Best & Cool Science and Space Museums in Cook County

"If you’re looking for a traditional museum experience, check out the Field Museum, one of the largest museums of natural history in the world. It features almost 500,000 square feet of exhibition space, so don’t expect to see everything in one visit. Explore its extensive collection of mummy artifacts, Native American pottery, dinosaur bones, and traveling exhibits."

"Photo courtesy of Copyright Field Museum, photography by Lucy Hewett. The exterior of this hulking marble facility only hints at the historic treasures inside. The architect's goal was boldness and he achieved it with massive columns and striking galleries filled with natural light."

"If you love history, culture, and dinosaurs, this is the museum for you. Families can walk through Ancient Egypt, China, a Native American home, and more. The immersion into history really helps kids understand different cultures from around the world."

"Consider it the Art Institute’s brash, rebellious sibling, with especially strong minimalist, surrealist and conceptual photography collections, and permanent works by René Magritte, Cindy Sherman and Andy Warhol. Covering art from the 1920s onward, the MCA’s collection spans the gamut, with displays arranged to blur the boundaries between painting, sculpture, video and other media. Exhibits change regularly so you never know what you'll see, but count on it being offbeat and provocative. Illinois residents get free admission on Tuesday."

"Museum of Contemporary Art With an ever-changing set of temporary exhibitions, you never really know what you’re going to get at this museum. It’s good for modern art lovers but sometimes verges on just being weird."

"Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!. Tags:adler planetariumart institute of chicagoBrookfield ZooChicago Botanic GardenChicago Children’s Museumchicago history museumClarke House MuseumDePaul Art MuseumDuSable Museum of African American Historylincoln park zooLoyola University Museum of Artmuseum of contemporary artMuseum of Science and IndustryNational Museum of Mexican ArtNational Veterans Art Museumshedd aquariumSmart Museum of ArtThe Field MuseumThe Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum"

"Smart Museum of Artart Museum of Art in the University of Chicago campus, Illinois has a permanent collection of over 15,000 items. It is displayed in four permanent exhibition galleries which include Modern art, Asian Art, European Art and Contemporary Art. These collections are also used for academic purposes and are taught at the University."

"At this sunny icon, heaping platters of taverna-style classics appear to be immune to inflation: A three-course meal of loukaniko sausage, a pastitsio and chicken riganati combo, and Greek yogurt remains a steal. All this comes with knowledgeable service and free valet parking.L & D daily. Free dinner parking, wheelchair accessible, child friendly, outdoor dining, will seat past 11 p.m.$"

"Undoubtedly one of the most successful restaurants in town, Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse has been one of the mainstays of Chicago's River North neighborhood since 1987. What makes Harry Caray's so popular are their prime aged steaks, chops, and other Italian favorites, all of which have earned this sophisticated restaurant the title of the Best Steakhouse in Chicago from the Chicago Tribune. In addition to their steaks and chops, other must-tries at Harry Caray's include Harry's Chicken Vesuvio, prime flat iron steak, Sicillian-style veal chops, and the lamb chops oreganato."

"Sports fans flock to this building to honor the Cubs legend while devouring aged prime steaks and Italian American faves such as chicken Vesuvio."

"South Loop is a neighborhood that has yet to hit its stride when it comes to carving out a unique identity. But M Lounge, which has been around since 2006, has stood out with martinis, live music, and a come-as-you-are vibe. View this post on Instagram"

"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."

"Housed on the ground level of Eurostars Magnificent Mile in the busy River North neighborhood, Portsmith is a New England-inspired eatery serving memorable riffs on seafood classics - for example, the signature fish 'n' chips is made with Alaskan halibut (as opposed to cod). The $20 prix fixe lunch offers a choice of clam chowder or charred avocado; fish 'n' chips or seafood-enhanced salads; and petit fours. Add a bevy of seafood to any salad from Alaskan King crab to pan-seared halibut."

"Portsmith is another highly recommended seafood restaurant in Chicago. It is housed in a chic structure with nautical decor and if you visit in warm weather you can take advantage of the seasonal patio for dining. It’s a stylish restaurant that features an elevated seafood and raw bar fare."

"From Business: Yummy Buffet is a Buffet Restaurant located in Chicago, IL. We offer Sushi, Chinese, Hibachi, All You Can Eat, Seafood, Catering, Carry Out, and Dessert!"