# data[].attributes.headline
The Art Institute has historical exhibits this summer. 

# data[].attributes.subject
The Art Institute has historical exhibits this summer. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Included in Your General Admission Ticket
Access to The Obama Portraits is included in a general admission ticket; it does not require a separate exhibition ticket. However, we are predicting this exhibition will reach capacity on a daily basis, so while we will do our best to get everyone in, entry will be first-come, first-served. You must reserve your ticket online in advance.

Free Week for Illinois Residents
During the first week of The Obama Portraits, June 18-25, general admission will be free to Illinois residents. Tickets for this week are now sold out. If you have already reserved your ticket, you will receive your ticket via email and can show it on your phone or as a printout when you arrive at the museum.

Ticket Release
General admission tickets for the eight-week period the portraits are on view will be released in batches to provide multiple opportunities for visitors to get tickets.

Tickets for June 18-30 are available. The free week for Illinois residents (June 18-25) is now sold out.

Tickets for July 1-15 will be available on June 24.

Tickets for July 16-31 will be available on July 8.

Tickets for August 1-8 will be available on July 22.

Tickets for August 9-15 will be available on August 2.

Sign up for our emails at the bottom of this page or follow us on social media to be reminded of these ticket release dates throughout the exhibition.

A small number of tickets will be available on-site for those groups who qualify for unreserved free admission-Chicago teens under 18, LINK/WIC card holders, military members and their families, and Illinois educators, as well as families who have a free family pass or a Kids Museum Passport from the Chicago Public Library. Please check our free admission page to be sure you bring your qualifying identification, and stop by an admissions counter when you arrive to receive your free ticket(s).

Virtual Lines
The exhibition has a virtual line in order to manage capacity and promote physical distancing. Please join the line as soon as you arrive by scanning the QR code posted on signs throughout the museum. Museum staff will be available to assist you in joining the virtual line.

Wait Times and Best Days to Visit
We also encourage you to check live wait times on the exhibition page and consider visiting on a weekday when the galleries tend to be less busy.

While you wait, pick up our special Obama self-guided tours pamphlet, which uses the portraits as a starting point to explore the rest of the museum.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Visit The Obama Portraits | The Art Institute of Chicago

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Included in Your General Admission Ticket Access to The Obama Portraits is included in a general admission ticket; it does not require a separate exhibition ticket. However, we are predicting this exhibition will reach capacity on a daily basis, so while we will do our best to get everyone in, entry will be first-come, first-served.

# data[].attributes.body
Take a Day Trip to Evanston exhibit runs through August

# data[].attributes.body
Pollinator Party - this Saturday Registration Required

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
" All Events

Date & Time:

Description:

Come celebrate with us as we increase and promote public awareness of the importance of pollinators and wildlife, including monarch butterflies, bats, birds, and other insects. Activities include nature-based family fun, bee programming and wildflower hikes.
Unvaccinated visitors must wear a mask indoors at all times; and they must wear a mask outdoors when physical distancing (six feet from other people) is not possible.
Registration Required: Call Little Red Schoolhouse at 708-839-6897.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pollinator Party - Forest Preserves of Cook County

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
" All Events Come celebrate with us as we increase and promote public awareness of the importance of pollinators and wildlife, including monarch butterflies, bats, birds, and other insects. Activities include nature-based family fun, bee programming and wildflower hikes.

# data[].attributes.headline
CPL Summer Challenge  reinforces Reading & Writing 

# data[].attributes.subject
CPL Summer Challenge  reinforces Reading & Writing 

# data[].attributes.body
Over the summer read 500 minutes (audio counts too) and write about 5 activities and win a book bag (which will likely have books too).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Calling all kids up to age 13! Join our drop-in summer program, Make Summer Yours: Start With Art. Our program can help you find great books, fun new things to do and track them all summer long. Plus, there are prizes!

Throughout the summer, use your voice to make art inspired by your identity, your community and your imagination. Explore art everywhere, from your home to your neighborhood to the library! CPL is offering events to inspire you to express yourself, collaborate with friends and explore your world through art.

