New exhibits and immersive experiences are always popping up in the Chicagoland area. As if we need more reasons to love our trips to spots like the Field Museum or the Museum of Science and Industry, they’re constantly adding exciting exhibits to explore!
These new immersive experiences often operate as pop-up museums and are filled with opportunities to dive (sometimes literally!) into slime, sprinkles, and all of your favorite things.
Some experiences have seen great success and extend past their intended deadline, while others wrap up right on schedule. The Kidlist team keeps this list updated as we receive details and attend previews, so bookmark this link and check back, too.
Flyover Chicago
Opened on March 1, 2024
Flyover, an immersive attraction at Navy Pier, incorporates drone technology and aerial shots to showcase the city. From climbing skyscrapers 13,000 ft. high to diving straight down buildings, skimming sidewalks, swooping into iconic landmarks like the Chicago Theatre, to floating though fireworks and more, this experience will be the first of its kind to hit Chicago.
Annie and her family experienced this immersive ride and have all kind of Flyover Chicago tips and inside information to share with you!
Wonderverse Chicago in Oakbrook Center
Opened January 11, 2024
Wonderverse will allow guests to enter imaginative worlds from popular films, television series, and video games such as Uncharted, Ghostbusters, Jumanji, Bad Boys, Zombieland, and more. The 45,000 square-foot transformative space will host a hybrid of physical and immersive multi-media experiences, interactive installations, dynamic attractions, and themed dining experiences.
Check out Annie’s review of Wonderverse Chicago in Oakbrook Center.
Sloomoo Institute in Chicago
Opened November 19, 2022
Get ready mess-makers, this one’s for you! Sloomoo Institute, located in River North, features spaces designed by contemporary artists where artisanal slime comes to life with various scents, sounds, and immersive experiences. A visit to this one-of-a-kind sensory experience is perfect for your slime and ASMR enthusiasts.
Rita put together a Sloomoo Institute review to prepare you for your visit.
Color Factory in Chicago
Opened June 17, 2022
Traipse through installations by local artists, toss handfuls of Chicago-flag-colored confetti through the air, slide (or jump or swim) through a giant, monochromatic ball pit filled with 200,000+ serenely colored balls, and more at Color Factory Chicago, which spans over 25,000 square feet in Lower Level 2 of Willis Tower.
Read Rachel’s review of Color Factory Chicago.
Museum of Ice Cream in Chicago
Opened July 16, 2022
Jump in a pool of sprinkles or experience one of thirteen other exhibits at the Museum of Ice Cream. Hop on the pink Sprink-L line, mini golf through ice cream treats, and test your skill at carnival games. You won’t leave with an empty stomach!
Read Rachel’s review of the Museum of Ice Cream in Chicago.
Jurassic Gardens at Volo Auto Museum in Volo
Come face to face with your favorite dinosaurs at Jurassic Gardens in the Volo Auto Museum. Read our guide to Volo Auto Museum to get all the details about what you’ll see, how to get food, and tips for extending your visit to the far north suburbs.
Peppa Pig World of Play in Schaumburg
Peppa Pig World of Play transports you into the life of Peppa Pig and all her friends! Ride the bus with Miss Rabbit, sort packages on Mr. Zebra’s Post Van, or watch TV on Peppa’s couch.
Check out my review of Peppa Pig World of Play and see photos of what you can expect.
WNDR Museum in Chicago
WNDR Museum Chicago is full of interactive and thought-provoking art exhibits. There are over twenty installations ranging from flip sequins to robotic painters all leading up to the Infinity Mirror Room by iconic Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.
Check out Rita’s review of WNDR Museum Chicago for an inside look.
Bubble Planet Experience
Opening date not yet announced
Immerse yourselves in all things bubbles! With a bubble bath, cloud room, infinity room, and so much more, Bubble Planet Experience will be fun for kids and adults of all ages. Interested parties can join the waitlist to keep up-to-date on when it will open.
New Exhibits in Chicago and the Suburbs
Morton Arboretum: Vivid Creatures
Opening Spring 2025
Vivid Creatures, created by Oregon artists Fez and Heather BeGaetz, will feature larger-than-life sculptures representing animals important to Illinois ecosystems. We can’t wait to see these impressive pieces throughout the grounds at the Morton Arboretum.
Elmhurst History Museum: Acre by Acre: Our Farming Heritage
Open March 14 – August 10, 2025
The newest exhibit at Elmhurst History Museum will guide visitors through Elmhurst’s local farming history. With photos, interactive displays, and hands-on activities, Acre by Acre: Our Farming Heritage will explore agricultural ideas and farming tools. In coordination with this special exhibit, the Elmhurst History Museum will also be hosting a variety of special events.
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry: 007 Science:Inventing the World of James Bond
Open now through April 6, 2025
Museum of Science and Industry’s newest exhibit goes behind the scenes of one of the world’s most famous secret agents: James Bond. Explore the science behind his spy gadgets and immersive yourself in Q’s lab. This special exhibit requires additional timed-entry tickets. Learn more about what you’ll see, and purchase tickets online, all through the Museum of Science and Industry’s website.
DuPage Children’s Museum: FUNtastic Forts
March 4 – April 30, 2025
DuPage Children’s Museum welcomes their newest exhibit, FUNtastic Forts. Build, problem-solve, create, and design the ultimate forts. With giant magnetic tiles, blankets, and blocks, the possibilities are endless.
Adler Planetarium: Chasing Eclipses
Opened Summer 2024
Explore this one-of-a-kind exhibit filled with Adler Planetarium’s artifacts and activities as the Chicago area experienced two solar eclipses in 2024. More details about this exhibit can be found on Adler Planetarium’s website.
Morton Arboretum: Of the Earth
Open May 26, 2023 through Spring 2025
Of the Earth by Polish-American artist Olga Ziemska features five pieces of art created from naturally downed trees. We’ve gathered more details about it, and other exhibits at the Morton Arboretum.
Field Museum: Chicago’s Legacy Hula
Open now through October 19, 2025
The Field Museum’s newest exhibit, Chicago’s Legacy Hula, celebrates four Kumu Hula, which are master teachers of Hula, and their influence on Hawaiian cultures and communities in the Chicago area. Look through artifacts and photographs as you explore cultural impacts from past generations. More information about this exhibit is shared on the Field Museum’s website.
Field Museum: Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories
Opened May 20, 2022
Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories opened on May 20, 2022. This space, which is a major renovation of the Native North American Hall, features art, stories, poetry, photography and historical objects from Native American communities.
Rachel visited this exhibit on a museum visit and loved seeing artworks, poetry, and even a video game made by Native artists that all speak to their experiences. Hands-on elements include the ability to try your hand at basket-making techniques.
Looking for more ways to have fun with your family this fall? Check out our Indoor Activities Guide.
