Some of summer’s best attractions roll on, even if it’s time for school
by jennifer burklow Kid Zone August 24, 2011 5:36PM
Tike Hikes are just one of the many bike tours offered by Bobby's Bike Hikes.
Updated: November 16, 2011 1:58AM
Back to school doesn’t have to mean the end of fun things to do.
With that in mind, we’re serving up a smorgasbord of ideas for a final summer hoorah during the next couple of weeks that the whole family will enjoy. So if you didn’t have time to check out these summer faves — or even if you did — round up the family and take the time to enjoy the waning days of summer.
To infinity and beyond
Adler Planetarium’s new “Deep Space Adventure” (extra fee) in the totally remodeled Grainger Sky Theater takes viewers deep into the universe aboard a futuristic starship. While waiting to enter the theater, enjoy the interactive multimedia exhibits in the Clark Family Welcome Gallery. If you brought younger kids, be sure to drop by the delightful “Planet Explorers” exhibit geared toward tots ages 3-8. General admission is $12 for adults, $8 for kids 3-11; 1300 S. Lake Shore; (312) 922-7827; adlerplanetarium.org.
Chase storms
Well, sort of. The Museum of Science and Industry’s “Science Storms” explores the physics of tornados, tsunamis and lightning, along with other forces of nature. While at MSI, check out “Suited for Space” (through Sept. 25), which shows just how space suits keep astronauts alive, and “You! The Experience,” which is chock-full of interactive activities that make connections between the mind, body and spirit. General admission is $15 for adults, $10 for kids 3-11; 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive; (773) 684-1414; msichicago.org. Note: From Sept. 6- 30, general admission is free on weekdays.
Under the sea
The Shedd Aquarium rotates different varieties of cnidarians through the “Jellies” special exhibit (additional fee), which runs through May 28, 2012. Composed of 95 percent water and lacking bones, brains and blood, there are about 2,000 known varieties of jellies, which act as both prey and predator in the ocean. Find out all kinds of cool facts about one of the oldest — 500 million years — species on the planet. General admission is $8 for adults, $6 for kids; 1200 S. Lake Shore; (312) 939-2438; sheddaquarium.org.
Catch the ‘Soul Train’
Take a trip down memory lane at the “Soul Train Photo Exhibit,” which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Chicago-based TV show, at Expo 72, 72 E. Randolph. Running through Sept. 5, the free exhibit features more than 55 rare photos of musicians who appeared on the show. Stop by between 4 and 6 p.m. Sept. 2 for Friday Night Groove with local DJ Bob Abrahamian. The dance party will be taped for broadcast on “Chic-a-Go-Go,” the television show that brings diverse music and dance programming to children of all ages. For more information, visit explorechicago.org.
Take a hike by bike
Offering tours to suit every taste — from historic Hyde Park to lakefront neighborhoods to tike hikes — there still is time to do some guided cycling with Bobby’s Bike Hikes. Prices vary by tour, ranging from $10 for kids to $59 for adults. Don’t have a bike? Bobby’s will rent one to you. Two locations: Ogden Slip, 465 N. McClurg Court, and Diversey Harbor, 141 W. Diversey Parkway; (312) 915-0995; bobbysbikehike.com.
Hop on a trolley
Besides sightseeing, the Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Hop On Hop Off tour treats passengers to a flotilla of free goodies like a Hershey’s chocolate bar, a sampling of Garrett popcorn, a small ice cream cone at Chick-fil-A and discounts at restaurants, theaters and other Chicago attractions. Tours leave every 10 minutes between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily from 14 locations. Ticket prices range from $15-$35, depending on number of days purchased. Call (773) 648-5000 or visit chicago trolley.com.
Theater in the park
Head to Millennium Park for Emerald City Theatre’s highly interactive family play “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” at noon Aug. 28 and Sept. 4 on the Great Lawn. Afterward, wander through the park enjoying the “Cloud Gate” sculpture, the Crown Fountain and Lurie Garden. Admission is free; Michigan Avenue at Randolph; (312) 742-1168; explorechicago.org.
Go out on a ledge
The Ledge, that is, at Skydeck Chicago at the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower. The all-glass boxes are 1,353 feet above the ground and extend 4.3 feet from the 103rd floor of the Skydeck, providing a spectacular view of the city and beyond. Admission (includes the Ledge) is $17 for 12 and older, $11 for 3-11; 233 S. Wacker; theskydeck.com.
Expand your social
conscience
Jane Addams’ legacy of helping others help themselves lives on at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum. This off-the-beaten-path museum showcases how Addams and her band of friends helped immigrants and continues their work through its programs, events and the Hull-House Heirloom Farm. Admission is free; 800 S. Halsted; (312) 413-5353; uic.edu/jaddams/hull/hull_house.
Latin gem
Check out the National Museum of Mexican Art, where admission is free every day. With more than 6,000 objects in its collection, the NMMA is one of the largest Mexican art museums in the country. Day of the Dead items are a big hit with kids, as is the gift shop featuring colorful replicas of museum artifacts and fun toys. Find NMMA at 1852 W. 19th St.; (312) 738-1503; national
museumofmexicanart.org.
What’s the hoopla about?
Getting fit, that’s what. Kraft Great Kids Hoopla’s third free festival of the summer — Health Is Child’s Play, featuring hula hoop fitness and lots of other activities — takes place from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 27 at Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd. in Glenview. Added benefit: Museum admission is free all day. Visit kraftgreat
kids.com for more information.
Jennifer Burklow is a local free-lance writer.
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