Ah, Chicago! The Windy City is brimming with skyscrapers, deep-dish pizza, and… quirky museums?
Beyond the traditional galleries and historic sites, Chicago hides some wonderfully wacky museums that promise a day of fun, laughter, and learning for your little explorers.
So, buckle up as we dive into five quirky Chicago museums your kids (and, let’s be honest, you) will absolutely love exploring.
1. Museum of Ice Cream
The Museum of Ice Cream in downtown Chicago is a fun, interactive experience designed for ice cream lovers of all ages. With colorful installations, hands-on exhibits, a giant sprinkle pool, plenty of sweet treats, it’s a great spot for families looking for a unique outing.
🍦 For all the sweet details, check out our article about the Museum of Ice Cream in Chicago With Kids
👉 Grab Tickets to the Museum of Ice Cream
2. Sloomoo Institute (AKA Slime Museum)
Looking for a fun, hands-on experience that’s definitely kid-approved? The Sloomoo Institute in Chicago is a slime-filled wonderland just a 90-minute drive from Milwaukee (traffic permitting). Play with slimes of all textures and colors, get “slimed” just like the old days on Nickelodeon, create your custom slime, and more.
🌈 Check out our article about the Sloomoo Institute in Chicago With Kids
👉 Grab Tickets to the Sloomoo Institute
3. The Color Factory
If you’re on the lookout for an adventure that’s a feast for the eyes, consider the kaleidoscope world of Color Factory Chicago.
Color Factory unites a diverse group of artists and creative minds who have crafted immersive experiences exploring color.
Every room presents a new color story, inspired by the iconic elements of Chicago—from the blue stripes of its flag to the zesty green of a Chicago dog pickle.
With 14 immersive exhibits, Color Factory Chicago is a journey through a rainbow that your kids will love!
4. Museum of Illusions
Prepare to have your mind bent at the Museum of Illusions. This museum is a wonderland of optical illusions, interactive exhibits, and mind-boggling puzzles that will challenge and amuse your family.
It’s an incredible opportunity to learn about perception, the human brain, and why our eyes see things that our brain can’t understand. Perfect for curious minds of all ages!
5. Chicago Fed’s Money Museum (Free!)
Open Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Money Museum provides a perfect blend of learning and fun, free of charge.
Here you’ll get the rare opportunity to snap a photo with a million dollars, put your skills to the test managing inflation, and explore the lifecycle of money—all within the heart of one of the nation’s busiest financial districts.
Before you leave, don’t forget to grab your souvenir: a bag of shredded cash, representing over $350 in its former glory. (The shredded money comes from currency that the Fed deems unusable.)
6. McDonald’s Museum
This isn’t your average McDonald’s.
McDonald’s flagship location in downtown Chicago combines the iconic fast-food experience with a tribute to its history through the decades.
Dive into the upstairs museum, where every decade of the McDonald’s franchise comes to life. From the iconic striped polyester uniforms of the 1960s to pop culture relics like pet rocks and early cell phones, the exhibits are a delightful nostalgia trip for parents and an eye-opening journey for kids.
The “Chicago Firsts” section on the first floor highlights the pioneering spirit of the Windy City, making it a must-see during your visit.
It’s a hit with kids who love the vibrant memorabilia, funky music, and, of course, the Happy Meals.
Chicago is a city that knows how to blend learning with fun, and these museums are proof of that.
Do you know of a quirky museum we should add to this list? Email us at hello@mkewithkids.com.
Happy exploring!
Until next time,
Calie
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
