SCMS 2025 will be family-friendly. We welcome the families of all attendees to the conference. There will be a kids table with art and craft supplies, as well as some quiet toys (books, puzzles, and so on). We will have blank badges for the children to make and decorate.
While SCMS is unable to provide onsite daycare at the 2025 annual conference due to logistical and financial limitations, there are options for childcare in your hotel room or other accommodations. Chicago also offers a range of professional childcare centers.
If you're bringing children to the 2025 SCMS conference in Chicago and would like to connect with others to share childcare resources, please visit our forum for further information.
Local Care Options
This information is provided for reference only, and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SCMS. The childcare listings below are shared solely for the convenience of the SCMS annual meeting attendees and are based on publicly available information. SCMS neither endorses nor recommends any specific childcare provider or individual. SCMS has not inspected any of these providers and makes no guarantees or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or reliability of the providers or information provided.
SCMS disclaims all responsibilities for any issues that may arise in connection with childcare. Attendees are encouraged to use their own judgment when evaluating childcare providers. Local arrangements can be made through services such as Care.com or the providers listed below; selecting a care provider remains the sole responsibility of the parents.
Chicago Child Care Providers:
Additionally, SCMS has established a Dependent Care Fund to offset the cost of conference-related dependent care expenses for graduate students and contingent faculty. These need-based subsidies provide assistance of up to $400 for dependent care costs at home or at the conference site. The application for Dependent Care Subsidies can be found on the Dependent Care page of our website.
Please Note: The deadline for this request form is Monday, January 6, 2025, at 5:00 PM CT. These subsidies aim to offset expenses directly resulting from involvement in the SCMS annual conference. Please be aware that the funding is limited and not guaranteed.
Family-Friendly Activities in Chicago
Millennium Park: Visit the iconic Cloud Gate ("The Bean") sculpture and enjoy outdoor concerts.
Lincoln Park Zoo: A free-admission zoo featuring a wide variety of animals.
Maggie Daley Park: A large playground with rock climbing walls and an ice skating ribbon.
The Field Museum: A natural history museum showcasing dinosaur fossils and cultural exhibits.
Shedd Aquarium: An aquarium featuring diverse marine life and interactive shows.
Art Institute of Chicago: A world-renowned art museum offering family programs.
Chicago Children's Museum: Interactive exhibits for kids located at Navy Pier.
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck: Offers panoramic views from the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center.
Garfield Park Conservatory: An indoor botanical garden with seasonal displays.
Chicago Riverwalk: A scenic walk along the Chicago River with available boat tours.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum: A nature center featuring a butterfly haven and hands-on exhibits.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center: An indoor LEGO-themed attraction located in nearby Schaumburg.
Chicago Fire FC Soccer Match: Attend Major League Soccer games at Soldier Field.
Brookfield Zoo: A large suburban zoo with various animal habitats.
Chicago Botanic Garden: Expansive gardens and nature areas located in nearby Glencoe.
Adler Planetarium: Explore space-themed exhibits, interactive displays, and immersive planetarium shows at America's first planetarium.
Chicago Cubs or Chicago White Sox Baseball Game: Catch a live Major League Baseball game at iconic Wrigley Field (Cubs) or Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox).
Museum of Science and Industry: Discover hands-on exhibits, interactive science displays, and historical artifacts, including a real U-505 submarine.
Navy Pier: A family-friendly attraction featuring restaurants, shops, the Centennial Wheel, and seasonal events along Lake Michigan.
Willis Tower Skydeck: Enjoy breathtaking views of Chicago from the 103rd floor, including "The Ledge," a glass box extending out from the building
