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A guide to hands-on science in Chicago this summer
Museum campus
Oceanarium, Shedd Aquarium
The Aquarium’s dolphins, beluga whales and other sea mammals are back for public viewing at The Oceanarium, now showcasing the habitat of the Pacific Northwest. The upgraded and remodeled area also includes a new Polar Play Zone where kids can learn first hand about some of Earth’s most extreme environments.
Opens May 22
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive. Admission: $15.95-$28.95 adults, $11.95-$21.95, children312-939-2438 or sheddaquarium.org
[Photo by Sarah Norris/Medill]
Telescopes: Through the Looking Glass, Adler Planetarium
The telescope turns 400 this year, and the Adler Planetarium celebrates the anniversary with a look at star-gazing through history. The comprehensive look at the device used to explore our Universe provides in in-depth look at cutting-edge telescope technology and features some of the world's most important telescopes and hands-on interactive displays.
1300 S. Lake Shore Dr. Admission: $10 adults, $6 children312-922-STAR or adlerplanetarium.org
[Photo thomas.merton/Creative Commons]
Water, Field Museum
This exhibit explores one of Earth’s most valuable resources — water. Visitors can discover how life adapts to extreme environments where water is either plentiful or scarce, such as the rainforest of the desert. The human affect on aquatic ecosystems and a look at conservation efforts allow families to learn what they can do to protect and conserve the water supply. The exhibit is a mix of displays, multi-media and hands on activities.
Lake Shore Drive at Roosevelt Road
Admission: $23 adults, $13 for children
866-FIELD-03 or fieldmuseum.org
Outdoor activities
Summer events, Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden has a full calendar of summer events, including cooking classes, live music and visiting speakers. Highlights include the Garden Chef Series, where visitors can learn from Chiago's top chefs how to prepare foods using garden fresh ingredients. Grapes & Hops, a wine and beer tasting event is also held in the garden on select dates through the summer. Also on selected dates, the garden’s Nature Night is designed for children ages 4-10 to learn more about gardens and planting.
1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, ILAdmission: free, but certain events may have separate admission prices(847) 835-5440 or chicagobotanic.org
[Photo Anne Hornyak/Creative Commons]
Edible Garden, Lincoln Park Zoo
In partnership with Chicago’s Green City Market, families can get a dirty, hands-on lesson about the origins of food. The garden is part of the Farm-in-the-Zoo and lets visitors plant, weed, compost and harvest. The garden is open, weather permitting, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
2200 N. Cannon Dr.
Admission: free
312-742-2000 or lpzoo.org
[Photo by Lincoln Park Zoo]
Paradise Lost: Climate Change in the North Woods, Peggy Notebaert Nature Musuem
This collaboration between artists, scientists and educators informs visitors about how Wisconsin’s North Woods may be affected by global warming. In addition to science illustrations and short films about climate change, the exhibit brings together a wide variety of art from quilts and puzzles to music. Three major themes explored: Consider Climate Change about the human impact on climate, Celebrate the Cold, which looks at northern ecosystems and Alter the Course about actions that can be taken to preserve the North Woods.
2430 N. Cannon Dr.Admission: $9 adults, $6 children773-755-5100 or naturemuseum.org
Other activities
Habitat Park, Kohl Children's Museum
The Habitat Park is reopening after some upgrades and modifications over the winter. The park now includes more active apparatus which allow children to learn about how animals move and develop motor skills. It will also debut a new sensory garden, to expose children to the sounds, smells and textures of nature.
2100 Patriot Boulevard Glenview, IL
Admission: $7.50
847-832-6600 or kohlchildrensmuseum.org
[Photo by Sarah Norris/Medill]
Harry Potter: The Exhibition, Museum of Science and Industry
This exhibit allows fans of the popular Harry Potter series a chance to get an up close look at costumes, props and other items used in the shooting of the movies based on J.K. Rowling’s books. The exhibit requires a timed ticket, in addition to museum admission, so plan in advance.
Lake Shore Drive at 57th Street Admission: $26 adults, $19 children773-684-1414, or visit msichicago.org.