Free Museums in Wood Dale

"When this museum opened in its new aluminum-lined facility in 1996, it became the country's largest museum of contemporary art. Featured works go far beyond two dimensions and include such diverse media as sculpture, photography, dance, performance and music. Three large exhibition floors showcase more than 7000 objects, including pieces by Sol LeWitt, Alexander Calder, Jeff Koons and Rene Magritte."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art is located at 220 East Chicago Avenue in Streeterville neighborhood of Near North Side area of Downtown Chicago in Cook County, Illinois. It was established in 1967 as the world’s largest contemporary art museum featuring items from Post-World War II visual art collection. It is a run gallery-style exhibition showcasing individual curations throughout the year."

"The National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago is home to more than 5,000 pieces by Mexican, Latino, and Chicano artists. It is considered the largest Latino cultural institution in the United States and the only Latino museum to have received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums. The National Museum of Mexican Art is perhaps best known for its annual Día de los Muertos exhibit."

"Head to the National Museum of Mexican Art for one of the best collections of Latin works in the country. Mexican culture is celebrated with art spanning over 3,000 years and a whopping 10,000 piece permanent collection."

"This fun nature museum is located in the heart of Lincoln Park just north of downtown Chicago. As you walk up to the museum, you will immediately be immersed in nature with their beautiful walking trails and paths. Once inside, you can visit an amazing butterfly sanctuary, explore the wetlands, learn how the Chicago River lock systems work, learn about local animal life and more."

"The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has the most hands-on activities of any museum in the city. They offer suggested donation days on July 22, July 29, August 5, August 12, August 19, and August 26."

"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."

"It takes a lot of almond flour, powdered sugar, and finesse to create a macaron with no imperfections. Vanille Patisserie is classical in its flavors and technique making it feel like stepping back into France with each bite. Vanille Patisserie is located near many Chicago Cheap Eats mentioned above such as Del Seoul, Molly’s Cupcakes, and Lito’s Empanadas."

"The macarons on offer at Vanille Patisserie give out an explosion of flavor when bitten into. Strawberry lemongrass in a popular summer flavor at these venues found across Chicago, including S Harper Ct. and N. Clinton St. at the Chicago French Market, however, there’s a whole variety of flavors available."

"With all the pretty pastel colors and exotic flavors—strawberry lemongrass, anyone?. —choosing a macaron from Vanille isn’t easy. Save yourself the stress and go for a box of 6, 12, or 24."

"Following the wild success of her flagship restaurant, the Girl & the Goat, Top Chef alum Stephanie Izard switches gears with this all...Read More"

"Hannah's serves creative sandwiches for all meals, from breakfast through dinner, all available on freshly-baked pretzel bread (the “bretzel” in the name, naturally). There are also wraps, soups, salads and fruit dishes available, as well as organic desserts and kid’s meals. And did we mention the wall of chocolate with bars from over 24 national and international brands?"

"Each sandwich starts with an organic pretzel roll, followed by free-range chicken or wild Alaskan salmon, lastly local white cheddar or fresh mixed greens to make every layer of this lunch good for you."

"Great money wise and you get a huge variety of things to eat--not just Chinese food. Their Won Ton Soup is the bomb!"

"Restaurants Chinese Armour Square. Kenny Yang of Strings Ramen Shops has taken the reins at this classic Chinatown restaurant, renovating the space and adding neon accents and artwork inspired by the streets and markets of 1950s Hong Kong. Spanning two stories, Ken Kee Restaurant diners can order from a traditional menu packed with familiar Chinese dishes or a new Noodle Cart menu, served out of a dedicated kitchen."

"Though not technically new, Chinatown classic Ken Kee has taken on new life from new ownership. Eater reports that Kenny Yang—owner of the popular local ramen chain Strings—has taken one of his favorite childhood restaurants under his wings and revitalized the space and the menu with a focus on Hong Kong cart noodles and other regional street food favorites. The menu, which had dwindled in recent years, is back to a robust state giving old fans new opportunities to keep coming back."

"The revival of a longrunning Chinatown favorite, overseen by Kenny Yang of Strings Ramen Shops. Why we love it: With decor and neon accents inspired by he streets and markets of 1950s Hong Kong, Ken Kee is like two restaurants in one. Order crab rangoon, assorted congee and beef brisket caasarole from the all-day menu, or opt for the Noodle Cart offerings (served from a dedicated kitchen)."