When visiting our favorite local museums, families have so much to explore in science, history, arts and culture. There are also some great exhibitions that make the trip worthwhile.
With plenty of local museums for kids of all ages, there is something for everyone. You might be lucky enough to see one of these exhibits during a free museum day to help save some money! Check out these new exhibits in Chicago and the suburbs.
This article was recently updated on Sept. 19, 2024, by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator Kari Zaffarano. The update included her adding new museum exhibits in Chicagoland to the ChicagoParent.com‘s calendar and featuring new msueum exhibits to check out this fall. Questions? Please reach out to kari@chicagooparent.com.
007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond
March 7-Oct. 27, 2024
- Address: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Cost: This exhibit requires an additional ticket in addition to general admission. 007 Tickets: $18/adults, $14/children 3-11, $9/members; General admission: $25.95/adults, $14.95/children 3-11, free/children 2 and under
This spy-themed exhibit features some of the cars, gadgets and props that were used in the films, including a prototype jetpack from “Thunderball” and the modern Gravity Industries Jet Suit.
Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen
Sept. 28, 2024-Jan. 20, 2025
- Address: Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 East Grand Ave., Suite 127, Chicago
- Cost: $21/person, free/under 1
Check out this interactive, traveling exhibit that allows visitors to explore the world of aviation along with the history of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails!
Oct. 5, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025
- Address: Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
- Cost: $20/general admission, free/members
This STEM-focused, interactive exhibit is great for ages 2-7 and is inspired by the children’s series on Nick Jr. Visitors will be surrounded by iconic locations from the series and have to encounter challenges along the way.
Unseen Oceans
Through Jan. 5, 2025
- Address: Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $16/member exhibit adult, $12/member exhibit child
Explore beneath the ocean’s surface at this immersive exhibition. Watch life-sized ocean creatures swimming on 180° screens, play an adventurous game in a submersible and see tanks with live jellyfish, seahorse and more.
Titanic: The Exhibition
Through Feb. 16, 2025
- Address: Westfield Old Orchard, 4905 Old Orchard Center, Skokie
- Cost: $33+/ages 13+, $24+/ages 4-12, free/children ages 3 and under
All ages can experience this immersive touring exhibition. It is a narrative journey that brings to light the fates of the passengers and crew aboard the sinking ship—Titanic.
Of the Earth
Through May 26, 2025
- Address: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle
- Cost: $17/adults 18-64, $15/seniors 65+, $12/children 2-17, free/children 2 and under. Admission is discounted on Wednesdays
The exhibit will include five new sculptures from Polish-American artist Olga Ziemska. Using reclaimed tree branches and other materials found at The Morton Arboretum, Ziemska’s work will remind visitors that everything on our planet comes from the same basic materials.
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