Museums and Zoos

Chicagoland is rich with world-class museums and zoos, as well as smaller locations beloved by local families! Explore all that our area has to offer with museums and zoos for kids.

Children’s Programming at Elk Grove Historical Museum is a Blast from the Past

Looking for something a little different to try with your kiddos? Whether your kids are a proclaimed historians or not, Elk Grove Historical Museum has a series of Curious Kid’s…

New Experiences at Brookfield Zoo Chicago: Bramsen Tropical Forests + Moon Jellies

Our family has been going to Brookfield Zoo Chicago for years, both with a membership and without. We live about 10 minutes from the zoo, so we’ve had tons of…

All the 2025 Free Museum Days Chicago and the Suburbs Have to Offer

Free museum days in Chicago?! Yes, please! Our visits to museums and zoos are core memory-makers for our children, especially when they involve a trip to the city. After marveling…

Places to See Dinosaurs: Museums, Attractions, and Events to Delight Your Dino-Loving Kids

T. rex, Stegasaurus, and Triceratops… check out these Dino-mite places that bring the prehistoric back to life. My son is fascinated by the giant world of dinosaurs and we love…

Did You Know That Fermilab in Batavia Has Hands-On Exhibits for All Ages?

We have a world-renowned particle physics and accelerator laboratory located in the western suburbs of Chicago! Opening in 1969, Fermilab in Batavia spans over 6,800 acres, and is home to…

Museum, Zoo, and Other Chicagoland Memberships for Kids that Unlock Unlimited Fun

Memberships for families can help you make the most of all the incredible destinations for kid-friendly fun in Chicagoland. From museums and zoos to nature parks, we love a good…

Insider Guide! Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora

The Phillips Park Zoo is located at the center of Phillips Park in Aurora. This little zoo has great animal exhibits, a free splash-pad and two separate playground areas. Read…

Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen at The Chicago Children’s Museum

The Chicago Children’s Museum recently hosted an opening for their newest exhibit – Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen and my family had the wonderful opportunity to take a…

Lords Park in Elgin Combines a Museum, Zoo, Aquatic Center, and More in One Fun Place

Lords Park in Elgin is a hub of family-friendly fun in the northwest suburbs. With the Elgin Public Museum, Lords Park Zoo, Lords Park Aquatic Center, as well as sports…

Bubble Works Outdoor Festival at Wonder Works Children’s Museum

For the third year in a row, Wonder Works Children’s Museum is hosting Bubble Works, an outdoor festival celebrating the magic and science of bubbles. It’s a bubble wonderland where your…

Tips for Taking Kids to Adler Planetarium in Chicago + ‘Niyah and the Multiverse’ Opening February 17

Before I tell you all about the Adler Planetarium, you need to understand that my kids are… shall we say… big into space. Our fridge is covered in drawings of…

Child looks through a display case at a castle made of precious stones on top of an agate base.

The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art in Oak Brook is a Hidden Gem Right in the Suburbs

My 7-year-old is fascinated by rocks, so we recently headed to the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art in Oak Brook to check out all of the gorgeous artwork, cool rocks,…

Museums and Zoos

Children’s Programming at Elk Grove Historical Museum is a Blast from the Past

New Experiences at Brookfield Zoo Chicago: Bramsen Tropical Forests + Moon Jellies

All the 2025 Free Museum Days Chicago and the Suburbs Have to Offer

Places to See Dinosaurs: Museums, Attractions, and Events to Delight Your Dino-Loving Kids

Did You Know That Fermilab in Batavia Has Hands-On Exhibits for All Ages?

Museum, Zoo, and Other Chicagoland Memberships for Kids that Unlock Unlimited Fun

Insider Guide! Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora

Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen at The Chicago Children’s Museum

Lords Park in Elgin Combines a Museum, Zoo, Aquatic Center, and More in One Fun Place

Bubble Works Outdoor Festival at Wonder Works Children’s Museum

Tips for Taking Kids to Adler Planetarium in Chicago + ‘Niyah and the Multiverse’ Opening February 17

The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art in Oak Brook is a Hidden Gem Right in the Suburbs

Our Amazing Sponsors

Popular Guides

2025-26 Guide to Kids Classes and Teams

All the 2025 Free Museum Days Chicago and the Suburbs Have to Offer

The Best Kids Birthday Party Places, Kids Party Entertainment, Party Rentals, and more

kidlist

kidlist