Family Fun Day @ The Museum of Science and Industry

The Nitty Gritty: Admission was about $15 each adult. I purchased a Groupon for $30 for membership to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.(Review to follow) By doing so, there are certain museums that give you 50% or free admission. The MSI gave free admission for me and my husband. Since we saved on admission, we "splurged" by buying tickets to the Dr. Seuss exhibit ($5 each). Parking was $18 in an adjoining parking lot.  Stroller friendly. Bring a lunch - there is a cafeteria!

The fun:  This was our second time visiting the museum in a year. We were compelled to come here again to check out the Christmas Around the World exhibit and also to check out the Dr. Seuss exhibit. We kept hearing great things about the holiday trees that we had to check it out. Plus, our 17 month old son had developed a love for trains and this time could enjoy them. Not to mention his love for the Cat in the Hat. We had to check out the new Dr. Seuss exhibit. It was a no brainer to come here again.

I've never been here around Christmas time but have heard rave reviews of how pretty is is with the Christmas Around the World trees. It did not disappoint. Lots of picture opportunities and even a gift shop where you can purchase ornaments.

The last time we were here was sometime in March. We spent about 3  to 4 hours here, though could have definitely spent the whole day if my son could last that long. The museum is huuuuge so pace yourself. DH and I usually frequent this museum as it's one of our favs in the Chicagoland area. We always make a point to check out the ice cream parlor. If you have older children (without a stroller) go to the coal mine.

As always, we had a great time. My son could have spent hours looking at the model trains, but we had to pull him away to check out the Dr. Seuss exhibit ($5 ea person). The exhibit itself was a little smaller than I expected, but nevertheless it was interesting to learn about the writer. There is even a play area for the kids. I loved how colorful the room was and was tempted to take pictures, but had to resist because of the no photography rule.

Son's fav:  Do I even need to tell you? He LOVED the model train exhibit. We could not pull him away from there. Every time we passed by, he would take a detour over there.

Parent's fav:  Storm exhibit & learning more about Dr. Seuss.

Bottom Line: Definitely recommend the museum but especially during the holidays. I would definitely splurge on a museum membership because there is so much to do and see!

Tip: There is a Japanese Garden south of the Museum though did not visit because it was a little too chilly. Maybe in the near future!

Family Fun Day @ The Museum of Contemporary Art

In 2011, my goal was to go to have a "Family Fun Day" each month. We had so much fun that I've decided to continue it in 2012. Stay tuned for reviews of everywhere we went last year.

I've never been to The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) but have been meaning to since it's on my Chicago bucket list.  Boy was I glad to hear that they have a Family Fun Day once a month where any family with children under 12 get in for FREE. They said the magic words so I was glad to check it out. They have a different theme each month. This month's theme is "I Heart Art".


The nitty gritty: 

We went on a Saturday morning. It wasn't terribly busy so I was able to use my stroller around the whole museum (though they offer stroller parking also). There were stations located throughout the museum where kids could partcipate in a hands on activity. That was really neat.

Admission: FREE for families with children under 12

Parking: Located right next to the museum (about half a block). Be sure to validate your ticket and get $3 off.

Kid's favorites: The fish pond located at the bottom floor and the hands on stations.



Parent's favorites: Free food at the bottom floor - clementines, goldfish, fruit snacks, waters, juice. All for FREE! You can also bring your own lunch and snack here.

Tips: Be sure to stop by the basement for the free snacks. The Puck's restaurant offered a free kid's lunch with an adult purchase. We didn't get to take advantage of this as our toddler was getting cranky, plus the newborn was being a little bit fussy at the time.

Total spent: Just $$ for parking

Would I go here again? I would probably only come here for another family fun event. My son didn't really enjoy the museum per se. Even without the kids, I don't think me and the hubs would come again. I guess contemporary art just ain't our thang.