We have a world-renowned particle physics and accelerator laboratory located in the western suburbs of Chicago! Opening in 1969, Fermilab in Batavia spans over 6,800 acres, and is home to some of the worldβs leading scientists in their fields. Visitors are welcome to visit the grounds, explore the science center, schedule tours, and learn more about the incredible scientific work happening at Fermilab daily.
Please note: starting May 7, 2025, a Real ID or passport is required for all guests 18 years and up to gain entrance to the grounds. Keep reading to learn what you’ll find on your visit to Fermilab.
Lederman Science Center
When visiting Fermilab, we spent the majority of our time at the Lederman Science Center, which is filled with hands-on, interactive exhibits. The indoor area is separated into four exhibit rooms. Each area has its own scientific topic to focus on, all relating back to the work being done at Fermilab.
In each exhibit, Fermilab outlines the in-depth scientific concept being explored or demonstrated, but then provides a hands-on way for visitors to tested. Every display had something to build, break apart, push, test or analyze that made it extremely interactive for our family. Even if your child doesn’t understand the complexity of the science, there are still ways to learn a more basic understanding of the concept.
Ideas Room
The Ideas Room was filled with big-picture ideas, questions to ponder, and connections to be made with the smallest of particles. We explored symmetry, the magnitude of the universe, and more. We bent light and made electricity with magnets.
Methods Room
This exhibit area asked us to explore particle collisions and scattering with ramps and ball bearings.
Detectors Room
In this room, we used detectors to help get a deeper understanding of particles. Geiger counters, cosmic rays, and neutrinos may all be words you haven’t heard since high school science classes, but Fermilab creates hands-on experiences for families to dive into these topics.
Accelerators Room
This exhibit space helped us explore different types of energy. We learned about gravity’s impact on acceleration and βkicking zonesβ in circular accelerators. My kids loved racing balls around the tower, or pushing them around the kicking zone.
Outdoor Exhibit
There is also an area in the front of the Lederman Science Center, that includes both a walking path covering the history of Fermilab, as well as a few more experiments. There’s a sundial to test, but we were there on a cloudy day and couldn’t see it in action.
Wilson Hall
The other major building on the grounds at Fermilab is Wilson Hall. Its atrium, cafeteria and art gallery on the second floor are open to visitors during regular hours. Public tours, which begin at Wilson Hall, happen once a month, and last about 2 hours. Registration is required to participate, with all guests being 10 years old and up.
More to Do on the Grounds
Did you know that Fermilab is home to bison? The bison, which are part of conservation efforts, graze and roam in the pastures on the grounds. If you visit in the spring, you will likely see baby bison. When we were there the first week of May, they had already welcomed 6 babies born already this spring.
Visitors to Fermilab are also welcome to enjoy the trails, ride their bikes, and even go snowshoeing. Towards the east side of the property, there is an off-leash section for dogs, lakes for fishing, and bird-viewing areas. Public areas are marked as such, so please stay out of restricted areas when you’re on the grounds.
Food
The cafeteria is in Wilson Hall, and it is open to visitors from 7:00am – 2:00pm Mondays through Fridays. Their menu can be found on their website, with online ordering available. Please note: Wilson Hall is not right next to the Lederman Science Center, so you will either need to walk a bit, or drive between the buildings. You are also welcome to bring food from home, which can be eaten there, or as a picnic throughout the Fermilab grounds.
Bathrooms
There are standard restroom facilities in the Lederman Science Center.
Hours
Fermilab is open to the public Mondays through Fridays, from 9:00am – 5:00pm.
Prices
Visiting Fermilab is always free!
Recommended Ages for Visiting Fermilab
While all children are welcome, I would recommend bringing children ages 10 and up, especially if they (or you) have a strong interest in science. My son, who is 6 years old, could follow along with the tasks at each exhibit, but was not necessarily able to understand the science behind it. My 9 and 11-year old were better able to comprehend to the concepts, and could relate it back to something they had learned in science class. It also helped that my husband and I have a strong background in science, so we could troubleshoot and answer questions as they went through. The exhibits at Fermilab are looking at higher level science concepts, which are much more complicated than you’d find at a children’s museum.
Getting to Fermilab
When entering Fermilab into Google maps, it will show you a number of locations. There are two main entrances to the facility. We used the one at Kirk Road and Pine Street in Batavia, as that is the entrance closer to the Lederman Science Center, which has a parking lot right next to it. My photo is not the best with the construction, but if you see this large structure at the entrance, you know you’re in the right place. At either entrance, you’ll be asked to show proper identification before being allowed in.
Looking for more great learning opportunities? Our calendar is filled with STEAM events.
