Adler Planetarium
1300 S. Lake Shore Drive; 312-922-7827, adlerplanetarium.org
America’s first planetarium has one of the world’s greatest collections of antique astronomical instruments.
Through March 7: Free admission for Illinois residents Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Brookfield Zoo
8400 31st St., Brookfield; 708-688-8000, czs.org
On 216 acres, more than 3,000 animals live in walk-through settings that re-create their natural habitats, with different species sharing space just as they do in the wild. Through Tuesday: Free admission Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays
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 April 8: “Treewhispers”: An exhibition of handmade art along with stories from different people about their relationships and connection to trees.
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington St.; 312-744-6630, chicagoculturalcenter.org
Live musical, dance and cultural arts performances take place year-round.
Through April 29: “Write Now: Artists and Letterforms”: An exhibition of works using letters and text in painting, printmaking, sculpture and video explores letterforms.
DuSable Museum of African American History
740 E. 56th Place; 773-947-0600, dusablemuseum.org
The DuSable is one of the most notable African-American museums in the nation. The DuSable features permanent exhibits, including “Clothed in History,” with the shoes of gospel legend Mahalia Jackson and a dress worn by Halle Berry in the movie “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge,” and “Fight to Fly,” highlighting the Tuskegee Airmen.
Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive; 312-922-9410, fieldmuseum.org
One of the most popular attractions is “Sue,” the world’s largest and most complete T. rex dinosaur skeleton.
Harold Washington Library Center
400 S. State; 312-747-4300, chipublib.org
The Chicago Public Library’s Special Collections and Preservation Division provides access to rare materials of the Chicago Public Library including items relating to the Civil War and Chicago’s world’s fairs.
Through May 15: “Actors, Plays and Stages: Early Theater in Chicago”: The exhibition looks at the origin of Chicago’s rich theatrical legacy and playhouses that have operated for more than 100 years.
John Hancock Center
875 N. Michigan Ave.; 888-875-8439,
jhochicago.com
One of the tallest buildings in the city, the Hancock Center has spectacular views from the 94th-floor observation deck.
Through April 8: Skating in the Sky: Get a wintry view of Chicago from the 94th floor Observatory while you ice skate on the indoor synthetic ice rink. Chicago Blackhawks youth hockey coaches offer skating lessons every Monday.
Mitchell Museum of the American Indian
3001 Central St., Evanston; 847-475-1030, mitchellmuseum.org
The museum was founded after John and Betty Mitchell donated their personal collection of 3,000 Native American artifacts to Evanston’s Kendall College in 1977, before becoming an independent nonprofit institution in 2006. Since the initial donation of artifacts, the museum’s collection has grown to approximately 10,000 pieces, and it is one of only a handful of museums in the nation that focuses exclusively on the art, history and culture of American Indian and First Nation peoples from throughout the United States and Canada.
Through May 27: “Treasures of the Collection”: Art from the museum’s collection is on display, items dating from the mid-1800s to the late 20th century, including baskets, beadwork, Inuit art, ledger drawings, rugs and Southwest art.
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive; 312-939-2438, 312-559-0200, sheddaquarium.org
The Shedd is one of the nation’s largest indoor aquariums.
Through May 28: “Jellies”: A showcase of the strange anatomies and life cycles of the translucent ocean-dwellers.
