Waving palm trees. Tropical breezes. Fun on distant shores.
Even if this scene is not in store for your family’s spring break, hearts shouldn’t break. Surfboards, who needs them? Turn your family into city (or suburban) surfers instead.
Hang ten, Dude, with these ten nearby family destinations:
Kohl Children’s Museum: Perfect timing for young children to discover bouncy springs at “Spring Into Spring,” an exploration station exhibit running through April 2. Or, pop in for bubble fun when the museum revives one of its most popular exhibits, “Bubbles,” beginning April 3. Kohl Children’s Museum, 165 Green Bay Rd., Wilmette. Admission: $5 for ages 1 and up. Hours: Tuesday- Saturday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon- 5 p.m.; Monday, 9 a.m.- noon. Call 847-256-6056, or visit www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org.
The DuPage Children’s Museum: Spring break adventures include math, art and science specials for the whole family beginning Friday with Pattern Rubbings. DuPage Children’s Museum, 1777 S. Blanchard Rd. (lower level, Wheaton Park District Community Center), Wheaton. Admission: $4.50 for ages 1 and up. Spring break hours: Monday-April 1, 9:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.; also on Wednesday, 5- 8 p.m.; Sunday, noon- 5 p.m. Call 630-260-9907 or visit www.dcmrats.org.
Navy Pier: The variety of activities makes this spot a family magnet. Tykes can explore the Chicago Children’s Museum, featuring “Gumby’s World” through May 7. Catch “Fantasia 2000” at the Pier’s IMAX Theater. Take a spin on the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel or try your skill at “Golf Around Chicago,” a Chicago-inspired mini-golf course, opening Friday through April 23. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. For prices and attraction hours call 312-595-PIER or visit www.navypier.com.
Chicago Historical Society: Here’s where your family can meet George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Through April 23, the exhibit “Treasures From Mt. Vernon” gives visitors an opportunity to see Washington artifacts. And the society’s permanent “A House Divided: America in the Age of Lincoln” showcases Lincoln’s time. Plus this current gem, the work of Norman Rockwell in “Pictures for the American People,” through May 21. Chicago Historical Society, Clark Street at North Avenue. Basic admission: adults $5, seniors and students $3, children (6-12) $1; Mondays, free. Additional fees for the Washington and Rockwell exhibits. Hours: daily 9:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. Call 312-642-4600 or visit www.chicagohistory.org.
Field Museum: Come face to face with nearly 140 masks at the Field Museum’s “Masks: Faces of Culture” exhibit through May 14. From a mask thousands of years old, to sports masks, through Hollywood, this is one in-your-face exhibit. Also celebrate the 30th anniversary of Earth Month at “It’s Wild in Chicago 2000,” April 1-4. See how your family can help our planet survive with hands-on activities and games. The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. Admission: adults $8, seniors and children (3-11) $4, 2 years and under free. Wednesdays free. Hours: daily 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Extended spring break hours, April 16-22, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Call 312-922-9410 or visit www.fieldmuseum.org.
Museum of Science and Industry: In spring, you’d rather forget snow and ice (make that icebergs), but make an exception. Through Sept. 4, the museum hosts “Titanic, the Exhibition.” More than 300 authentic artifacts from the ill-fated ship are displayed. Don’t miss the boat! Reserve advance tickets by phone or on-line: adults $10, children $8. And remember to explore the rest of this perennial powerhouse of Chicago family sites. Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive. General admission: adults $7, seniors $6, children (3-11) $3.50. Spring break hours (Tuesday-April 14): 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.. Call 773-684-1414 or visit www.msichicago.org.
John G. Shedd Aquarium: Take a beachy break at the Shedd, as close as we get to the sea. Visit “The Right Bite: What’s a Seafood Lover to Eat?” on April 21-23 and learn about good and not-so-good fishing practices, enjoy free seafood tastings and play related games. John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive. Admission: adults $11, seniors and children (3-11) $9, 2 and under free. Monday discounted fees. Hours: weekdays 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.; weekends 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Call 312-939-2438 or visit www.sheddaquarium.org.
American Girl Place: This spot is many things: a theater, restaurant, doll and clothing boutique and a mecca for girls — particularly fans of the popular American Girl historic dolls and books. Spring break visitors can enjoy extended hours (10 a.m.- 9 p.m.), additional restaurant seatings and performances during the weeks of Monday- April 1 and April 17-22. Special events include Saturday’s guest, author Janet Shaw, and the Wednesday appearance of Lyric Opera soprano Anisha McFarland. American Girl Place, 111 E. Chicago Ave. Regular hours: Sunday-Wednesday 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.; Thursday- Saturday 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. Call 877-AG PLACE or visit www.americangirl.com and click on American Girl Place.
DisneyQuest: Interactive games and virtual reality surprises pack this five-story indoor theme park with thrills. Why not shoot the rapids at the Virtual Jungle Cruiser, or design and ride your own roller coaster on CyberSpace Mountain? The entertainment is arranged into four distinct “zones,” and the two food areas can keep a family well-fueled with pizza, sandwiches and snacks. DisneyQuest, 55 E. Ohio St. Admission: $16 for a two-to-three-hour pay-for-play visit; $34 buys a day of unlimited play or $26 for children 3-7. Hours: Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.; Thursday- Friday 11 a.m.- midnight; Saturday 10 a.m.-midnight; Sunday 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. Call 312-222-1300 or visit www.disneyquest.com.
ESPN Zone: Sports fans can get into the zone at this themed entertainment center featuring two restaurants, 80 competitive games and more than 100 game stations. Simulators and video games allow virtual action. But when it comes to the real thing, you won’t miss a play with multiple screens and a 16-foot video wall. ESPN Zone, 43 E. Ohio St. No cover charge, but games operate with pay-for-play debit cards. Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.- 11 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.- midnight. Call 312-644-3776.
