Spring and summer are upon us which means more time to explore, explore, explore! Check out some of the new exhibits at our favorite Chicagoland institutions to hit this season.
The Morton Arboretum
What’s new: Origami in the Garden
When: May 19-Oct. 22
How much? Free with general admission
Why will it rock? Look at 25 larger than life origami sculptures. Plus, how cool is it to see art and nature coexist? These metal sculptures, created by American artist Kevin Box and inspired by the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, will enchant while telling the story of creativity and the art of making something out of nothing.
Brookfield Zoo
What’s new: Dinos & Dragons
When: May 6-Sept.17
How much? In addition to general admission, Dinos & Dragons is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 3 to 11 and seniors 65 and over.
Why will it rock? Dinos alone are always a hit but when you add dragons to the mix, it’s heaven for kids. The highlight will be the seventeen animatronic dinosaurs, but don’t miss out on seeing the 6-foot Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard, and other types of lizards. Afterwards, test your dinosaur and dragon knowledge by trying to answer questions from the “Games of Bones” or pretend to be a paleontologist and dig through the excavation site.
Kohl Children’s Museum
What’s new: Science + You
When: May 10
How much? Free with general admission
Why will it rock? A pint-sized laboratory for budding scientists that will help children understand how how scientists impact health and wellness. Children can learn about antibodies, use a glove box or make a concoction in the test kitchen.
Museum of Science and Industry
What’s new: Robot Revolution
When: May 11-Feb. 4, 2018
How much? Free with general admission
Why will it rock? The popular touring exhibit is back at MSI! Guests will be able to control, see and interact with robots that haven’t been shown to the public before. This time around, there will be new robots and families will learn more about their roles in society.
Field Museum
What’s new: Jurassic World: The Exhibition
When: May 26-Jan. 7, 2018
How much? Ticket prices will be $20 for children (ages 3–11) and $25 for adults for evening entry (5–9 p.m.), and $10 for children and $15 for adults for daytime entry (9 a.m.–5 p.m.), in addition to general museum admission.
Why will it rock? If you’ve ever wanted to experience Jurassic World come to life, this is your chance. Guests will travel to Isla Nublar where they will walk through the world-famous Jurassic World gates to get up close to the towering dinosaurs, some more than 24 feet tall, and explore the Park through a specially guided tour. Once on site, visitors will experience the family-friendly Gentle Giants Petting Zoo, step behind the glass into The Hammond Creation Lab, get a special preview of Jurassic World’s top-secret project: the Indominus rex, and go inside the Raptor Training Paddock.
Chicago Children’s Museum
What’s new: Forts
When: May 26-Sept.17, 2018
How much? Free with museum admission
Why will it rock? Take your favorite childhood pastime to the next level in the Chicago Children’s Museum’s latest exhibit. Kids can use their imagination to create the ultimate fort building experience using hooks, knobs, upside down tables, and countless blankets and pillows to build, build, build.
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
What’s new: Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg
When: Jun 6-Sept. 24
How much? Free with general admission
Why will it rock? Murakami’s cool, colorful paintings with his fun animated characters will bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Discovery Center Museum
What’s new: Hello from Japan!
When: June 10-Sept. 3
How much? Free with general admission
Why will it rock? You won’t have to travel to experience two different sides of Japan: Tokyo’s bustling Harajuku district and the serene Shinto shrine park. In the Harajuku district, kids can sing their heart out on karaoke, smile for the photo booth camera, serve up a seasonal Japanese meal and design adorable mascots for their families. In Shinto Park, they will be able to build a bridge, crawl through a forest, encounter kami spirits and make a wish at a wishing tree.
