Chicago has a long list of kid-friendly cultural offerings, from the Chicago Children's Museum to the John G. Shedd Aquarium. However, there is a plethora of children's museums, libraries and science centers in the South suburbs of Chicago that offer rich cultural experiences with fewer crowds that should not be overlooked.
The only African-American children's museum in the country, Chicago's Bronzeville Museum on the South Side features exhibits for kids ages 3 to 9 that are designed to teach them about the journey from Africa to Chicago. Other exhibits focus on teaching healthy eating habits and the accomplishments of African-American inventors.
Bronzeville Children's Museum
9301 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60617-3644
(773) 721-9301
bronzevillechildrensmuseum.com
Whimsy is the word at this children's museum. Featuring the Dream a Dream Theatre, Treemendous Tunes Treehouse and Camp Take-A-Break, all kids need to bring is their imagination. Exhibits more educationally focused include Safe Haven Animal Shelter, Air Maze, Health Quest, Go Fly a Kite, Water Adventure and Beachcomber Island.
Children's Museum in Oak Lawn
5100 Museum Drive
Oak Lawn, IL 60453-7005
(708) 423-6709
cmoaklawn.com
Located in the far South suburb of Park Forest, the nature center provides an abundance of trails that explore the region's wetlands. With a children's science corner, bird viewing station and an insect display, the Thorn Creek Nature Center promises a full day of eco-fun. Check out its website for a variety of programs that shift with the changing seasons.
Thorn Creek Nature Center
247 Monee Road
Park Forest, IL 60466-2403
(708) 747-6320
villageofparkforest.com
A true Midwest experience, the folks at The Center Children's Farm provide hands-on access to chickens, goats ducks, horses, pigs, lambs and more throughout the year. In the spring, junior farmers have the opportunity to care for baby animals and take complimentary pony rides. Come autumn, they can return to pick their very own pumpkin from the on-site patch and enjoy a traditional hayride.
The Center Children's Farm
12700 Southwest Highway
Palos Park, IL 60464-1812
(708) 361-3650
thecenterpalos.org
Amuse yourself with an afternoon surrounded by movie memorabilia while you ride Hollywood Park's go-karts or bumper cars. Other amusements include more than 100 arcade games, a 27-foot rock wall, a 27-foot giant slide, a children's playland and two miniature golf courses.
Hollywood Park
5051 Cal Sag Road
Crestwood, IL 60445-1458
(708) 389-7275
hollywoodfunpark.com
