Make an afternoon of your visit to Symphony Center with this easy-to-use guide

Buy your Family Matinee or Once Upon A Symphony Tickets

A cornerstone of the CSO’s offerings for young people, Once Upon a Symphony concerts and Family Matinees showcase symphonic masterworks and incorporate theater, dance or multimedia to deepen audience engagement with the music.

Prices begin at $5 for youth and $15 for adults, or subscribe to three or more concerts and save 33%.

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Parking & Transportation

Park with SpotHero

To reserve a parking spot, visit SpotHero or download the SpotHero app, search “Symphony Center” to book your spot. First time users get 20% off their parking by using code ORCHESTRA2024.

Plan your CTA Route

Symphony Center is conveniently located off the Orange, Purple, Pink, Brown and Green Line trains at Adams/Wabash, as well as the Red and Blue Line trains at Jackson. The Jackson station is accessible for people with mobility aids. For an accessible Orange, Purple, Pink, Brown and Green Line station, use the Washington/Wabash station, located just 2 blocks north of Symphony Center.

Visit transitchicago.com for the most up-to-date accessibility and service information.

Subscribers are eligible to receive an exclusive flat rate for up to 12 hours of parking at the Grant Park South Garage. Visit our Parking and Transit page for more information on getting to Symphony Center.

Choose Your Lunch Spot

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association has partnered with Shake Shack to bring families an affordable, delicious and conveniently-located dining option down the street from Symphony Center. Show your same-day ticket for a special Buy-One-Get-One ShackBurger offer at Shake Shack, 12 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603. Offer valid for this location only, some restrictions apply.

There are also many other quick or sit-down options around Symphony Center, including just steps away on Michigan Ave. and Wabash Ave. Check out more dining deals with our local restaurant partners.

Choose Your Downtown Activities

The Art Institute of Chicago is right across the street from Symphony Center! Admission for children 14 years and under and Chicago teens under 18 is free; tickets for adults are required. Visit sales.artic.edu to see ticket prices, including free ticket options, and to purchase ahead.

• The Art Exchange | Fridays-Sundays from 11:00 AM-3:00 PM

  Visitors of all ages are invited to stop by The Art Exchange inside the museum’s Ryan Learning Center and choose from a variety of activities: create an art project, explore the Multisensory Gallery, make a custom museum tour with JourneyMaker and more. The space is free with admission, no reservations required.

• Saturday Studio | Saturdays from 12:00-2:00 PM

  Saturday Studio is an art-making experience in the galleries that welcomes participants of all experience levels. Led by Chicago-based artists, the program is free with admission, and all needed materials are provided.

  Check the museum’s website for the Saturday Studio schedule.

Maggie Daley Park

There are dozens of fun things to do and see at Maggie Daley Park! Visit the website to explore special seasonal activities and everything the park has to offer.