Complete the Challenge

Start by registering online starting on June 21 or at any CPL location. Then complete the challenge:

Read Something: 500 minutes or more over the summer. Read books, magazines, comics, eBooks, audiobooks or anything else you want, for at least 20 minutes a day-all reading counts!

Do Something: Do at least five activities. Take part in a library event, visit a museum, create a piece of art or try something new.

Prizes and Giveaways

Share what you read and learn. Earn your book bag when you complete 500 minutes and five activities. You can share by reporting what you did online starting on June 21, emailing CPLKids@chipublib.org or stopping into your nearby CPL location. All kids can enter weekly giveaways to win books or other prizes.

About the Summer Learning Challenge

The Summer Learning Challenge is presented in partnership with the City of Chicago, My CHI. My Future., Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Transit Authority, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Greater Chicago Food Depository, Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Science and Industry, National Museum of Mexican Art, Once Upon a Time Capsule and YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.

This program was made possible in great part by Amazon; the James & Madeleine McMullan Family Foundation; Exelon; the Family Learning Partnerships Fund; the Helen M. Harrison Foundation; KPMG; Wintrust; Peoples Gas; Cubs Charities Community Fund, a McCormick Foundation Fund; the Dr. Scholl Foundation; the Walter E. Heller Foundation; Norfolk Southern; the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation; and other generous donors to the Chicago Public Library Foundation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Start With Art for a Fun Summer Challenge

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Calling all kids up to age 13! Join our drop-in summer program, Make Summer Yours: Start With Art. Our program can help you find great books, fun new things to do and track them all summer long. Plus, there are prizes! Throughout the summer, use your voice to make art inspired by your identity, your community and your imagination.

# data[].attributes.body
Easy & quick activity that kids can do on their own (with you providing supplies, of course). Added scientific observation: if you can hang outside a window, kids can monitor the types of birds and hours of the day that birds feed.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We made a DIY bird feeder for winter, now try this easy cardboard bird feeder for Spring! Studying nature and natural life is a rewarding science activity to set up for kids, and learning how to care for and give back to nature is equally important. Make your own super simple bird feeder and add this fun bird watching activity to your kid's day!

MAKE A CARDBOARD BIRD FEEDER

DIY BIRD FEEDER

Get ready to add this easy DIY bird feeder to your activities or lesson plans this Spring. While you are it, make sure to check out more of our favorite spring activities for kids.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Birdseed Ornaments
Our activities and crafts are designed with you, the parent or teacher, in mind. Easy to set up, quick to do, most activities will take only 15 to 30 minutes to complete and are heaps of fun! Plus, our supplies lists usually contain only free or cheap materials you can source from home.

Make these simple cardboard tube bird feeders, and hang them off the porch or a tree branch for the birds to enjoy! This would also make a great Earth Day activity for kids.
Check out all the things you can make from recyclables!
CARDBOARD BIRD FEEDER

YOU WILL NEED

HOW TO MAKE A CARDBOARD TUBE BIRD FEEDER

STEP 1. Using the scissors or a skewer, create a small hole at the top and bottom of each side of the cardboard tube.

STEP 2. Then t hrough the top set of holes, tie one end of the string to each side.

STEP 3. Through the bottom set of holes, push the bamboo skewer through to make a resting perch for the birds.

STEP 4. Pour birdseed into a shallow dish.

Using a butter knife, spread a thin layer of peanut butter over the cardboard tube. Immediately roll the tube in birdseed or press birdseed against the sides.

Hang your bird feeder outside on a dry day for your neighborhood birds to enjoy!

MORE FUN SPRING ACTIVITIES

MAKE A CARDBOARD TUBE BIRD FEEDER
Looking for easy to print activities, and inexpensive problem-based challenges?
Click on the link or on the image below for more fun Spring activities for kids.
We have you covered...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We made a DIY bird feeder for winter, now try this easy cardboard bird feeder for Spring! Studying nature and natural life is a rewarding science activity to set up for kids, and learning how to care for and give back to nature is equally important.

