Best & Cool Science and Space Museums in Norridge

"The Field Museum houses some 30 million artifacts and includes everything but the kitchen sink – beetles, mummies, gemstones, Bushman the stuffed ape – all tended by a slew of PhD-wielding scientists, as the Field remains an active research institution. The collection's rock star is Sue, the largest Tyrannosaurus rex yet discovered. She even gets her own gift shop. Special exhibits, such as the 3-D movie, cost extra."

"Journey back through 4.6 million years of natural history with a visit to the Field Museum, where millions of specimens and artifacts are on display. Exhibits feature fossilized and cast dinosaur skeletons, an ancient Egyptian tomb with mummified humans and animals, and a nature boardwalk to discover animal habitats of the Midwest."

"Among the 26 different gardens here are the three-island Malott Japanese Garden, the 5-acre Evening Island, and the Grunsfeld Children's…"

"Bars Beer bars Wicker Park. The multiple bike racks out back are packed with every kind of two-wheeler imaginable, no matter the time of year at this biker bar (and by biker, we mean bicycle-r). Eco-minded folks come together over tasty meat-free fare, like fried avocado tacos, sambal tofu and something called Vegan Chili Mac Attack (just trust us on this one)."

"If you’re in the frame of mind for great food, this is the spot for you. Handlebar supports fair trade in its coffee and local farmers for its products and is a place where we can fulfill your comfort food cravings with a vegetarian twist. This team has done an outstanding job of making vegan and vegetarian sweet treats."

"This neighborhood staple is known for offering late-night vegetarian fare. Veggie sloppy joes and buffalo chicken seitan wraps aren't something you want to miss."

"Plant Based Junkie takes your favorite burgers and other fast food and adds delicious plants to the mix. The "Chicken" sandwich comes in mild or spicy and their vegan cupcakes are the talk of the town!"

"This cafeteria-style restaurant has a well-deserved reputation for putting out some of the area's best pizzas, breads and desserts. The menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, pizzas, sandwiches, pastas and desserts. Start with a Marie's Special salad which includes chunky hearts of romaine, red onions, fried prosciutto and blue cheese with their signature thick homemade vinaigrette."

"Tucked away at the edge of Lincoln Park that juts out into Lake Michigan, the Montrose Bird Sanctuary is a 15-acre wooded respite that features a few peaceful mulch-covered hiking trails to stroll through. What was once a site of Army barracks from the ’50s to the ’70s is now one of the best places in the area to spot a few of the tens of thousands of migratory birds from more than 300 different species that reportedly stop for some green space along their trek along the lake. Within the sanctuary, a 150-yard stretch of honeysuckle bushes has been nicknamed “The Magic Hedge,” because it attracts an especially high number of migratory birds."

"UptownThis more laid-back section of Montrose Beach is both a dune habitat and a bird sanctuary, as well as one of the best spots for trail hiking in the city with killer skyline views. If that’s not enough, there’s also a beach bar. And a damn fine beach bar at that."

"Chicago’s Lakefront Trail I promised we’d do a lot of walking today, so next, head back towards Lake Michigan and enjoy the lakefront trail, a nearly 20-mile stretch of paved walkway that meanders down the city’s coastline. The views are spectacular and it’s a great way to see the city’s skyline from a distance. If you’d prefer to bike the trail (highly recommended!), check out the city’s bike-sharing system, Divvy, where you can grab a bike for a 24-hour rental period from one of the city’s many stations"