Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe; 847-835-5440, chicagobotanic.org
The garden’s 385 acres are situated on nine islands surrounded by 81 acres of tranquil waters, with 24 display gardens.
Through Sept. 25: “Ruth Duckworth: Shaping Chicago”: An installation of a modernist sculpture by the ceramist and sculptor that was on display at Navy Pier in 1997 and donated to the Chicago Botanic Garden after Duckworth’s death in 2009.
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington St.; 312-744-6630, chicagoculturalcenter.org
The Chicago Cultural Center is a neoclassical masterpiece that features art-glass domes and glittering mosaic walls. Many galleries exhibit contemporary art from around town and around the world. Live musical, dance and cultural arts performances (most of them free) take place year-round.
Sept. 30 through April 29: “Write Now: Artists and Letterforms”: An exhibition of recent works using letters and text in painting, printmaking, sculpture and video explores letterforms. More than 40 artists, mostly Chicago-based, have works on display, including Jo Hormuth, Rick Valicenti, Ken Fandell, Jason Lazarus, Mario Gonzalez Jr., Michael Thompson, Buzz Spector, Jason Pickleman, Joel Ross and Mike Genovese.
Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive; 312-922-9410, fieldmuseum.org
The museum educates and entertains visitors with exhibits about nature and culture, prehistoric to present. One of the most popular attractions is “Sue,” the world’s largest and most complete T. rex dinosaur skeleton.
Through January: “Whales: Giants of the Deep”: Science and storytelling bring visitors into the underwater world of whales. The exhibit includes whale skeletons that are larger than a school bus, and audio of whale songs.
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N. Central Park Ave.; 773-638-1766, garfieldconservatory.org
Opened in 1908, and nestled in the northern section of Garfield Park, the conservatory features exotic plants, flowers, cacti, trees and other flora from several regions in 4 1/2 acres of indoor landscaping.
Saturday: County Fair: The country comes to the city at this fair that includes a petting zoo, horticultural exhibits and garden displays. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; $5
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S. Lake Shore Drive; 773-684-1414, msichicago.org
The museum is home to the WWII U-505 German submarine (a National Historic Landmark). And, with more than 1,400 feet of track and 34 operating trains, “The Great Train Story” exhibit depicts a rail journey between Chicago and Seattle.
Through Sept. 30: Illinois residents get free general admission weekdays; fees still apply to some exhibits.
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive; 312-939-2438, 312-559-0200, sheddaquarium.org
One of the largest indoor aquariums features permanent exhibits such as “Seahorses and Seadragons,” featured in the “Waters of the World” exhibit; and “Amazon Rising,” which brings to life one of the world’s most diverse environments, where anacondas, piranhas and arowanas make their home. The Oceanarium, with dolphins, California sea lions, sea otters, penguins and beluga whales, features a re-creation of a Pacific Northwest coast marine environment.
Through Friday: To commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11, free admission will be offered to active-duty military personnel, Chicago police officers, firefighters and their families.
Submit information to ctc-ent-events@tribune.com.
