MUSEUMS Chicago (773) 728-8111 swedishamericanmuseum.org Located in the Swedish American Museum, kids can climb aboard a 20-foot immigration steamer, play in a 100-year-old Swedish farmhouse or even blast off into space just like the Swedish-American astronaut Buzz Aldrin in a play area focused on themes of exploration and immigration. Family nights and other children’s programming offered throughout the year. Hours: Museum: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. MondayFriday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Children’s Museum: 1-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Admission: $4, $3 students and seniors, $10 family, free kids under 1.
Wonder Works
The Art of Dr. Seuss Gallery, see page 32. seniors, free kids under 1 and members. Visit website for free admission days.
Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn 5100 Museum Drive Oak Lawn (708) 423-6709 cmoaklawn.org The museum includes exhibits such as Nano: The Science of Small and What if… which explores what it might be like if you had a physical impairment. We the People… is an exhibit that has two beam pieces from the World Trade Center Towers on display with a theme of patriotism, helping, friendship and unity. There is a water area, a tree house, Dream-a-Dream theater for plays, Safe Haven Animal Shelter for animal care and the Construction House where kids can use real tools to build. Separate area is available for infants, and art projects are available for all kids in the art studio. Hours: Check website. Admission: $8, $6 seniors, $3 teachers, free kids under 1. Free parking is available on the fifth floor of the Parking Tower.
DuPage Children’s Museum
exhibit at the museum until Feb. 1. With eight unique neighborhoods, there’s always something new to explore. In Creativity Connections, learn about light, shadow, rhythm and texture, or explore sensory processes. Roll a ball down a ramp to explore gravity and movement in Make it Move or create a pipe structure in Build It, using real tools. Blow a bubble or splash at the water tables, then dry off in the AirWorks wind tunnel. Head to the second floor to experience Math Connections or visit the Family Resource Center for storytime. Parents can take care of babies in any of the three Young Explorers. Visit the new S.M.A.R.T. Café on the lower level, where food becomes an opportunity for young children to learn about Science, Math, Art, Reading and Technology. Hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday (open until 8 p.m. every Third Thursday); 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $11, $10 seniors 60+, free kids under 1.
KidsWork Children’s Museum
301 N. Washington St. Naperville (630) 637-8000 dupagechildrensmuseum.org
11 S. White St. (inside the trolley barn in downtown Frankfort) Frankfort (815) 469-1199 kidsworkchildrensmuseum.org
Explore feelings, share, think, converse and connect with a visit to XOXO, An Exhibit About Love & Understanding, a new traveling
This two-story children’s museum brings children, families and the community together to engage in fun, hands-on interactive play to nurture
ChicagoParent.com
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life-long learning and discovery. Features a pet vet exhibit, tot spot, theater, light exhibit and an artworks area. New life-sized “Operation” table, rowboat exhibit, Smart Table and a piano you can play with your feet. Special Needs Family Nights take place the last Wednesday of the month. Hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $7 adults and kids, $6 seniors.
Kohl Children’s Museum 2100 Patriot Blvd. Glenview (847) 832-6600 kohlchildrensmuseum.org Seventeen hands-on interactive exhibits for children birth to 8, including Car Care, Whole Foods Market, Pet Vet and Water Works. Build It!, opening Nov. 25, lets kids explore dozens of different types of building blocks—oversized, oddshaped, magnetic and more. Plus, start an earthuquake, build a skyscraper, explore light and shadows and measure a building’s strength. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-noon Monday; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $11, $10 seniors, free kids under 12 months.
Swedish American Museum & Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration 5211 N. Clark St.
6445 W. North Ave. Oak Park (708) 383-4815 wonder-works.org Kids birth to 8 can enjoy art, science and early learning programming. With six child-size permanent exhibits, as well as special events, Wonder Works provides children with experiences that stimulate their imaginations and learning. Wonder Works is a shoe free facility and all visitors must remove their shoes and wear socks for entry. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $6 kids and adults; free kids under 1 and members.
HISTORICAL/REGIONAL
Arlington Heights Historical Museum 110-112 W. Fremont St. Arlington Heights (847) 255-1225 ahmuseum.org The five-building complex and their contents tell the story of Arlington Heights over the last 150 years. The Muller Victorian and 1908 Banta homes, carpentry and blacksmith shop, soda factory displays and dioramas in the coach house are popular. Tour the Martha Mills doll collection and three dollhouses filled with amazing miniatures. Hours: Tours: 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday or by appointment. Heritage Gallery 1:30-4:30 p.m. FridaySunday. Admission: $4, $2 kids for tours. $2 donation suggested for Heritage Gallery.
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