At 10 years old, it may be that my son will soon be too old to enjoy much of this wonderful museum, but for now he had a fantastic time and this was one of the most fun children's museums we've ever visited.

Located on the famous Navy Pier in Chicago, the Children's Museum is easy to get to by public transportation, a free trolly and even a water taxi that services tourist destinations along the waterfront. Parking is also plentiful in the garage - but at a premium price.

With lots of different activities that appeal to many age groups and interests, the museum is sure to have something to appeal to any child.

On the lower level an art studio offers both guided classes and open studio times for kids and thier parents, and the projects made make a great memento of your trip.

Admission prices are reasonable and you can truly spend all day exploring, playing and even sneak in some learning.

If you're looking for something to do with the kids, the Children's Museum is a great option - especially if you're looking for a rainy day diversion.

Hours are:
Sunday - Wednesday & Friday: 10am-5pm
Thursday & Saturday: 10am-8pm
Target Free First Mondays: 10am-8pm

You can visit for free on the first Monday of each month as well as on Thursday evenings from 5 to 8pm.

The Good Grief! Exhibit running at the Chicago Children's Museum September 20 - November 30, 2003 celebrates the late Charles M. Schulz. His comic strip, PEANUTS, is brought to life and invites children to step inside the Peanuts world. The exhibit is both highly interactive and very funny.

When you first step into the exhibit you come upon a life-size version of Snoopy's dog house. He is lying on top while Charlie Brown is crawling out of the house from down below. Next to that is the WWI Flying Ace's plane and children are encouraged to strap on some goggles and fly like Snoopy did for all those years, through his imagination.

Peanuts is a classic comic strip reflecting American history and culture. Browse through decades of comics while looking back onto our own history and you begin to understand the true genius of Charles M. Schulz. There is a section of the exhibit where visitors are able to pick up a paper and pencil and set it down atop a lit up table to trace a variety of Peanuts characters. In the same room you can see the Peanuts cartoons translated into various languages and become introduced to how the comic was distributed throughout the world.

Kids can walk amongst life-size statues of the Peanuts gang all dressed up and playing a game of baseball. There is a piano that plays beautiful music with any key the child presses. Lucy's "the doctor is in" booth is set up with interesting topics to discuss with your children such as prejudice and peer pressure. The kids can even help build Woodstock's nest. All this is in addition to watching various cartoons of the cute characters and all their trial and tribulations.

As if the exhibit isn't entertaining enough, Snoopy, everyone's favorite beagle, appears at the Chicago Children's Museum every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11am, noon and 1pm through the length of the exhibit.

From Charlie Brown's baseball woes, Lucy's Psychiatry Booth and the WWI Flying Ace's plane to a gallery of classic comic strips reflecting American history and culture through the decades, this exhibit allows kids to build language and problem-solving-skills and families to see themselves in a whole new way.