Mentioned by Chicago Parent
38 Chicagoland Museums Families Should Visit At Least Once
"The Field Museum of Natural History, better known as The Field Museum, is one of the most beautiful places to explore Chicago. Located in Grant Park, it features pieces that tell the history of humankind in all ages, from the era of dinosaurs. It is a different, exciting, and realistic place, ideal for those who want to learn more about other civilizations."
"Shedd Aquarium is quite possibly one of the coolest aquariums around. The animal collection is diverse and global, the architecture is stunning, and the learning opportunities are boundless. Every member of the family will find their curiosity piqued here."
"Shedd aquarium was at one point in time the world’s largest indoor aquarium and the most visited aquarium in the United States. While it no longer holds those records, it is still one of the most visited cultural attractions in Chicago."
"There is no admission fee to enter the Navy Pier, which offers free fireworks shows throughout the year and hosts a lineup of free entertainment and music each season. Head to the Navy Pier to see local arts and crafts vendors presenting their wares and to enjoy the scenic views of Lake Michigan."
"Take pleasure in the Navy Pier atmosphere without spending money. Pack a lunch for the family to eat on the dock. As you stroll along the pier, people-watch and take pictures of your family in front of a beautiful Lake Michigan landscape."
"You have two choices here: you can either take a selfie from afar, with Navy Pier and its massive Ferris wheel in the background, or you can buy a ticket and take the ride, snapping a selfie from 150 feet up in the air."
"Photos from any of the three locations of this taco gem look great in just about every Instagram filter, thanks to rustic wood furnishings, chalkboard menus and thoughtful details like striped paper straws, mason jars and chewing-gum freebies. Then, of course, there's the Midwest Mexican fare, from chili cheese curds ($9) with tortillas and cilantro to garlic shrimp tacos ($9) with fried kale, elote-style cauliflower and avocado salsa."
"While Antique Taco may not be as fancy as some of its counterparts, it serves a purpose for its loyal Wicker Park fans. You’ll find inexpensive tacos with local, fresh ingredients, rivaling what the nearby Chipotle has to offer. Adding to its appeal are the cool, reclaimed furnishings, house-made guac and chips, and pitchers of refreshing margaritas made with fresh rosemary for the adults in your party."
"Hip tacos have become a nationwide phenomenon and can usually be pretty disappointing; besides being great for pictures, Antique Taco's food happens to be actually great. The Crispy Fish Taco possibly tops the list with the best fish taco I have ever eaten. They don't over-do their food and choose each topping thoughtfully and elegantly."
"In the heart of tourist traffic on Michigan Avenue, the intimate American Writers Museum celebrates the power of the written word and the many voices that shape it. Interactive experiences, regular (and highly recommended) visits from writers, and exhibits like Tools of the Trade, featuring more than a dozen typewriters used by iconic writers such as Orson Welles, Hugh Hefner, Gwendolyn Brooks, Ernest Hemingway, Mae West, and Truman Capote keep things feeling fresh. The layout is easy to navigate, almost relaxing, and the number of attractions within the space are manageable, meaning you’ll be able to see everything in under two hours."
"If your babies or toddlers haven’t been to a Little Squirrels Storytime, use it as a reason on a Saturday morning to visit the Children’s Literature Gallery at the Writers Museum. Tweens and teens will also love the chances to meet authors at semi-regular book launch breakfasts. Currently closed due to the pandemic, families can find online versions of Little Squirrels Storytime on the website plus virtual meet-the-author events."
"The American Writers Museum opened its doors in Chicago during the spring of 2017. The museum was founded by Malcolm E. O'Hagan and was inspired by the Dublin version of their own writers museum. The American Writers Museum has a multifaceted mission to educate about American writers, engage visitors with the written word, encourage guests to find a love for reading and writing, and foster connections with young writers."
"A post shared by Ed Bello (@photobello) on Feb 6, 2017 at 9:36pm PST. What screams awesome better than a hot cup of chocolatey goodness accompanied by your favourite book/movie?. Head straight to this quaint cafe for a mug of decadent hot chocolate available in several flavours."
"The gooey chocolate morsels are made with burned sugar (see: the ones all the way to the right). And they fly off the shelf, which is really saying something considering the other treats offered at this dessert mecca (see: all the other cookies pictured)."
"The city's most celebrated pastry chef, Mindy Segal, goes solo at Hot Chocolate, and as you might expect, it's a hit for a really great dessert...Read More"
"This modern Mexican restaurant in Andersonville has one of the biggest selections of mezcal and tequila in the city, but also a stellar kids’ menu, making it ideal for all ages. While grown-up palates partake of lobster guacamole and snapper Veracruz, the kiddos can chow down on tacos, quesadillas and their very own rice bowl. Best of all, they eat free Monday through Friday, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm."
"The Museum of Contemporary Photography, or MoCP, is Chicago's premier photography museum. The museum's permanent collection has an estimated 15,000 items crafted by more than 1,500 different photographers and artists. The American Alliance of Museums-accredited museum is also home to the Midwest Photographers Project, which highlights work by photographers local to the region."
"There is no admission fee to enter the Navy Pier, which offers free fireworks shows throughout the year and hosts a lineup of free entertainment and music each season. Head to the Navy Pier to see local arts and crafts vendors presenting their wares and to enjoy the scenic views of Lake Michigan."
"Take pleasure in the Navy Pier atmosphere without spending money. Pack a lunch for the family to eat on the dock. As you stroll along the pier, people-watch and take pictures of your family in front of a beautiful Lake Michigan landscape."
"You have two choices here: you can either take a selfie from afar, with Navy Pier and its massive Ferris wheel in the background, or you can buy a ticket and take the ride, snapping a selfie from 150 feet up in the air."
"Dogs love hanging out at the beach, and what dog parent doesn’t want to spend time with their pup playing in the waves?. Belmont Harbor Dog Beach is the perfect spot for you and your dog. It’s great because it is not as busy as other dog beaches/parks in Chicago."
"It is tucked right along the Lakefront Trail and faces docks in Belmont Harbor. Unlike Montrose Beach, this spot is away from people looking to relax on the beach. So, let your dog roll in the sand and run endlessly after balls in the water."
"Just north of Uptown there's a neighborhood that feels like a small town and still shows signs of the Swedish settlers who founded it."
"The TILT experience at 360 CHICAGO Observation deck allows guests to experience Chicago from a new angle from an enclosed, glass-and-steel moveable platform that holds up to eight people at a time. It allows guests to experience views of the Windy City, including 360-degree views spanning four states. It also showcases unparalleled views of the lake and the city skyline as well as interactive learning opportunities."
"After the tour, get another perspective on the city’s architecture with a view from up above by visiting 360 Chicago, an observatory among the clouds, located in the John Hancock building. The observatory offers stunning views of the entire City of Chicago, as well as the coastline of Lake Michigan. It truly gives you a sense for the expanse of the lake, because it’s so big that it seems more like an ocean!"
"Description: At the time of its completion, John Hancock Center became the world’s second-tallest structure. This tower was so relevant for SOM because it meant the beginning of a skyscraper career. After then, they went on to design Sears Tower (1973, tallest in the world for over twenty years) and the Burj khalifa (2010, currently the world's tallest building)."
"Known for its limestone gatehouse and highly decorated columbarium niches, which are composed of photographs, artwork, flags, and other mementos of individuals whose ashes are stored there, this cemetery, established by Chicago's Czech community in 1877, also features storied mausoleums, stained glass images and a special dedication to Chicago Cubs fans. It's a quieter, welcome alternative to public parks that often draw rambunctious young children."