Summer 2008 Museum information

The Field Museum: Chicago, IL
Nature Unleashed: Inside natural disasters Temporary Exhibit
Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters explores our dynamic relationship with Earth. Through a series of stunning displays, state-of-the-art animations, and poignant large-scale images, visitors can learn the causes behind natural disasters and discover how people cope with their aftermath. Admission to the exhibit requires a timed-entry ticket that must be purchased in combination with basic admission to the museum. Advance ticket purchase is recommended.312.922.9410http://www.fieldmuseum.org/Ongoing Daily 5/23/08 - 1/4/09; check with location for exceptions.Ages: 5 to 18Time: During museum hoursCost: Adults $22-$33; Seniors & Students $19-$30; Children (4-11) $12-$17 (includes museum admission)

The Crown Family Play lab: Permanent Exhibit (fav. winter activity!)
Start with a child’s boundless curiosity, add real artifacts and specimens, offer six themed play areas bursting with amazing things to do, and see discovery take flight. Watch your little explorer dig up dinosaur bones, grind corn in a pueblo, and put on an animal costume and crawl, hop, or fly! See a young adventurer’s delight in making music, playing scientist, or stomping on dinosaur footprints.You can also listen to stories and enjoy other family programs. With an endless variety of activities, the Crown Family PlayLab offers new adventures every time you visit.Amenities like family bathrooms, stroller parking, infant zones, and a staffed reception desk make a visit to the Crown Family PlayLab as convenient as it is fun.

Underground Adventure: Permanent Exhibit (my 2yr old son loves this!)
There's more to soil than meets the eye. The world of soil is a rich habitat for many amazing creatures. What do you think life would be like if you lived underground? You've come to the right place to find out! Basically this exhibit is an "underground adventure" with huge spiders, beetles and even life size ants the kids can climb on!

After spending time at each or all of these exhibits you can grab lunch downstairs at McDonalds or upstairs at The Corner Bakery.

Kohl Children's Museum Glenview, IL
Chagall for Children: temporary exhibit
Kohl Children's Museum presents a multi-sensory hands-on exploration of one of the best-known and best-loved artists of the 20th Century, Marc Chagall.847.832.6600http://www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org/Ongoing Daily 6/10/08 - 8/31/08; check with location for exceptions.Ages: 2 to 12Cost: Free with paid admission

I can't say enough about this museum. I was very impressed. We stayed for 2hours and my son was never bored, we could've stayed all day! Check out the website for more exhibits, they have too much to list! Some of my favs...Dominicks grocery store, Car Care (son LOVED) Pet Vet, Water Works and even a play Potbellys!

Chicago Children's Museum Chicago, IL
Block Party: Temporary Exhibit
Kids can meet their neighbors from around the city at Chicago's only kid-size block party.312.527.1000 http://www.chichildrensmuseum.org/Ongoing Daily 5/24/08 - 9/1/08; check with location for exceptions.Ages: 3 to 12Time: During regular museum hoursCost: Free with paid admission

Dinosaur Expedition: Permanent Exhibit
Dinosaur ExpeditionDinosaur Expedition re-creates the site of the 1997 expedition to the Sahara that unearthed Suchomimus, a never-before found species of fish-eating dinosaur, on display at CCM. With real-life expedition activities—including an authentic excavation pit—you can learn first-hand what it’s like to be a member of the expedition team!

Kids on the fly: Permanent Exhibit
Kids on the Fly CCM’s free exhibit at O’Hare International Airport provides a welcome respite from long layovers and delayed flights. In this aviation-themed playground, located in Terminal 2, kids can pilot a plane, propel a helicopter, become an air traffic controller, and immerse themselves in a variety of activities, including a new safety component. Travelers, don’t miss the fun at Kids on the Fly, winner of the Playful Travel Award for "Most Awesome Airport Playroom" by Nick Jr. Family Magazine!

Checkout their website for the long list of other permanent exhibits!

McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum Chicago, IL
Vote 4 Me:Inside a Presidential Election: Temporary Exhibit
Visitors can get a behind-the-scenes perspective on the fast-paced campaign season and work their way from a presidential hopeful to Commander-in-Chief. Through interactive displays, a seasoned campaign staff offers advice on how to create a campaign platform with popular appeal, win important swing states, sharpen political rhetoric, and raise funds to fill campaign coffers.http://www.freedommuseum.us/Ongoing Daily except Tue 11/9/07 - 11/9/08; check with location for exceptions.Ages: 8 to 18Time: 10am-6pmCost: Free

Morton Arboretum Lisle, IL
Human fascination with the insect world: Temporary Exhibit
See mounted insects and arachnid specimens, original artwork, and more in an unusual library exhibition: Flights of Fancy: Human Fascination with the Insect World.630.725.2066 http://www.mortarb.org/Ongoing Daily except Mon, Sun 3/25/08 - 8/15/08; check with location for exceptions.Time: Tue-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat 10am-4pm Cost: Free with paid admission

Children's Gardens: Permanent Exhibit
Get ready to ... splash through a secret stream,climb colossal acorns and slide down giant tree roots. Curiosity will sprout and imagination will bloom at the Children's Garden at The Morton Arboretum. Kids can splash, slide, climb and jump their way through ten exciting garden areas.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Chicago, IL
Hands on Habitat:
This engaging two-story hands-on, body-on exhibit takes budding naturalists (age 3 to 7) on an exploration of the secret world of animal homes.

Butterfly Haven:
Even in the middle of a Chicago winter, a kaleidoscope of color beckons. One thousand butterflies flutter by - 75 species on any given day. Transport yourself to a spectacular habitat, flourishing with tropical trees, glimmering pools of water, flowers, and butterflies beyond imagination.

River Works:
There’s no such thing as a lazy river! Splash through this waterplay exhibit experience to find out how rivers support plants, animals, and humans.

Museum of Science and Industry: Chicago, IL
Omnimax and 3D Theater Temporary Exhibit
Dinosaurs Alive! Now Through October 09, 2008
Journey with some of the world's preeminent paleontologists as they explore some of the greatest dinosaur finds in history. Sharks! Now Through December 31, 2008
Take a plunge into the Museum’s new 3D underwater adventure film, Sharks 3D.

The Idea Factory:
The Idea Factory provides children with endless opportunities for scientific exploration through interactive activities, which allow them to discover scientific principles for themselves. This engaging experience is a “must” for families with young children up to 10 years old.
http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/idea-factory/

Dupage Children's Museum Naperville, IL
DuPage Children's Museum is made up of many different exhibit neighborhoods and has three floors--each one special in its own way. Each neighborhood is packed with exciting ways to explore art, math, science and how they work together in the world. There are also three Young Explorers neighborhoods (adjacent to our other exhibit neighborhoods) designed for children up to 24 months. http://www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org/GeneralInfo.html

Checkout their website for more info. I went during the week and it was very crowded, more so than most of the above!

If you can think of any great childrens museums I missed please let me know! I will update temporary exhibits when neccessary.