Museum of Science and Industry membership: Groupon
 

$69 through Groupon now for annual membership. A very good price.

they had this on travelzoo last year and I took the membership as have been a couple of times over the years.
Does appear on travelzoo every now and again.

Sold out :(

I bought the $89 family membership on Groupon (normally $155) and activated it onsite no problem. They clearly have sold a bunch of these and the reps know exactly what to do. I think the upgrade from the individual membership at $69 is definitely worthwhile for almost anyone.

Plus I got a Groupon gift card at the grocery and got cashback and fuel points!

I asked at the museum for the upgrade to the top family membership, which normally is $215 and they said I could pay the $60 difference and get the upgrade, but only after I received the membership materials in the mail, which would take several weeks.

Top family membership includes (on top of regular family membership benefits):

1. One extra guest per visit
2. Omnimax: Unlimited free passes instead of limit 10 per year (I usually use 4 per visit minimum)
3. Coal Mine, U-505 On-board and WOW! Tours: Free tour annually instead of discounted tickets
4. Invitation to annual President's Breakfast

This is one of the great museums in the world and if you are visiting Chicago, let me know. Maybe I could meet you there and get you in free.

The U-505 submarine exhibit is spectacular, probably unmatched on earth. I like to stand by the entrance where people round the corner to get their first look and listen for the gasps.

What they've done there is awesome. I remember when it was outside (up until 2004), it was still cool, but now with the whole entry describing the capture and then you round the bend and see it, it's just great. I love it every time I go.