Museum of Science and Industry

Frightful Fun!

Never fear! The Museum offers a host of hair-raising activities, events and exhibits that will help you ring in the Halloween season in style.

Chicago Ghost Stories: Author Ursula Bielski on MSI

Chicago ghost expert Ursula Bielski, founder of Chicago Hauntings, Inc. and the host of PBS' "The Hauntings of Chicago,” will discuss the rumored ghosts at the Museum of Science and Industry, including the spirits of the U-505 submarine and the Pioneer Zephyr, the lingering spirit of Clarence Darrow and the ghost of H.H. Holmes!
Saturday, October 29 at 1 p.m. (Science Theater)

Resurrected! The Haunted Coal Mine!

The Coal Mine is transformed into a ghoulish haunted experience for those who want to participate in a Halloween treat. For guests who would prefer to have the traditional Coal Mine experience, normal "scare-free" tours will still be offered throughout the day. Timed tickets for both regular and haunted tours will be available at the Coal Mine entrance on a first-come, first-served basis. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from October 15-30, and Monday, October 31. Haunted tours offered on alternating hours.

Haunted Zephyr!

Odd haunting and happenings are said to occur on the Zephyr every October. Join our facilitators on a haunted tour to explore this spooky scene. On days with Haunted tours, regular Zephyr tours will run until noon, then Haunted tours are available 1 to 3:30 p.m. Timed tickets for the Haunted Zephyr will be available at the Zephyr entrance and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from October 15-30, and Monday, October 31

Get Slimed!

Learn how to become a spooky scientist and create your own ghoulish fun green slime. Join us on Main Level 2.
Daily from October 13-31

Science Superhero Headquarters!

Discover your inner hero! This October, the Idea Factory becomes a headquarters for Science Superheroes. Children of all ages can realize their science superpowers by making color-vision masks, testing flying gadgets, and participating in a scavenger hunt for treats.
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from October 15-30, and Monday, October 31

Frankenstein in Yesterday’s Main Street Cinema

See the original 1910 silent film version of this classic horror tale.
October 13 – 31 (film plays throughout the day)

Trash for Treats!

If you bring in a recyclable item (from scrap receipts, maps, or even pocket fuzz) to the Smart Home exhibit entrance, you will receive organic candy for your green efforts!
Daily during Smart Home hours from October 13-31

Vampire Energy!

Vampires lurk in your home year round. Take the Smart Home tour (additional ticket required) and find out how to identify and defeat them.
Daily from October 13–31: Smart Home tours run 10:30 – 1:40

Code Boo!

Learn how to use Morse Code to decipher all sorts of frightening and fiendish Halloween messages outside the U-505 exhibit entrance.
Daily from October 13–31 (Orange Stairs, Lower Level 1)

Pumpkin Pyrotechnics!

Come discover new ways to light up your Halloween jack-o-lantern using chemistry. Sparks and flames and explosions, oh my!
Daily from October 13–31 (Rotunda)

Zombies 101: A Study in Infection!

Protect yourself from zombies through some simple techniques. Oh, and they work for the regular flu as well.
Daily from October 13-31 (Education Lab, Balcony Level 3)

Return of the Trivia Wheel of Terror

So you think you know the facts behind creepy creatures and scary science. The Trivia Wheel of Terror is back to test your knowledge of all things gross and spooky. Answer, if you dare.
Daily from October 13–31 at various times (Rotunda or North Court)

Trick or Treat Scavenger Hunt

Find the haunted places in MSI for a cool trick or treat! Pick up a Scavenger Hunt and hunt up some candy, stickers and other fun surprises!
October 29, 30 and 31

Halloween Parade

Meet in the Rotunda for a special Halloween march with a big ending.
October 31 at 11:45 a.m.

Spooky Editions of Live Science, Laboratory Experiences and Science Theater Shows:

Dissect an Eye at MSI!

Dissect your own cow eye in this in-sight-ful experience! Special eyeball candy will be distributed to participants. (Age 10 or older; chaperoned groups must be 14 or older.)
Daily from October 13-31 (Education Lab, Balcony Level 3)

Pumpkin Smashing!

Come help us answer the age-old question: do pumpkins bounce?
Daily from October 13–31 (Rotunda)

Poop Happens

Hopefully you won’t have a weak stomach as you follow food from your mouth to your stomach and beyond. Learn how your Halloween candy will get digested!
Daily from October 13–31 (Science Theater)