by Barb Hopkins

Created on: March 12, 2009   Last Updated: March 22, 2009

When traveling with kids to Chicago, the largest city in the state of Illinois, plan to meet dinosaurs, dolls, and dolphins, gaze at giant fountains and skyscrapers, and maybe even catch a foul ball at a Major League park. With kids, Chicago is one of the most exciting, entertaining, and educational travel destinations in the Midwest. The diversely cultural city offers families several venues, attractions, and fun-spots to explore all within the limits of a city populated by people who love their Chicago and sharing it with visitors.

MUSEUMS:

1. Art Institute of Chicago (www.artic.edu)

111 S. Michigan Avenue, 60603 * (312) 443-3600

Free day: Tuesday

Families with children can enjoy "Fantasy, Facts, & Furry Friends" with 40 original illustrations from Caldecott Medal of Honor Award books. Kids won't want to miss a visit to the Kraft Education Center where they can make and take home their own crafts.

2. Chicago's History Museum (www.chicagohistory.org)

1601 N. Clark Street, 60614 * (312) 642-4600

Free day: Monday

Children, teens, and grownups alike will thrill to the Great Chicago Fire exhibit and the Sensing Chicago experience.

3. Field Museum of Natural History (www.fieldmuseum.org)

1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, 60605 * (312) 922-9410

Free day: Wednesday

Dinosaurs, mummies, fossils, and more, the Field Museum is home to the world's largest and most complete T-Rex skeleton. Young children can have their own special experience as they dig in and play scientist in the Crown Family PlayLab.

4. Museum of Science & Industry (www.msichicago.org)

57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, 60637 * (773) 684-1414

Free day: Thursday

In addition to exhibits that include the U-505 submarine, the world's largest pinball machine and the interactive communications and technology centers, this museum is home to the Idea Factory. The Idea Factory, designed specifically for children, infant to age 10, with each play and discovery area age specific. Kids can play, learn, and laugh with water wheels, big blocks, and more. For moms, a nursing room is available within the Idea Factory as well as a family bathroom.

5. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (www.chias.org)

2430 N. Cannon Drive, 60614 * (773) 755-5100

Free day: Thursday

A hands-on nature experience, this museum houses a collection of nearly 250,000 specimens including reptiles, mammals, fossils, minerals, insects, and birds. Children can touch live native Illinois animals, walk through the colorful butterfly exhibit, and play in the learning areas.

AQUARIUMS,

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