Chicago Museums for Kids: A Guide to Educational and Entertaining Exhibits

by | Aug 12, 2023 | Travel Resources & Education

I always enjoy my visits to Chicago. I think this is a great city for families to visit and experience.

Chicago is a city with a rich cultural history, and its museums are no exception. For families with children, there are many museums in the city that cater to kids of all ages. From the Chicago Children's Museum to the Bronzeville Children's Museum, there are plenty of options for families looking to explore the city's cultural offerings.

The Chicago Children's Museum is a must-visit for families with young children. Located at Navy Pier, the museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits that encourage kids to learn through play. From a giant water play area to a climbing wall, there's something for everyone at this museum. The Bronzeville Children's Museum is another great option for families looking to learn about African American history and culture. With exhibits on healthy eating, STEM activities, and more, this museum is a great way to introduce kids to important topics in a fun and engaging way.

Interactive Museums

Chicago is home to some of the best interactive museums for kids. These museums offer hands-on exhibits, indoor playgrounds, and interactive learning experiences that are both fun and educational. Here are some of the best interactive museums in Chicago that are perfect for kids.

Chicago Children's Museum

The Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier is a kid-sized, family-friendly museum that offers a wide range of interactive exhibits. Kids can explore the museum's many exhibits, including the Dinosaur Expedition, the Tinkering Lab, and the Waterways exhibit. They can also climb aboard a real CTA bus, explore the Great Outdoors exhibit, and build their own structures using blocks and other materials.

Sloomoo Institute

The Sloomoo Institute is an interactive museum that is all about slime. Kids can dive into a pool filled with slime, make their own slime creations, and learn about the science of slime. The museum also offers a gift shop where visitors can purchase slime-making kits and other slime-related products.

Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions is an interactive museum that offers a variety of optical illusions, mind-bending exhibits, and hands-on experiences. Kids can explore the museum's many exhibits, including the Vortex Tunnel, the Ames Room, and the Infinity Room. They can also take part in interactive exhibits that explore the science of light and color.

Wndr Museum

The Wndr Museum is an interactive museum that offers a variety of immersive experiences. Kids can explore the museum's many exhibits, including the Infinity Mirror Room, the Rainbow Tunnel, and the Bubble Room. They can also take part in interactive exhibits that explore the science of sound and light.

Overall, Chicago's interactive museums offer a wide range of hands-on learning experiences that are perfect for kids. Whether they want to explore the science of slime or learn about the illusions of light and color, there is something for every kid at these museums.

History and Culture Museums

Chicago is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are several museums that showcase this heritage to kids and families. These museums offer interactive exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs that provide a glimpse into the past and present of Chicago and its people.

Chicago History Museum

The Chicago History Museum is a must-visit for kids who want to learn about the city's history and culture. The museum has a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Chicago from its early days to the present. Kids can explore the city's neighborhoods, learn about its famous residents, and even see a replica of a Chicago-style hot dog stand.

American Writers Museum

The American Writers Museum is a unique museum that celebrates the written word and the writers who have shaped American literature. Kids can learn about famous writers like Mark Twain, Langston Hughes, and Dr. Seuss, and participate in interactive exhibits that encourage creativity and storytelling.

DuSable Museum of African American History

The DuSable Museum of African American History is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the contributions of African Americans to American history and culture. Kids can explore exhibits on African American art, music, and literature, and learn about the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history.

Mitchell Museum of the American Indian

The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian is a fascinating museum that explores the history and culture of Native American tribes. Kids can see artifacts and artwork from tribes across North America, learn about traditional Native American crafts, and even try on traditional clothing.

These museums provide a unique and educational experience for kids and families, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Chicago and its people.

Science and Nature Museums

Chicago is home to some of the best science and nature museums in the country. Here are a few that kids will love:

Field Museum

The Field Museum is a natural history museum that houses a vast collection of artifacts and specimens from around the world. Kids will love exploring the museum's various exhibits, including the "Sensing Chicago" exhibit, which allows visitors to experience what it's like to live in the city, and the Coal Mine exhibit, which takes visitors on a tour of an underground coal mine. The museum also has a variety of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for kids.

Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium is a must-visit for any young aspiring astronaut. The museum features a variety of exhibits and shows that explore the wonders of space and astronomy. Kids will love the Doane Observatory, which houses one of the largest telescopes in the country, and the planetarium's many interactive exhibits and simulations.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a great place for kids to learn about the natural world. The museum features a variety of exhibits and hands-on activities that explore the flora and fauna of the Midwest. Kids will love the Critter Connections exhibit, which allows visitors to get up close and personal with a variety of animals, and the Butterfly Haven, which is home to hundreds of live butterflies.

Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the largest science museums in the world and is a must-visit for any young scientist. The museum features a variety of exhibits and hands-on activities that explore the wonders of science and technology. Kids will love the Science Storms exhibit, which explores the science behind natural phenomena like tornadoes and lightning, and the Idea Factory, which allows visitors to experiment and create their own inventions. The museum also has a variety of special exhibits and events throughout the year, so be sure to check their calendar before you go.

Art Museums

Chicago is known for its thriving art scene, and the city has no shortage of museums dedicated to the arts. Here are three art museums that are perfect for kids:

Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. Its collection spans thousands of years and includes works from all over the world. The museum offers a variety of programs and activities for kids, including family workshops, drop-in art making, and family audio tours. Kids can also explore the museum's galleries with a family guide.

Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art is dedicated to showcasing the art of our time. Its collection includes works by some of the most important artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. The museum offers a variety of programs and activities for kids, including family days, drop-in art making, and family tours. Kids can also explore the museum's galleries with a family guide.

National Museum of Mexican Art

The National Museum of Mexican Art is dedicated to showcasing the art and culture of Mexico and Mexican Americans. Its collection includes works by some of the most important Mexican and Mexican American artists. The museum offers a variety of programs and activities for kids, including family workshops, drop-in art making, and family tours. Kids can also explore the museum's galleries with a family guide.

These art museums are a great way to introduce kids to the world of art and inspire their creativity. With a variety of programs and activities, there's something for kids of all ages and interests.

Outdoor Attractions and Activities

Chicago is not only a city of museums but also a city of outdoor attractions and activities. There are plenty of things to do outside that will keep kids entertained and engaged. Here are some of the must-visit outdoor attractions and activities for families with kids.

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a popular destination for families with kids. It is a 50-acre playground that offers a variety of attractions, including the Chicago Children's Museum, the Centennial Wheel, and the Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze. Kids can also enjoy a ride on the carousel, play mini-golf, or take a boat tour of the lakefront.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is a free zoo located in the heart of Chicago's Lincoln Park. It is home to over 1,000 animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, and bears. Kids can also enjoy the Pritzker Family Children's Zoo, which features a petting zoo, a water play area, and a climbing wall.

Farm-in-the-Zoo

Farm-in-the-Zoo is a unique attraction located within the Lincoln Park Zoo. It is a working farm that allows kids to get up close and personal with farm animals such as cows, pigs, and chickens. Kids can also learn about sustainable farming practices and participate in hands-on activities.

Lincoln Park Conservatory

The Lincoln Park Conservatory is a beautiful indoor botanical garden located in Lincoln Park. It features four display houses that showcase a variety of plant species from around the world. Kids can learn about different ecosystems and plant life while enjoying the lush greenery.

Chicago's lakefront is also a great place for families to enjoy outdoor activities such as biking, jogging, and picnicking. With so many outdoor attractions and activities to choose from, families with kids will never run out of things to do in Chicago.

Special Exhibits and Attractions

Chicago has a plethora of museums that offer exciting exhibits and attractions for kids. Here are some of the must-visit special exhibits and attractions for kids in Chicago:

Sue the T. Rex

The Field Museum on Museum Campus is home to Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered. Kids can come face-to-face with Sue and learn about her life and the world she lived in through interactive exhibits and displays.

Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium is a popular destination for families with kids. The aquarium is home to over 32,000 aquatic animals, including beluga whales, dolphins, sea otters, and penguins. Kids can learn about marine life and conservation through interactive exhibits and shows.

Máximo the Titanosaur

The Field Museum is also home to Máximo, the largest dinosaur ever discovered. Kids can see the 122-foot-long skeleton of this massive titanosaur and learn about the world he lived in through interactive exhibits.

Cloud Buster

The Museum of Science and Industry has a unique exhibit called the "Cloud Buster." This exhibit teaches kids about weather and climate through a giant, interactive model of a cloud. Kids can create their own cloud and learn about how clouds form and affect our weather.

Chicago also has other exciting exhibits and attractions for kids, such as the Mirror Maze at Navy Pier, the Treehouse Trails at the Chicago Children's Museum, and the Thorne Miniature Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago. With so much to see and do, Chicago is the perfect destination for families with kids who love to learn and explore.

Family-Friendly Amenities and Services

Chicago's museums offer a wide range of family-friendly amenities and services to ensure that every visit is enjoyable and stress-free for parents and kids alike. Here are some of the amenities and services that families can expect to find at many of the city's top museums:

  • Healthy Eating Options: Many of Chicago's museums offer healthy eating options for families, including fresh salads, sandwiches, and other nutritious snacks. Some museums even have on-site cafes or restaurants that serve healthy meals for lunch or dinner.
  • Family-Friendly Facilities: Chicago's museums are designed to be family-friendly, with stroller-friendly paths, family restrooms, and changing stations available throughout the museums. Many museums also have nursing rooms for mothers who need a private place to breastfeed.
  • Kid-Friendly Exhibits: Chicago's museums have a variety of exhibits that are designed specifically for kids, with interactive displays, hands-on activities, and engaging multimedia presentations. Kids can learn about everything from science and technology to history and art.
  • Family Programming: Many of Chicago's museums offer family programming throughout the year, including workshops, classes, and special events. These programs are designed to be fun and engaging for both kids and adults.
  • Free Admission: Some of Chicago's museums offer free admission for kids under a certain age, or on certain days of the week. Families can save money by taking advantage of these free admission days.
  • Free Museum Days: Many of Chicago's museums offer free admission on certain days of the year, such as holidays or special events. Families can enjoy a day of culture and learning without having to spend a dime.

Overall, Chicago's museums are a great destination for families with kids of all ages. With a wide range of family-friendly amenities and services, parents can relax and enjoy the exhibits while their kids have fun learning and exploring.

I definitely think that my grandkids would really enjoy Chicago museums.