To get more out of your experience, plan ahead! Try to pick out specific things you’d like to see ahead of time.

The museum itself is gigantic and packed full of exhibits to the point where you can spend an entire day and still not see everything it has to offer. As a result, you or someone in your party may get quite bored of staring at particular subjects.

For example, I planned on making a stop at both Shedd Aquarium and the Museum on one trip a few years ago. Since I couldn’t possibly enjoy the entirity of both attractions in one day I planned out specific things to satisfy my tastes. Seahorse exhibit at the aquarium, and dinosaurs and the lions (from the story Ghost in the Darkness) at the museum. This way I had four hours to wander around at each location after spending as much time as I wanted at my desired exhibit.

Because of my home location I am able to visit Chicago whenever I feel like it, giving me any and all opportunities to go back if I missed something. Not everyone has this luxury which is why I suggest trying to plan a schedule :)