights include the full-size U-505 German submarine, a working coal mine simulation, and the Wanger Family Fab Lab for hands-on engineering experiences.

Shedd Aquarium

Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, Shedd Aquarium offers a deep dive into marine biology and conservation. Their educational group programs allow students to explore ecosystems, animal behavior, and aquatic science in an engaging and interactive setting.

Washington, D.C.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Part of the world-renowned Smithsonian Institution, this museum is a must-visit for any STEM-focused group. With authentic aircraft, spacecraft, and simulators, students can explore the science of flight, astronomy, and space exploration – all with free admission.

National Museum of Natural History

Another Smithsonian gem, this museum offers vast collections covering paleontology, geology, biology, and more. The Hall of Fossils, Ocean Hall, and

Q?rius lab make for a dynamic learning experience.

Boston

Museum of Science, Boston

With over 700 interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a lighting show, the Museum of Science offers unforgettable STEM programming. The students can engage in hands-on discovery while exploring topics ranging from physics to health sciences.

New England Aquarium

An essential stop for budding marine biologists, the New England Aquarium offers up-close experiences with marine life, including sea turtles, penguins, and sharks. Group tours and educational presentations connect students with conservation efforts and aquatic ecosystems.

New York City

American Museum of Natural History

This iconic museum offers expansive exhibits on everything from dinosaurs and meteorites to biodiversity and human evolution. The Rose Center for Earth and Space is a highlight for students interested in astronomy and astrophysics.

New York Hall of Science (NYSCI)

Located in Queens, NYSCI focuses on interactive STEM education. With over 450 exhibits, including design labs and coding workshops, it’s a great destination for hands-on learning and innovation.

Ready to Start Planning?

Each of these destinations combines fun and education to create a memorable trip your students will talk about long after they return home. Our team at Corporate Travel specializes in building seamless, customized group travel experiences that align with your curriculum and goals.