Popular Science

The Museum of Science & Industry

Address: 57th & Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday: 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Admission: $15 adults; $10 children 3 - 11; Children under 3 are free. Admission is reduced slightly for Chicago residents

YAY!

• Offers hands-on learning? No
• Engages an active toddler in play? No
• Provides interaction with other children? Yes
• Allows children room to play without long waits? No
• Is clean? No

I had high hopes this would be a four "YAY" destination mainly because it has underground parking. But alas, it is not for little ones. It does seem very popular for school field trips, however.

The museum itself is quite impressive from its 19th century architecture to its expansive array of exhibitions. It houses nearly 30 exhibits as well as a five-story omnimax theater. It also showcases special exhibits, including a traveling show from the Smithsonian.

Now through January 23rd, the museum is hosting the Jim Henson exhibit ($5/ person). I thought this would be a big hit with my son where he could see his beloved Cookie Monster & Ernie puppets. But he couldn't interact with them so it didn't hold much interest him; and to be honest, he probably would prefer watching them move & talk on television.

I really enjoyed it as I've always admired Henson's talent, but it is not geared towards children. They do offer an interactive puppet show that is pretty cute.

He did enjoy the train & airplane exhibits in the Transportation Gallery. The model trains are amazing and visitors can push buttons to load the freight, raise & lower bridges, and make the trains go. In addition, children can walk through a real train & a real 727 United jetliner. You do have to wait in line, but my son really seemed to enjoy exploring both, and pressing all the buttons, of course. And since it is the holidays, he liked walking through the Christmas tree display (Christmas Around the World and Holiday of Lights). I'm sure he would have enjoyed the Farm Tech display where he could steer a real John Deere tractor, but we didn't make it that far...

It is not a good place for a baby. Finding a place to feed was a bit of a nightmare. The food court was overflowing so I was forced to feed him in the stairwell where random strangers kept trying to touch him. Not ideal...

While I'm disappointed this wasn't a better fit for us, I know it will be a great destination when my son is ten and has had at least one science lesson. Right now, it is simply too advanced for his age.

The museum does offer free days so be sure to check their website before you go.