1. Museum of Science and Industry http://www.msichicago.org/
This museum appeals to all ages, genders and education interests. All year long there's something fun to do and see AND in the winter....the indoor parking is ideal. Leave your cars in the car and walk in! Brilliant.
2. Chicago Historical Society http://www.chicagohs.org/
Chicago's history what's not to love about this? There's a fun interactive children's section where you can ride an antique bicycle, see what it's like to be a hotdog and what you look like on tv! The train exhibit on the second floor is not to miss and much MORE!
3. The Field Museum of Natural History http://fieldmuseum.org/
I personally think the children's museum on the first/basement floor is the best in the city! The washrooms are catered to moms with young children and the entire exhibit was well thought out for future learners. Other hot items, what child wouldn't enjoy seeing Sue the dino, walk through Egyptian tombs, and walk through the journey of the beginning of civilization (my family's personal favorite). Not to mention they have Corner Bakery and McDonalds restaurants there, why pack a lunch!
4. The John G. Shedd Aquarium http://www.sheddaquarium.org/
Oh do we LOVE the Shedd. Make sure to check out the aquatic show as the entire family will enjoy the experience and definitely worth the ticket purchase for the oceanarium and polar play zone. Make sure to eat a snack while watching the Belugas swim around something NOT to miss!
5. The Chicago Children's Museum http://www.chicagohs.org/
A museum for kids what's not to love? There's so much to do for the active mind who likes the tactile experience. It's true that some of the museum needs updating and they have high hopes for a new location but for now. A rainy day, winter day, fun day in my household to release some energy, play and have FUN!
6. Lake County Discovery Museum http://www.lcfpd.org/discovery_museum
A small treasure set in a nature preserve that truly is a hidden gem. Want to learn about Lake County history? There is a history and it's REALLY interesting. Each July, the Museum hosts Civil War Days, the largest Civil War reenactment in Illinois. At the Farm Heritage Festival each Septemberr, visitors are able to take a step back in time and explore Lake County’s rural roots. During the summer, Museum educators provide fun and educational nature, history, and art day camp,
7. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum http://www.naturemuseum.org
A must see, the butterflies and MORE this smallish museum packs in a nice afternoon of exploring from the Butterfly, ecology, pollution (what this looks like to our environment), green living, and a fun NEW exhibit about bike plus MORE!
Since we're on the not for profit topics... I adore the Chicago Botanic Gardens. They offer a wonderful summer camp experience 1 week at a time. There's always something going on year round and the summers are amazing. For a list of youth programs already offered visit www.chicagobotanic.org/ctl/youth_family
I love the Art Institute of Chicago however I find the children's area to be missing some things to make the trip worthwhile. Here's what I suggest. Make the trip into an adventure. A little research from you before hand is required via the internet but think of the fun day ahead. Make cards with a print out of the picture (art piece) have your children find the art piece and then give them a mini story, art lesson about the item. A popular favorite is Seurat's Sunday Afternoon in the Park. A lesson in Pointillism, the size, colors, what the artist is telling in the story and all those magnificent colored dots to tell a story. A little funny like the monkey and other neat things to find in the painting to make this fun and watch the eye move around the canvas/art piece. A little trivia about the artist and the medium is always fun too when looking at an art piece. Have fun, the adventure can be educational too. visit http://www.artic.edu/aic/
Another fun find I discovered from my oldest's kindergarten enrichment program is the Swedish Museum in Chicago www.swedishamericanmuseum.org. This is a little wonder for the little ones to enjoy. The children will see what it's like being an immigrant and journeying to the new country. Plus you can pick up a treat next to Ann Sathers - yummo!
Enjoy exploring with your children everyone!!
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