Category: Hip Mommas & Pappas

Quite possibly one of the best zoos in the country and even the world (and yes, one of the largest!), Brookfield Zoo is more than a place to look at caged animals in simulated habitats. It is a place where animals are truly cared for and respected, with adequate space to live as they would a little more naturally, allowing folks to catch a glimpse of their lives and learn from them, all wrapped up in a fun and educational environment.

Besides the dolphin shows, the elephants and giraffes common to most zoos, Brookfield Zoo has taken great strides in recreating naturally themed continental environments, where different types of animals interact with each other in relative harmony. Tropic World is a favorite for many and a standby for over twenty years, as is the Living Coasts, where people feel as though they have actually been transported into such climates, complete with familiar fauna the animals would expect to see in their wild homes. The Wolf Woods, where a pack of Mexican Grey Wolves reside, is an excellent example of how conservationists can lend a hand in recreating an environment for animals to live as they would in the wild.

Because the zoo is so large and spread out, folks may want to take a ride on the Motor Safari, where a trolley like guided tour will take you from one point to another, with stations spread out all over the park. It also gives you a chance to rest your feet in the heat of the day, and the kids always love cruising around.

Food at the zoo is surprisingly good, from standard American concession fare to a full service restaurant. A feature many parents may be thrilled to see is the icy cold 32oz draft domestics at various concessions throughout the park! Definitely a bonus there. Of course, the place does get pretty pricey rather quick, so brown bagging the majority of what you plan to eat for the day is probably a good idea. Just please don’t offer any to the animals!

It is my suggestion to avoid going on holidays, including Mother’s day, because that’s when the tourists come in to romp around. The best time to go is on a weekday in late spring or early fall, when the weather is comfortable and most kids are in school. (Who says you can’t play hookie for a day? It’s educational, after all!) Most local families will probably want to go more than once a year, so getting a family membership will more than pay for itself. There are so many events going on throughout the year, that making a return visit or three will prove to be very rewarding. Just be sure you wear good, comfortable shoes!

There is no better place to take the kids to see the stars in Chicago than the Adler Planetarium! Located within walking distance of the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum and Soldier Field, the planetarium is the big domed building adjacent to Lake Michigan itself.

I personally find this place to be especially wonderful for families with school aged children, because there are plenty of hands on exhibits to check out. Plus, the special exhibits hosted in the Star Rider theatre have comfy chairs that fully recline, allowing folks to take in the virtual night sky - perfect for allowing everyone to wind down and take in the breath taking show! Finish off the day by checking out America’s Courtyard, which like Stonehenge in England, captures the changing seasons with a modern twist.

Another really cool exhibit is the Rainbow Lobby, best to check out when the sun is in the west. Filtered light through beveled glass creates little rainbows all over the walls. Of course, plenty of new exhibits are being developed all the time down in the Space Visualization Laboratory, so you’ll want to be sure to stop by for a visit!

Unlike most museums, the gift shops and cafe here are actually a little bit more than places to drop some cash and munch. The Galileo Cafe has a wonderful view of the city’s skyline and offers food a little out of the ordinary, and the Infinity Shop sells freeze dried ice cream, which is always a hit with the kids, on top of some really cool themed educational toys and gifts. Pricey, yes, but the proceeds go to support the planetarium, so the cost is justified, and perhaps can give you an idea of what to look out for on your next toy shopping excursion.

Free parking is available by the meters on Sundays, but since they’re in high demand, you need to get down there early to scoop one up! There is also a cash lot nearby, with cabs and public transportation always available. Oh and also, Chicago residents who have a library card can stop by the library and check out a museum pass at the counter! It’s good for 4 people, gets you in for free and lets you bypass the lines!