Chicago Children's Museum

Designed to challenge the imaginations of toddlers to 10 year olds, this colorful museum near Navy Pier's main entrance gives young visitors enough hands-on exhibits to keep them climbing and creating for hours. Among the favorites, Dinosaur Expedition explores the world of paleontology and lets kids excavate "bones." They can also climb a ropey schooner; get wet in Waterways (and learn about hydroelectric power); and use real tools to build things in the Tinkering Lab.