Students – Cool Places to Go for STEM Fun!
The Most Famous Places First
Interactive exhibits and sky shows at America’s first planetarium. Visit the Doane Observatory, the largest telescope available to the public in our area.
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! And penguins and puffins and wallabies and more!
Enjoy 385 acres of beautiful gardens and natural environments. Educational and inspirational programs.
Inspiring curiosity about life on Earth while exploring how the world came to be as it is, since 1893. And, how can we make the world a better place?
LPZ is a free, family experience. Visit the Farm-in-the-Zoo, and the Conservatory. Sign up for ZooMail, too.
Hike the grounds, visit the Children’s Garden or take part in their programming for kids and families.
One of the largest science museums in the world, with changing, hands-on exhibits.
Tour this unique community of food businesses designed with a circular and sustainable economy in mind. Have a meal or attend a special event.
Observe aquatic animals from all over the world, surrounded by Chicago’s architecture. Make sure to visit the Oceanarium while you’re there.
Lesser Known Great Places to Visit in Chicago
Learn about Chicago’s distinctive architecture on a guided walk or a river cruise.
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, visit to learn how waterways have impacted Chicago’s history.
Walk through greenhouses and enjoy a tropical jungle and a desert garden. Indoor and outdoor exhibits.
Interested in a health career or just want to learn about history and developments in surgical science?
Visit this family friendly nature museum with indoor and outdoor exhibits. Don’t miss the butterfly haven.
Satisfy Your Curiosities in the Suburbs and Beyond
Programs include activities, hands-on projects, and games.
In Wheaton, walk through the gardens and visit a museum of military history. Special family events, too.
St. Charles, interpretive displays and hands-on exhibits for visitors.
Kenosha, WI – Museum focuses on the link between meat-eating dinosaurs and birds.
Children’s science museum, the campus includes the Rockford Art Museum and Burpee Museum of Natural History. Houses a live science theater.
In Batavia – Tours, an observation area, and the Lederman Science Center. Science Adventures for youth and families.
In South Elgin – Trains and trolleys at this outdoor museum.
Oak Brook location – Hike the trails, stop at the visitor’s center. Sign up for nature programs.
Learn and play outside at Peck Farm Park. Activities in environmental education foster sensitivity, appreciation, and respect.
Located in River Forest – public nature programs and guided hikes.
St. Charles – Exhibits and displays showcase the Fox Valley area’s many natural treasures. Family programs.
Located in Bolingbrook – Hit the trails, take part in a nature program, visit the bee hives, or buy honey produced on site.
In Bolingbrook, a 6,000 square foot facility with a growing collection of restored and replica aircraft.
Nature museum at Benedictine University in Lisle, a collection of over 10,000 specimens.
Oakbrook Terrace, promoting awareness of the natural world with hands-on education.
Located in Schaumburg – Over 3 million LEGO bricks and unique activity workshops.
Displays of gemstone treasures with a blending of earth science exhibits. Museum programs, too.
Located in Downers Grove, with nature activities, you can also explore the Woods.
Check out this organic farm in Naperville. Self-guided tours, and special events.
Naperville history museum hosts family STEM nights. Register for hands-on activities.
Located in Oak Park – Visit the greenhouses to see the tropical, fern and desert rooms. Tours are available.
Transport your group to Batavia. Nature displays include a wildlife room, then follow the trails to Devil’s Cave – the only cave in our area!
In Itasca, stop at the visitor’s center, hike two miles to discover meadows, woods, prairies and marshes.
In Glen Ellyn. This wildlife rehab center aims to educate visitors about living with local wildlife.
Be a Good Role Model for Your Younger Siblings
Located in Aurora – Pioneer life is re-created through educational demonstrations and hands-on fun.
Play in fun spaces such as WaterWays, Tinkering Lab, Dinosaur Expedition and Treehouse Trails.
Wheaton – A cozy zoo with a variety of domestic farm animals and native Illinois wildlife.
Naperville – Play areas stimulate curiosity, creativity, thinking and problem solving in young children.
Located in Glenview – Interactive, hands-on exhibits for children ages birth to eight.
In Aurora – Drop in to see about 100 animals in this zoo-in-a park.
Search for Science Museums Worldwide
Traveling? Search around the world for science museums.