Chicago Children's Museum

Pros: Fun for kids Great location
Cons: Can be dirty

The location is great, especially if the weather is good. There is a lot going on outside on Navy Pier and there is a beach around the corner. I have been to the museum itself 5 times. 3 times were great- the kids had a blast, everything was clean and it wasn't too crowded. 2 times is was a dump. The kids still had a lot of fun but I thought it was dirty and a lot of things were broken or missing parts needed to play. Maybe they refresh the exhibits on a schedule and I was there just before they were due for a cleaning but it was really bad! Overall though, i think it is a fun place for kid to visit, especially if you can do other things in the area.

Pros: Jillian Hurley and family say thumbs to the side.
Cons: Expensive..not a good use of your time.

There is so much to do in Chicago. But the Chicago Children's Museum and Navy Pier would not be the best use of your time. As a journalist in the beauty and lifestyle arena, my children really get a chance to travel the country.

They were both very disappointed with the Chicago Children's Museum, especially in comparison to the Indianapolis Children's Museum. The kids were also just on a field trip to the Navy Pier and the kids were BORED. Lots of places to eat fast food and lots of stores pushing Chicago merchandise and a stain glass window museum.

Try the Zoos, American Girl for lunch, the holiday decorations, see the gingerbread houses at the Drake, go to the Lego store....do the children's activities at the Art Institute...go to the park. But skip this museum unless the weather is bad.