The Chicago Children's Museum is home to many hands-on exhibits and programs for children that focus on the concepts of literacy, science, math, visual and performing arts, and health. Highlights of the museum include the Dinosaur Exhibition, where kids can look for dinosaur bones in an area re-created to look like an excavation pit, and the "Play It Safe" exhibition, where families can learn about fire safety in a fun and interactive environment. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier
700 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312-527-1000
chicagochildrensmuseum.org
Every year more than two million people visit the John G. Shedd Aquarium. It is home to nearly 22,000 aquatic animals, according to the aquarium's website. The "Amazon Rising: See of the River" exhibit features a wide variety of animals that reside in and along the Amazon River, such as piranhas, snakes, catfish and stingrays. Another popular exhibit, the "Oceanarium," features different marine mammals, including beluga whales, Alaska sea otters and Pacific white-sided dolphins. The aquarium is open seven days a week. Daily times vary.
John G. Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60605
312-939-2438
sheddaquarium.org
Millennium Park is located in downtown Chicago and spans 24.5 acres. It features the work of various architects, artists and designers. Families can visit the interactive Crown Fountain as well as the Lurie Garden, which features an array of perennials native to the state of Illinois. During the winter season, Millennium Park has an ice rink available. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Millennium Park
201 E. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
312-742-1168
millenniumpark.org
The Field Museum in Chicago offers a number of permanent and traveling exhibits for the whole family. The permanent exhibits focus on plants and animals, as well as rocks and fossils. The museum also houses a large collection of anthropological items. But the main attraction at the Field Museum is SUE, which is considered to be the largest, most complete preserved T. Rex dinosaur. On various dates throughout the year, the museum offers family sleepover nights at the museum in the SUE exhibit area. Children can take part in workshops, tours and other activities before finding a spot to sleep in the museum. The Field Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60605
312-922-9410
fieldmuseum.org
