Fun Museums for Kids on the North Shore
Updated 2022
Whenever kids have time off - whether summer or school holidays, parents find that children's energy levels are overwhelming. If you need to find some new and different experiences, try a little quiet time by visiting local museums that are geared to children. Except for one, they are off the beaten track and will surprise and delight.
Lake Forest Wildlife Discovery Center
1401 Middlefork Drive, Lake Forest, IL
847-614-4388
More of a wildlife sanctuary than a museum, this facility is located in Lake Forest along the Middlefork Savannah. With around 150 animals in residence the Discovery Center hosts educational programs and interactive displays all with an emphasis on wildlife conservation. Admission to the Center is free and hours are noon to 4 pm on Sunday and 10 am to 4 pm on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
Mitchell Museum of the American Indian
3001 Central St., Evanston, Il
847-475-1030
This museum is the only Chicago area museum (and one of the few in the United States) that focuses exclusively on the history, art and culture of Native American Indians. Exhibits include artifacts and information from the Paleo-Indian period to the present. Besides the main exhibition galleries, there are several temporary exhibit galleries that change during the year.
Adults- $5.00
Children, seniors, seniors - $3.00
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Thursdays are open until 8 pm.
Sunday: 12 pm to 4 pm
Kohl Children's Museum
2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, Il (at The Glen)
847-832-6600
Okay, so this wonderfully creative museum is not off the beaten track - in fact, it's always very busy. But kids love it and my own children begged to be taken (at the original location in Wilmette.) There is no better place to take young children to a place that offers 17 different hands-on experiences including shopping at Dominick's, making Potbelly sandwiches, and learning about math and science-based on the city of Chicago.
Children under 1: free
Adults and Children: $13.00
Grandparents and Seniors: $12.00 (for 55+)
Monday 9:30 am to 12 pm (open until 5 pm in the summer)
Tuesday through Saturday - 9:30 am to 5 pm
Sunday: 12 pm to 5 pm
Your Town's Historic Museum
These are great places to visit - preferably with slightly older children. Town museums are often housed in historic buildings and are relatively small and quick to see. They house a wealth of historical information about your area including photographs, artifacts, clothing, equipment, and household items. And they are always free!
The Winnetka Historical Society
411 Linden, Winnetka, IL (housed in a historic Victorian)
847-446-0001
Open Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm
The Kenilworth Historical Society
415 Kenilworth Ave., Kenilworth, IL
847-251-2565
Open Mondays from 9 am to 4:30 pm and Thursdays from 9 am to noon
The Wilmette Historical Museum
600 Ridge Road, Wilmette, IL
847-853-7666
Open Sunday through Thursday from 1 pm to 4:30 pm
Glencoe Historical Society
377 Park Ave., Glencoe, IL
847-834-0040
Open Wednesday 10 am to 3 pm
Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm
1121 N. Waukegan Rd. Glenview, IL
847-724-2235
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