Chicago's best children's museums

By Danielle Braff

Tired of saying no to your toddler, who's determined to touch everything fragile she comes into contact with? Visit a children's museum where everything's pint-sized and nothing's breakable. Most kids' museums also have padded infant areas and open rooms that let you watch more than one kid at a time--always a plus when you're heading out with two or three tykes. Most museums are least crowded first thing in the morning so get an early start if possible and head home in time for naps and a break for mom and dad.

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Kohl Children's Museum

Cost: $8.50, $7.50 seniors, free kids under 12 months

Deals: $90 for family membership

Best for: Walkers and up. There are many more activities children can do when they can walk and explore than if they're not mobile.

Special activities: Birthday parties, an assortment of art, fitness and exploration classes and shows.

Children will love: Feeling like mini-adults here. They can shop at a pretend Potbelly's, serve customers at a pretend restaurant and even take care of their "children" at a mini-doll nursery.

Parents will love: Enough to keep everyone occupied for an entire day-even if you have one child who prefers playing with the musical instruments and another who camps out in the water room.