BEST MUSEUM

Museum of Science & Industry

5700 South Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, Ill., 773.684.1414, msichicago.org

Chicago's Museum of Science & Industry is one of the world's largest science museums, with more than 35,000 artifacts in the nearly 14-acres of creativity and innovation. The museum's vision is to inspire children whose dreams lie in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and medicine to pursue their goals by providing a place to explore and nurture their intellectual curiosity.

Permanent exhibits at the museum, such as U-505 Submarine, the only German U-boat in the United States, are accompanied by many changing temporary exhibits, like the current "Science Storms," which encompasses more than 50 experiments and takes up 26,000 square feet on two floors. Also happening now are the "Smart Home: Green & Wired" and "YOU! The Experience" exhibits.

In addition, visitors can also enjoy a range of other events, live science experiences, and performances in the Omnimax Theater. The Museum of Science & Industry is open every day of the year, with the exception of Christmas.

SECOND PLACE

The Field Museum

1400 South Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, Ill., 312.922.9410, fieldmuseum.org

THIRD PLACE

Chicago Children's Museum

700 East Grand Ave, Chicago, Ill.. 312.527.1000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org