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.

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

Chicagoland is full of incredible destinations for kid-friendly fun, including museums and zoos. Memberships for kids can help you make the most of these spots! In fact, memberships are one…

All the 2023 Free Museum Days in Chicago and the Suburbs: Field Museum, Shedd, and More!

Free museums 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 at…

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,…

Tips for Visiting the Field Museum + The New Spinosaurus

There’s a new dino in town at the Field Museum: Spinosaurus, the dinosaur world’s biggest hunter, who now paddles through the air above the main hall’s admission lines. With crocodile-like…

Brookfield Zoo Expanding Space for Apes and Monkeys to Feature Outdoor Habitats + Insider Tips

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

Child looking over a fence at a giraffe at the Brookfield Zoo, part of the Museum Adventure Pass program.

Unlock Deals and Discounts on Popular Attractions When You Secure a Museum Adventure Pass

The Museum Adventure Pass offers a number of deals, discounts, and sometimes even free passes to museums and popular attractions in the area. These include zoos, a variety of museums,…

Is “Pompeii: The Exhibition” Good for Kids? We Explored the Museum of Science and Industry’s New Exhibit to Find Out

The Museum of Science and Industry’s new exhibit Pompeii: The Exhibition brings guests back to the ancient Roman city like never before. Filled with over 155 artifacts including weaponry, frescos,…

I Took My Space-Obsessed Kids to Chicago’s Adler Planetarium, and If They Had Their Way, They’d Still Be There

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…

Local History Comes to Life at Naper Settlement in Naperville

Have you ever wondered how your town or village was founded? A library book may tell you the details, but if you really want to experience history firsthand, Naperville has…

Randall Oaks Zoo in West Dundee

Randall Oaks Zoo is the perfect spot for animal lovers with camels, owls, cows, goats, llamas and so much more! This interactive zoo helps guests get up-close with the animals…

Cosley Zoo in Wheaton

Cosley Zoo in Wheaton is my family’s favorite little zoo! When I saw they were reopening this week, I put it on my calendar to snag tickets right away. We…

A Visit to 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 a large playground. Read on…

Museums and Zoos

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

All the 2023 Free Museum Days in Chicago and the Suburbs: Field Museum, Shedd, and More!

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

Tips for Visiting the Field Museum + The New Spinosaurus

Brookfield Zoo Expanding Space for Apes and Monkeys to Feature Outdoor Habitats + Insider Tips

Unlock Deals and Discounts on Popular Attractions When You Secure a Museum Adventure Pass

Is “Pompeii: The Exhibition” Good for Kids? We Explored the Museum of Science and Industry’s New Exhibit to Find Out

I Took My Space-Obsessed Kids to Chicago’s Adler Planetarium, and If They Had Their Way, They’d Still Be There

Local History Comes to Life at Naper Settlement in Naperville

Randall Oaks Zoo in West Dundee

Cosley Zoo in Wheaton

A Visit to Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora

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