02-01-2023

6 of Chicago’s Best Interactive Museums to Explore with Kids

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What do optical illusions, immersive art, ooey-gooey slime and global flavors of ice cream have in common? Answer: You'll find them all represented in Chicago's interactive (and sometimes unconventional) museums. These six spots throughout the Windy City combine hands-on fun with education, and several feature rotating exhibits to keep you coming back for more. Tuck these ideas into your back pocket for dreary days when the kids (and you) need an imaginative escape.

Museum of Illusions Everything may not be as it seems in this museum by Millennium Park, but your family will have a ton of fun exploring mind-bending illusions and learning the mechanics behind what makes them so fascinating. Enter the human kaleidoscope, pass through the vortex tunnel and climb the walls in the rotated room. Bonus: Your friends won't believe some of your pictures (no need to reveal the museum's tricks!).

The Museum of Illusions also has a Kansas City, Missouri location, plus a Mall of America location is expected to open soon.

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