# data[].attributes.body
Art Institute is Free this week! Check out other museum free days -- and have your child write a letter (or email) to someone about their experience.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Experience Chicago's award-winning museums, without spending a dime. Check out our ever-growing list of free museum days in 2021, plus some Chicago museums that are free all year long.

Looking for other ways to save? Check out the Chicago CityPASS or Go Chicago Card, which offers admission to several Chicago museums and attractions for one discounted price.

Here's a list of free Chicago museum days for 2021. Keep in mind that many museums are currently operating with shortened hours and new ticketing procedures; check our list of open museums in Chicago or contact the museum to learn more.

Field Museum

The Field Museum will be offering free basic admission, plus discounted passes to explore a ticketed exhibition or enjoy a 3D movie, for Illinois residents on the following 2021 dates:

Illinois residents can redeem free admission by reserving their tickets online then providing proof of residency at the museum. The free tickets include all general admission exhibitions, such as Evolving Planet, The Ancient Americas, and Inside Ancient Egypt.

Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12th grade) and active military personnel receive free basic admission year-round.

Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium is offering Illinois residents free access to all permanent exhibits, including special exhibits Underwater Beauty and seasonal Stingray Touch, on the following 2021 dates:

Advance reservations required; no tickets will be available onsite. A $3-per-order transaction fee applies to Illinois Free Day tickets reserved online. All adults must provide proof of residency in-person when redeeming tickets at the discounted rate.

Museum of Science and Industry

Admission at the Museum of Science and Industry is free for Illinois residents on the following dates:

The Museum of Science and Industry is always free for United States military active-duty personnel and veterans, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters, Chicago police officers and Illinois teachers (Pre-K through 12th grade).

Chicago History Museum

The Chicago History Museum is offering free admission:

Illinois residents under age 18 are free and all children under 12 are always free.

Art Institute of Chicago

At the Art Institute of Chicago, the museum admission is always free for Chicago teens under the age of 18, all children under age 14, Link and WIC cardholders, active-duty military, and Illinois educators. Upcoming free museum days for Illinois residents include:

The public can enjoy the following public museum areas free of charge:

The Ryan Learning Center in the Modern Wing

The North and South Gardens (accessible from Michigan Avenue)

The Nichols Bridgeway connecting the museum to Millennium Park

The Bluhm Family Terrace on the 3rd floor of the west pavilion of the Modern Wing

DuSable Museum of African American History

The DuSable Museum of African American History is free for all during the month of June 2021.

Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art is always free for visitors under age 18, visitors with disabilities and their caregivers receive free admission, members of the military and police and fire departments and veterans, and Illinois elementary and high school teachers.

Illinois residents receive free admission every Tuesday

To encourage more people to visit and visit often, the MCA has a pay-what-you-can policy - no one will be turned away. They also offer suggested admission of $3 each for up to six individuals when visitors present their LINK (EBT) Card as part of the Museums for All program.

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

The Illinois Holocaust Museum is offering free admission on:

June 1 - 30, 2021, all kids and students receive free entry to the museum

Reserve your free tickets in advance.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Free admission year-round for everyone at the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Brookfield Zoo

Free admission at the Brookfield Zoo for all active, reservist, and retired members of the military with ID. Admission is also free for children age 2 and under.

Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium is not offering any upcoming free admission days, please check back.

Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier

The Chicago Children's Museum offer veterans and active military free admission every day with the presentation of valid military status identification. They also offer families that qualify for state food assistance and are in possession of an EBT card or WIC card free admission for up to 6 people.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum:

No upcoming free admission days

Loyola University Museum of Art

Admission is free year-round at the Loyola University Museum of Art.

McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum

The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum:

No upcoming free admission days

Swedish American Museum

Free admission every second Tuesday of the month year-round at the Swedish American Museum. Children aged 1 year or younger are admitted free.

Clarke House Museum

The Clarke House Museum is the oldest home in the city of Chicago. There are free public tours on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Glessner House

There are currently no upcoming free admission days at Glessner House.

Charnley-Persky House

The Charnley-Persky House is temporarily closed, please check back for future free museum days.

