Activities for Kids

Secret Attractions at Your Favorite Museums

Skip the crowded exhibit halls and dig deeper into our fair city. These hidden gem finds (at places you already love!) will excite the entire family.

By Taryn Bickley August 21, 2014

If your weekend routine is starting to resemble a tourist checklist — belugas at the Shedd, U-505 sub at the MSI, Sue at The Field — then it’s time to dig deeper into our fair city. There’s nothing like a hidden gem to excite a field trip. Click through our album of uncrowded, secret spots tucked in your favorite places and let the fun begin.

A Fairy Castle at Museum of Science and Industry

What could be more fun than a fairy dream home of fantastic proportions? With a new facelift, the nearly nine-foot-tall, elaborate fairy house — built by silent film star and collector Colleen Moore — includes 1,500 miniatures and artifacts, books and dollhouse accessories, each meticulously preserved and dating back nearly a century. Stand near a painting of Mickey and Minnie, donated by Walt Disney; or peer at the tiniest Bible ever written, all while ooh-ing and aah-ing over the numerous tapestries produced by master needle workers in Vienna.

Hours are 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. daily (extended hours until 5:30 p.m. thru Sept. 1).
5700 S. Lake Shore Dr., Hyde Park
773-684-1414
Online: msichicago.org

Do you know any museum secrets? Share them with us in the Comments below!

— Taryn Bickley