Play with Iconic Chicago Landmarks at Chicago Children’s Museum’s Water City
This article was originally published by Mia Bond on March 21, 2023.
The Moen Presents Water City Exhibit at the Chicago Children’s Museum is probably one of the best children’s museum exhibits my son and I have visited. As a long-time nerd, now mom who literally looks for the lesson in everything, this exhibit did not disappoint! This uniquely crafted exhibit encompasses everything from Chicago history to STEM to geography, and if you’re willing to take the dive, even math concepts and lessons intertwined throughout.
This exhibit serves as a montage of Chicago’s storied waterfront and it has been miniaturized for littles of most ages to engage, enjoy, and understand. Read along and imagine the museum with me as I take you on a review of our trip to Navy Pier’s Children’s Museum.
Features of Water City at Chicago Children’s Museum
New Water City is on the third floor, to the left of the elevator and stairs. Before you go in, an attendant will help your little one find the right size raincoat. The colors correspond with sizes, so while your child’s favorite color may be blue (as my son found out) that was not the size he needed.
When you enter the exhibit, you are greeted by the front of the 50-foot tower, which houses a lock and dam system and a sliver of the Mag Mile. Needless to say, that is also the most popular play area of the exhibit for older and younger children alike. There are three water squirters the children get to aim at the skyscrapers.
To the right of the tower is a small lighthouse, a replica of Buckingham Fountain, and a bridge. There are various toys to choose from such as small tugboats, rubber ducks, cups, blocks, and funnels. While this area is better suited for the smallest of visitors, my 5-year-old had no problem jumping right in and raising the bridge to allow his tugboat to pass. If you go to the right of the fountain, there is a rather cool replica of the skyline. The replica is rather engaging, with several tubes and funnels that fuel your little one’s curiosity. I noticed lots of children collaborating in their efforts to get water from the table to the top of the skyscraper.
Following the water table around, you come to the back of the tower, with gears reminiscent of The River North Towers. This particular section is sort of a slow zone, allowing time for children to catch their breath before sojourning to the replica of Navy Pier the Ferris Wheel and the lighthouse. The steam emanating from the lighthouse was the perfect segue to review the properties of water with my son and talk through the purpose of lighthouses.
Recommended Ages
The Children’s Museum is good for all ages, 0-12 as there is something to do for every age range. The New Water City Exhibit is good for anyone 2 and over, but I personally believe the sweet spot is 3-10 years of age. Children in this age range are able to move about as necessary, they collaborate well, and, most importantly, they understand the concept of waiting “their turn” in terms of shooting at the tower.
The Pigeon Comes to Chicago! A Mo Willems Exhibit
This article was originally published by Annie Tandy in September 2019.
The Pigeon Comes to Chicago! A Mo Willems Exhibit makes its debut at Chicago Children’s Museum on Saturday, September 21, 2019. Co-organized by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, the exhibition is inspired by the art and characters of the belovedchildren’s book author and illustrator, Mo Willems.
Please note that this exhibit closed on January 12, 2020.
Many familiar characters will be featured including best friend duo Elephant and Piggie, faithful companion Knuffle Bunny and The Pigeon, the wily city bird best known for his antics in Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Activities will give visitors the opportunity to make art that is inspired by MoWillems and to learn about the rich social and emotional lives of the author’s characters. The exhibit will also feature prints of illustrations, including sketches and other preliminary materials, by Mo Willems.
In this play-and-learn exhibit, visitors can:
- Have a hilarious conversation in the voices of Elephant Gerald and Piggie at a double-sided phone booth.
- Make Elephant and Piggie dance with old-time animation.
- Put on a wearable bus and take a drive around the exhibit.
- Spin the laundromat washing machine and uncover Knuffle Bunny and other surprises!
- Dress up Naked Mole Rat and send him down the runway for a one-of-a-kind fashion show.
- Stack lightweight blocks to create their own terrible monster or funny friend.
- Launch foam hot dogs at The Pigeon and play the plinko game to give the Duckling a cookie.
- Try out art techniques that Mo uses for his own books.The Pigeon Comes to Chicago! A Mo Willems Exhibit
The Pigeon Comes to Chicago! A Mo Willems Exhibit will be open through January 12, 2020 and is included in museum admission ($14.95 for adults and children, $13.95 for seniors) and membership.
