Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum
1300 South Lake Shore Drive
312-922-7827
Even the locals stop here often to take in its unique and fantastic view of the Chicago skyline. With the variety of shows offered at the StarRider simulation theater and the Sky Theater, this lakeside building can keep you and yours entertained all day. Seek the stars!

The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Avenue
312-443-3600
Along with the extensive displays, such as Modern and Impressionist paintings, the museum features a collection of armor and modern furniture in the permanent collections. Check out the Kraft Education Center, where together, families can learn about original works of art.

Chicago Children’s Museum
700 E. Grand Avenue, in the Family Pavilion at Navy Pier
312-527-1000
Climb the giant schooner, or visit the room of water to get wet, wet, and even wetter! Play in the Big Back Yard, where there are huge insects, giant toadstools, and other creative beings. Don’t forget to create your own flying contraption and launch it from the top of a silo.

Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road, Brookfield Illinois
708-485-0263
Located in Brookfield IL, this zoo is easily accessible by the Metra and offers a great time year round! Now open is the Regenstein Wolf Woods exhibit, which features a front row view of Mexican gray wolves. Don’t forget to stop by the Hamill Family Play Zoo, where children and adults can interact with different animals and plants.

Chicago Cultural Center
73 E. Washington
312-744-6630
Free admission you can enjoy an array of art exhibits and performances…

John G. Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lakeshore Drive
312-939-2438
Fish, fish, and more fish! The largest indoor aquarium in the world houses a Caribbean Coral Reef, an Oceanarium (with daily aquatic shows), and the “Amazon Rising: Seasons of the River” exhibit. Also, just opening is the “Grand Cayman Blue Iguana” exhibit which features the rare species in an up close environment. Don’t forget to stop by the Wild Reef and see the Sharks at the Shedd, its delightful!

Museum of Science and Industry
57th Street at South Lake Shore Drive
773-684-1414
Sit in a helicopter cockpit, travel deep into the earth through the coal mine, visit Colleen Moore’s enchanting Fairy Castle. Or maybe you would rather view a giant Omnimax movie, make your own toy in “ToyMaker 3000”, or check out the Henry Crown Space Center. To maximize time, you can even plan a trip to the museum ahead of time by using their trip planner, which streamlines your visit according to your age group and interests. Go on line to http://www.msichicago.org/php/planner.php

The Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
312-922-9410
Home of the famous Tyrannosaurus rex, Sue, and the popular primate, “Bushman,” this natural history museum offers glimpses into animals’ development, living conditions, and habitats. Check out their temporary exhibits this summer, like “Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, new Discoveries and “Eskimo and Inuit Carvings: Collecting Art from the Artic.

Lincoln Park Zoo
2200 N. Cannon Drive
312-742-2000
Open daily from 9 to 5, it’s free and an oasis from urban life in the heart of Lincoln Park. Enjoy 35 acres of entertainment, including a conservatory, a theater, a café, and paddleboat rentals.