Phew! We’ve had one of those jam-packed weeks, where you feel like you’re racing from one event to the next. We had our normally scheduled events, then added Zoo class, a visitation, Family Fun Night, and a quick trip to Chicago. Don was asked to organize a hands-on science program for families of preschoolers on Thursday night. He then worked at a science conference at the Museum of Science and Industry, so we went along with him. That’s a huge benefit of homeschooling – we have our own schedule. Anyway, this is such a great museum! They have made many, many updates to the exhibits as well as the building. And, what a building it is! Did you know it was the only permanent building at the World’s Fair in 1893? It was the Museum of Fine Arts. History lesson over.
There are so many fantastic exhibits. Michael loves the model train layouts, the girls love the Fairy Castle, and the baby chicks. I’m a little freaked out by the huge airplane (a United 727) hanging from the balcony. Yes, hanging! The Idea Factory is a great hands-on area, more like a children’s science museum. What is it about water tables and kids? This is the ultimate water table. In fact, it’s called the Water Spectacle. It’s really, really, cool! So, if you’re heading to Chicago, you should visit this museum.
You have to watch this video. Have to. It’s required, and there will be a test on it. In 2004, they moved the German U-505 submarine around the building and put it in a new exhibit space. This video shows the move. I was completely fascinated by it, and so glad to find it online.
Oh, and apparently, I cannot be trusted to pack any longer. Somehow, I forgot a shirt for Michael, toothbrushes for both Madeline & Michael, and the camera. Mom-nesia? Luckily, it was only for one night. And, I got lost going to the museum. But, I got to see the general area that President Obama lives. I kept running into the roadblocks. I must be turning into a total airhead. Must. Not, before, but now.
Definitely on my list to visit next trip to Chicago! : ))) Thanks so much! : )))
One of our favorite place to visit in the country. You can easily spend the day or longer there. At the time of our visit our kids were not teens, but I’d still take them there if we were in the Chicago area, now that they are. Very interactive, wonderful diversity, well organized, absolute fun.
I live in central Illinois, so I’ve often gotten to go to the Museum of Science and Industry. I loooove it so much! I remember always having fun, and learning so much no matter at what age I go. It is truly a place where every person, of every age can have fun and learn. I need to go back sometime soon. :)
Oh mom-nesia. I know all about that! At least you get out and about. I need to do that more often.
The museum is on my list of places to go when I am in Chicago for BlogHer. Thanks for the info!
Tena – I’m up for a nap anytime! Why don’t kids feel the same way? :>
Jennifer – It is huge! We were just there in the fall, so this time we tried to hit the places we hadn’t been to yet. And, we still didn’t see everything!
that place looks like so much fun! Man I could use a nap just reading about your day
grate place to see been there 2 times and still have not got to see the whole place as of yet maybe this summer i get to see thwhole place but well its got to be on one of the free days to go and see it. i also been to that other museum there in the windy citys as well as to there place where you can see all the sea fish and things too i realy do love that city lots of fun things to see and do did thay ever get all the trains up yet out of the ground on the out side of the place?? that was the last time i was down there thay had been working on that