Wanderlust World Wanderlust World There's no excuse for teens to be bored in Chicago. The city offers various activities and events for teenagers. Young people interested in art, technology or current trends can find programs or institutions to stimulate their minds and allow them to develop in the area and gain expertise. Chicago also provides teens the opportunity to meet other teens with mutual interests.
Chicago features the only museum in the world devoted to teen art and culture. The museum has no permanent home, but its exhibits are displayed in conjunction with various community and arts groups within the city. According to its mission statement, the Chicago Teen Museum is "dedicated entirely to the preservation of teen cultures by connecting youth expression to the museum profession." It collects and preserves teen culture through exhibits, programming and demonstrations, while encouraging teens to grow artistically and develop professionally.
Chicago Teen Museum
800-414-9470
chicagoteenmuseum.org
Today's tech-savvy teens may want to visit the museum documenting technology's roots and exploring its future. Open every day except Christmas, the Museum of Science and Industry offers interactive exhibits, demonstrations and tours. Events change during the year, but live science experiments, including treats activated with liquid nitrogen, are shown daily. For an additional fee, catch the show at the Omnimax theater, featuring science-related IMAX films.
Museum of Science and Industry
57th Street and Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637
773- 684-1414
msichicago.org
For teens interested in green living and the natural world, the Chicago Botanic Garden offers programs and exhibits to develop skills and consider career options. The 385-acre garden features world-class plant collections, along with 24 gardens for display and several natural areas. Among the activities are regular campouts for youth groups of up to 40 participants, held in its outdoor classroom with access to electricity and lavatories. Their Leaders in Training Program for teens aged 13 to 15 in two-week summer sessions allows teenagers to help younger campers and learn life and job skills.
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
847-835-5440
chicago-botanic.org