Wrightwood 659

There are currently no upcoming free admission days at Wrightwood 659.

National Veterans Art Museum

The National Veterans Art Museum is temporarily closed, please check back for future free museum days.

National Museum of Mexican Art

While the museum remains temporarily closed, admission is free year-round at the National Museum of Mexican Art.

Chicago Cultural Center

While the center remains temporarily closed, admission is free year-round at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Museum of Contemporary Photography

Admission is free year-round at the Museum of Contemporary Photography. All visitors must reserve a free timed ticket.
Dates are subject to change and may not include fees to view special exhibits. Visit individual museum websites for admission details, as well as policies for specific community members such as military personnel and local school groups.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Free Museum Days in Chicago | Free Admission to Chicago Museums

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Experience Chicago's award-winning museums, without spending a dime. Check out our ever-growing list of free museum days in 2021, plus some Chicago museums that are free all year long. Looking for other ways to save? Check out the Chicago CityPASS or Go Chicago Card , which offers admission to several Chicago museums and attractions for one discounted price.

# data[].attributes.body
Parks are opening back up -- consider a game where you rate the best park: which has the fastest slide, best swings, etc.; middle schoolers can write to the Park Advisory Council or Alderman to suggest improvements.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
" All Events

Description:

Join us as we observe these tiny creatures in flight around our bird garden and trails and talk about how to attract them to your home.
Unvaccinated visitors must wear a mask indoors at all times; and they must wear a mask outdoors when physical distancing (six feet from other people) is not possible.
Registration Required: Call Sand Ridge at 708-868-0606 or email at sandridge.naturecenter@cookcountyil.gov.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hummingbird Happiness - Forest Preserves of Cook County

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
" All Events Join us as we observe these tiny creatures in flight around our bird garden and trails and talk about how to attract them to your home. Unvaccinated visitors must wear a mask indoors at all times; and they must wear a mask outdoors when physical distancing (six feet from other people) is not possible.

# data[].attributes.body
Create connection to your community and learn geographical reference and context by designing a map of the neighborhood. Then have fun visiting the locations on your map.

# data[].attributes.headline
Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math -- Oh My! 

# data[].attributes.subject
Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math -- Oh My! 

# data[].attributes.body
Cooking is all about STEAM!  Make meal time a fun, quick way to reinforce fractions, conversion, budgeting, design and of course taste! Feel free to share your kid-friendly recipes.

# data[].attributes.body
Put on some good music because you'll need to do some shakin' to churn this butter.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Shake, shake, shake! Turn cream into butter using only your hands! Print Learn more about the science of making butter from Science Buddies

# data[].attributes.headline
Grab & Go Maker Kits @ Chicago Public Library

# data[].attributes.subject
Grab & Go Maker Kits @ Chicago Public Library

# data[].attributes.body
Register online - limited kits available

# data[].attributes.body
Fun way to cool down on hot days!  We made this just this week -- it's easy and really good!  (Requires lots of shakin' too)

# data[].attributes.body
CPL is hosting drop in activities for kids and teens - visit your local library and kids have a chance to win prizes and goodies.

# data[].attributes.body
Fun way to explore the neighborhood or your backyard (tip: use stickers for add fun & no screen time, until kids get a Bingo!)

# data[].attributes.headline
Chicago Children's Museum Reopens - July 2nd 

# data[].attributes.subject
Chicago Children's Museum Reopens - July 2nd 

# data[].attributes.body
Reservations for Timed Entry Required

# data[].attributes.headline
Chicagoland has multiple museums made just for children! 

# data[].attributes.subject
Chicagoland has multiple museums made just for children! 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Children's Museums are starting to open again! Spending time at one of the many Chicago area children's museums is wonderful for discovery and learning. We've put together a list of the offerings in the city and suburbs including best features, unique exhibit information, and our age recommendations. Some are ideal to spend a day, while others are suited to a shorter afternoon visit. Either way, it's a great avenue to spark little imaginations and explore in a fun environment!

