Constantly featuring rotating exhibits, The Museum of Science and Industry is always fresh, even if you have visited it many times before. Kids can learn about agriculture, technology, space, and the environment, as well as a host of other scientific topics, through live-science demonstrations, events and exhibits. Find out more about submarines, by walking through a real U-505 sub, or teach your children about genetics, through the baby chick hatchery. Families also can descend into the earth in a coal elevator and learn more about where coal comes from and how it provides energy for us.
There may be some exhibits--stillborn babies in formaldehyde--which can be disturbing to small children, so choose your museum adventure wisely.
Museum of Science and Industry
57th Street and Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637
773-684-1414
msichicago.org
If your children are into underwater creatures, the Shedd Aquarium may be a fun way to spend the day. Built in the 1920s, the aquarium is divided by types of water: Caribbean Reef, Polar Play Zone, Islands and Lakes, and Rivers, to name a handful. The Shedd Aquarium is especially dedicated to conservation, so kids will learn about their role in the sustainability of our earth's precious resources. Families also can take advantage of special offers, such as guided tours of beluga whales, overnight adventures or sustainable seafood dinners.
John G. Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
312-939-2438
sheddaquarium.org
Adventure Stage Theater features dramatic performances for children ages eight to fourteen and their parents. Winner of the 2007 National Award for Outstanding New Children's Theatre Company by the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, Adventure Stage's mission is to create "dynamic and transformative theatre for young audiences that activates the imagination, inspires dialogue and strengthens community among families, educators and artists." Their performances rotate with each season; and these can be found on their website.
Adventure Stage Theater
1012 North Noble Street
Chicago, Illinois 60642
773-342-4141
adventurestage.org
Award-winning for music, architecture landscape design, Millennium Park is located directly next to Grant Park, by the Lake Michigan waterfront. When visiting Millennium Park, tourists will first see the Crown Fountain--two 50-foot glass towers, featuring video images of Chicago citizens, who appear to have water flowing from their mouths, into the reflection pool, below. Children often run and play in the fountain's water during the summer.
Cloud Gate--another striking architectural work in Millennium Park--is a 110-ton stainless steel "bean" that reflects the city's skyline. Since the structure is 33 feet tall, families and kids can actually walk under the structure, looking for their own reflection in the metal. Millennium Park admission is free.
Millennium Park Welcome Center
201 E. Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60605
312-742-1168
millenniumpark.org
