Best & Cool Science and Space Museums in Burnham Harbor

"The Field Museum is hands down one of my favorite museums of natural history in America. No matter what decade you grew up in, kids will always have an interest in dinosaurs—even before there were large, marketable cartoon franchises on the extinct reptile. You will be happy to know The Field Museum is home to “Sue”, one of the largest and most-preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex specimens in the world."

"The Field Museum of Natural History is a grand shrine to the natural wonders of the world and the anchor of the Museum Campus, which is also home to Shedd Aquarium. From dinosaur skeletons to priceless gems, the museum has, as part of its mission, understanding, protecting, and celebrating nature and culture. It's jaw-droppingly large, and its collections span various sciences and cultures."

"The Field Museum encapsulates a variety of exhibits that bring the pages of history to life through works of art, sculptures, artifacts, and interactive activities. Included in CityPASS 4 hours Learn More"

"Among the 26 different gardens here are the three-island Malott Japanese Garden, the 5-acre Evening Island, and the Grunsfeld Children's…"

"In Latin, "temporis" refers to the passage of time but you may want time to stand still so your ten-course tasting menu of progressive American cuisine will last forever. Executive chef Troy Jorge's menu defines "seasonal" and the restaurant's own indoor hydroponic garden brings a bounty of herbs, greens and flowers to the courses year round. Your experience may launch with canapés of Wagyu, apple and pear and move onto octopus shored up with perky 'Nduja, celery root and Vidalia onion."

"The intimate, Michelin-starred restaurant grows its own herbs and produce in a basement hydroponic garden, using water mixed with a mineral nutrient solution, instead of soil. In addition to the basement garden, each of the custom-made wood tables in their 20-seat Chicago restaurant has its own miniature garden built right in. This allows servers to garnish dishes tableside so your meal truly is garden-fresh."

"This upscale spot is now offering food for carryout and delivery. You can get a dinner for two (with dishes like short rib with jasmine fried rice and an arugula salad) or order a la carte."

"Restaurants Contemporary American Near South Side. After he graduated from Kendall College, chef Ryan McCaskey took a gig as a pastry chef at an acclaimed Wisconsin restaurant. These days, he's the head honcho at two-Michelin–starred Acadia in the South Loop, where dessert is an important part of his 10-course tasting menu."

"With two Michelin stars, Acadiahas proven there’s a place for serene chic in the South Loop. Chef Ryan McCaskey expresses his love of junk food via riffs on ramen and “Fritos” on your plate. His “pot roast” is not exactly what your mother would have made, either."

"Restaurants Steakhouse River North. This steakhouse chain's Marina City digs—a Chicago River fixture since 1998—sports all the classics, from prime-aged meat cuts to creamed spinach and truffled mac and cheese. Head to the restaurant's covered patio area for peak river views, or grab a table near the interior's floor-to-ceiling windows."

"Strollers are aplenty along Southport Avenue so it's no surprise that Crosby's Kitchen is a haven for tikes in this Lakeview neighborhood brimming with young families. The best part is that it's not just friendly for the young ones, it's also great for older kids and adults dining sans kids, complete with a wine menu. Order yourself a Bloody Mary and the table some monkey bread to start and choose from a kid's menu or the regular menu for brunch, lunch or dinner."

"This kid- and pup-friendly patio is an ideal spot for people-watching and sipping lemonade with rotating flavors like hibiscus and mango. Popular plates at this Southport spot include lobster deviled eggs, iron-skillet cornbread, and avocado toast studded with lump crab. (And speaking of kid-friendliness, here’s a hot tip: children eat for free from 4 to 6 p.m.)"

"This family-friendly diner offers Midwestern-inspired comfort food that’s sure to please. The staff are very accommodating to children and work hard to make sure they have a good time. You can’t go wrong with their dinner menu, and definitely give brunch a try—no one can get enough of their signature monkey bread!"

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. This family operated ice cream parlor in Melbourne boasts of family-friendly service and delicious and fresh ice creams. The shop takes pride in serving the best selection of soft serve and hand-scooped ice creams with as many as 30 distinct mix-ins and toppings."

"If you’re craving classic funnel cakes, make your way to Bridgeport ASAP. The 26th Street Sugar Shack doesn’t offer your ordinary carnival dessert. No, it comes in a sundae, and you can add whatever toppings you want."

"Home to the famous funnel cake sundae, this is a must-stop for every ice cream fanatic. Whether you’re getting the sundae for the taste or the Instagram, it will not disappoint."

"If you judge an ice cream shop solely on how close it looks to a Willy Wonka-type Wonderland, then Windy City Sweets is your golden ticket. This classic Lakeview haunt is chock full of so much Americana sweets and ice cream that you practically get a cavity just by entering the front door. The candy (and fudge!) supply is great, but the ice cream is truly special."

"Noble SquareAfter meeting at a vegan ice cream shop in Austin, Dylan Sutcliff and Mariana Marinho made their way to Chicago to open this Noble Square newcomer specializing in all things vegan soft serve (plus a medley of housemade cones and locally sourced toppings). Sweets aren’t the only thing the duo takes seriously—sustainability and ethics play a vital role here, as evidenced by higher employee pay, no animal-based products, and no questionable ingredients. Those efforts yield a cone you can feel as good about buying as you do about eating.How to book: Stop by for counter service."

"Does vegan soft serve taste just like cow’s milk soft serve?. No, and we’re not going to pretend it does. But it can still be rich and delicious, as proven by Vaca’s Creamery in Bucktown."