photo courtesy of DuPage Children's Museum

Temporarily closed.
700 E. Grand Avenue at Navy Pier
Chicago, Illinois
(312) 527-1000

Features three floors of hands-on exploration and fun where kids can hide in a treehouse, build a skyscraper, ride a fire truck, dig for dinosaur bones, fish in a river, tinker with real tools, climb a gigantic structure, create beautiful art and more! For ages 5 and younger, Kids Town is the place to be. Here, little ones can shop in the grocery store, change a tire, wash the car, and drive a bus in a cityscape setting designed just for kids. Thursday evenings from 5pm-8pm are free for everyone. First Sunday of every month is free for 15 and under.

Recommended ages: Babies to age 10 (with certain areas geared specifically for 5 and under)
Opens on June 5, 2021 for general admission with timed admission and reduced capacity. Tickets need to be purchased in advance.
301 N. Washington Street
Naperville, Illinois
(630) 637-8000

Spend a day checking out loads of interactive play and learning centers in one of the many "museum neighborhoods." Kids can explore the sensory zone, roll a ball down a ramp, build in the construction house, explore the power of AWEsome Air and Water, blow enormous bubbles, explore mathematical notions, create a masterpiece and more! The Young Explorers neighborhood is a special area created specifically for children under the age of two.

Recommended ages: Babies to age 10 (with certain areas geared specifically for 2 and under)
Re-opening to the public on June 2, 2021. The museum is also adding a new outdoor event called SummerBurst.
2100 Patriot Boulevard
Glenview, Illinois
(847) 832-6600

Find a wonderful array of inviting exhibits where children can create art using mixed tools and media, make unique music, role play as doctors/veterinarians, construct a house from the inside out, explore plants and nature, and so much more! Babies and crawlers can explore in one of several separate areas set aside just for them. And, the Cosi Cafe onsite makes it easy to grab a kid-friendly bite to eat any time your little explorers have worked up an appetite!

Recommended ages: Babies to age 8
Currently under construction to add a new outdoor exhibit and indoor improvements. Re-opening on June 11, 2021.
6445 W. North Avenue
Oak Park, Illinois
(708) 383-4815

Kids can enjoy one of five "experience zones" as well as an outdoor organic garden in the warmer months. Explore the artistic process, "harvest" fruit/vegetables, dress up for a performance, put on a puppet show, role play as construction workers/architects and more! Admission is only $7 a person. The smaller size of this museum makes it easier to keep an eye on multiple or quick moving children.

Recommended ages: Babies to age 6
Currently open with walk-in tickets or advanced tickets only depending on the day. Check their website for details.
5100 Museum Drive
Oak Lawn, Illinois
(708) 423-6709

Notable features of this museum include a STEM learning area, theatrical masterpiece center, a tree-mendous treehouse, and opportunities to fly a kite or embark on a water adventure to Beachcomber Island. There's also a special tummy time section for babies and toddlers.

Recommended ages: Babies to age 12 (with a special section for infants/toddlers)
Currently open.
9301 South Stony Island Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
(773) 721-9301

The first and only African American children's museum in the country. Unique exhibits expand young minds on the topics of healthy eating, African American inventors, a S.T.E.M. journey, and interesting Bronzeville landmarks. Admission is $5 per person.

Recommended ages: 3-9
Currently open with reservations on Saturday and Sunday required. No need to make a reservation Tuesday through Friday.
11 White Street
Frankfort, IL 60423
(815) 469-1199

Regular exhibits include a fire station, pinscreen, tot spot, giant game of "Operation," dino dig, play market, and spots for art and music.
Looking for more indoor activities? Be sure to check out the Indoor Activities Page, full of ideas for fun in the near western suburbs!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Re-Opening Days for Chicago Area Children's Museums

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Children's Museums are starting to open again! Spending time at one of the many Chicago area children's museums is wonderful for discovery and learning. We've put together a list of the offerings in the city and suburbs including best features, unique exhibit information, and our age recommendations.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Cool off with tropical pops filled with orange and cream. Print

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Toss colorful fruit with a honey lime dressing.