Mentioned by MommyPoppins
When Kids Get in Free at 30 Chicago Museums, Zoos, and Parks
"The MCA is one of the city’s museums that’s in a near constant state of transition. With its relatively small permanent collection, it relies on special shows—from large scale installations to video, fashion, music, photography, and more—that showcase just as many rising local talents and underground, avant-garde renegades as recognizable names. Past exhibits include David Bowie Is, Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg, and Virgil Abloh: Figures of Speech."
"Located in Pilsen, the National Museum of Mexican Art is the only museum dedicated to Latino culture that’s a member of the American Alliance of Museums. The museum has over 9,000 examples of Mexican art from ancient Mexico to the present as well as special exhibitions. While technically free, they do ask for a donation if you can spare it."
"If you saw the world in the stars at the Chicago Adler Planetarium, you’ll see a vibrant and beautiful new world in the National Museum of Mexican Art."
"This child-friendly museum in Lincoln Park presents the natural history of the Chicago region in smart and interactive ways. As an institution the museum was founded back in 1857 and moved into a new home in the park in 1999. The old museum, now used by the zoo, was known for its detailed static dioramas, and while these are still here, they’re joined by spellbinding living environments like the astonishing Judy Istock Butterfly house, where 1,000 butterflies flutter in a 250-square-metre greenhouse."
"At the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, You’ll find thousands of artifacts, books, posters, photographs, maps, and manuscripts, ranging from military medals to swords, that tell America’s history through the eyes of the citizen soldier. Take a tour any day of the week (free with admission) or wander collections ranging from WWII and Korean War training comics to medical research files on topics like early ambulances and Civil War nurses. Pritzker Military Museum & Library, 104 S."
"Now open Located just across from Millennium Park, the Pritzker Military Museum & Library is dedicated to educating the public about military history. The unique museum hosts a permanent exhibition on the Medal of Honor and is currently showing a special exhibit about Allied forces during World War II."
"Museum admission is always free for anyone with an active military ID, the Chicago police and fire departments and children under 18. General free admission days for 2020 are:. April 6 – Centennial of WWI"
"This center dedicated to the famous artist is located in Jefferson Park, and with its bright mural you can’t miss it. You can check out an iPod at the front desk for a self-guided tour, or visit the first Thursday of the month at 2pm for a thirty-minute guided tour."
"Ongoing weekend programs at the museum include workshops for kids to learn about identifying rocks and minerals or learning how to make jewelry. Collections include gemstones, fossils and an ornate castle. Online activities include virtual jewelry classes and rock identification classes."
"The gist: Sushi chef Otto Phan, the mastermind behind the acclaimed omakase restaurant Kyoten, returns with this bi-level, dual concept spot featuring a casual first-floor walk-in izakaya abutting a reservation-only omakase upstairs.The food: Downstairs, expect a modern take on Japanese street fare like butter shoyu chicken, shrimp and pork gyoza with shiitake XO sauce and gochujang, and soy braised short rib, among other shareables. Upstairs, Phan offers one 6 pm seating per night (two on Saturday) of a 15-course, 90-minute Edomae-style sushi omakase, with each component spanning different aging and marinating techniques. The cost: Izakaya dishes $6 - $14, omakase $125 - $150 per person, cocktails $14, wine and sake by the glass $10 - $18, wine and sake by the bottle $45 - $120.How to book: Reserve via OpenTable."
"Hinoki Sushiko offers two distinct experiences: snag a spot in the sleek first-floor Izakaya-style lounge to try new twists on Japanese street food between sips of craft sake. On the other hand, you could reserve a spot upstairs for an Omakase experience, where the chef presents you with 18 pieces of traditionally prepared sushi. (Hop on that reservation, though—there’s only one Omakase seating per night, with limited availability.)"
"The investors behind Hinoki Sushiko reeled in a big fish when they brought in Kyoten chef Otto Phan into the project. While Phan remains focused on his Logan Square sushi den, he’s lent his talents in developing the menu and sharing where he sources his imported fish. Hinoki Sushiko will be a fun spot for Japanese pub snacks and drinks on the first floor."
"The main focus of Ron of Japan Steakhouse is top-quality steaks and seafood prepared teppan-style at the table-side by showman-like chefs. Entree options include steaks, chicken, a..."
"This is one of those restaurants that assures you of its authenticity with its loyal following of transplants from Asia, who regularly show up for a taste of home. Though small, the dining room is lined in wood and is constantly filled with sushi fans that say this is the best maki and nigiri in town. You can also get your fish cooked, if you prefer."
"Navy Pier sure is touristy, but its location jutting out nearly a mile into the lake gives it some stunning vistas back across the water toward the skyline. Of the many places to eat at Navy Pier, none is better than Riva, a fine-dining restaurant with a seafood-driven menu. The food is superb, and the views are million-dollar."
"Restaurants Contemporary American Lincoln Park. Culinary mastermind Grant Achatz uses his three-Michelin-star restaurant in Lincoln Park as a stage. Sit back and enjoy the show, a well-orchestrated ride that plays with textures, temperatures and notions of “normal” cuisine, while somehow remaining grounded in season, flavor and flawless execution."
"Southport's main claim to fame is this 1929 movie house, which shows independent and classic films on its two screens. Live organ music…"