Sometimes in our busy life, it’s good to take a day and step back from everything.
My friend Kris and I had heard about the Charles Schultz exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry and so decided to trek east and have an adventure. Though the day was pouring-down rainy, we had a good time (and I got a President’s house to add to my list – but more about that later).
I hadn’t been to the museum for a long, long time. I’m not even sure I’ve been to it since I’ve lived back here (though I went to it many times as a kid and know we brought our own kids down a couple times when we lived in Wisconsin).
So here’s some things to know about visiting the Museum of Science and Industry.
1. You won’t have trouble finding it. Go south on Lake Shore Drive and it’s right there in front of you.
2. Parking is convenient. I remember a huge outdoor parking lot, but today we parked inside (not sure the outside lot is still there). The museum wasn’t crowded so we parked right by the door. Parking is $20.00 – which I think is different from what it used to be, can’t remember. Pay attention to the location of your car – especially the level.
3. Museum admission is $18.00 – however, they do have free days. (I think every Tuesday is free.) Also there were many additional free days in January for Illinois residents. The special exhibit was $5.00 – otherwise we didn’t have to pay admission. But beware $20.00 + $18.00 a person + money for extra exhibits can add up – so go on their website to find the freebies.
4. The museum is totally renovated and if you went a lot as a kid, you will probably not recognize much. Everything seemed more open to me.
5. Lots of hands on for kids – and adults. We liked the shadow garden where you caught colorful petals in your hand (see picture) and we took a lot of pictures.
6. They have a tornado – fascinating to a group of school kids and funny to listen to the guide explaining that it wasn’t going anywhere – it was simply an example of a vortex. They were worried.
7. The fairy castle is still in place.
8. The walk-through heart is gone and replaced by a giant heart on the wall and if you grip the handles of the machine, the giant heart will match your own pulse, as if you’re hearing your own heart beat. Sort of weird.
9. The babies are still there. (If you have ever been to the museum, you know what I mean.) Maybe the same babies. Not sure.
10. A couple different food places including the Brain Food Court. A hot dog, chips and small drink were expensive, but not over the top and there were a lot of tables available. More on the Peanuts exhibit tomorrow.
