5 fun attractions debuting this spring in the suburbs, city
With spring right around the corner, families are looking for something new - something different - to keep the kids busy as the weather warms.
The season brings new outdoor attractions, enticing museum exhibits and even a record-breaking roller coaster for those brave enough to try it. Here are five family-friendly attractions debuting this spring.
1. "Snoopy and the Red Baron" - March 23 to June 17
Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst, (630) 833-1457; elmhursthistory.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday through Friday
Admission: Free
On tour from the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in California, the exhibit tells the story of how cartoonist Schulz's World War I research inspired him to draw Snoopy imagining himself as a flying ace. Visitors can learn about the Peanuts storyline and put on an aviator cap and goggles to take a picture next to a replica of Snoopy's doghouse. The exhibit also features a collection of Snoopy toys and books along with World War I artifacts, photos and film clips. A Snoopypalooza Week kickoff celebration offers plenty of extra activities for kids including a drop-in drawing lesson from 1 to 3 p.m. March 27 and the chance to meet Snoopy, listen to stories and dance to Peanuts music from 10 to 11 a.m. March 28.
2. "Troll Hunt" - Building begins May 1; exhibit officially opens in June
The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, (630) 968-0074; mortonarb.org
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily May 1 to June 21; exhibit opens June 22
Admission: $15; $13 for seniors; $10 for kids ages 2-7. Tickets are $3-$5 off on Wednesdays.
The first large-scale U.S. exhibition of Danish artist Thomas Dambo's work officially opens on June 22, but until then you can watch him work on six huge wooden structures spread across the arboretum's forests. Each of the trolls will stand between 15- and 20-feet tall and will be made with hundreds of pieces of reclaimed wood, including fallen trees and branches. You'll have to explore to find them, since some will be built among the trees that the creatures are meant to be protecting. Highlights include trolls setting traps to capture unwary humans and a hidden troll hideout in a wooded glen.
3. "The Science Behind Pixar" - May 24 to Jan. 6
Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, (773) 684-1414; msichicago.org
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Admission: $33.95; $21.95 for kids
Show kids how their favorite movies were made at this touring exhibit meant to inspire an interest in science, technology, engineering and math. Kids can explore more than 40 interactive elements that explain computer animation. They'll also be able to listen to stories from Pixar production crews and check out recreations of characters from "Toy Story," "The Incredibles" and "Finding Nemo."
4. "Underwater Beauty" - Opens May 25
Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, (312) 939-2438; sheddaquarium.org
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends
Admission: $39.95; $29.95 for kids ages 3-11
Explore the diversity of aquatic life by visiting five rooms populated by 100 species from around the world including eels, jellyfish and sea horses. Each space focuses on an artistic theme rather than a type of animal, showing off a variety of colors, patterns and rhythmic movements found in oceans, lakes and rivers. You'll learn why plants and animals have developed these striking looks and behaviors and can explore parts of the exhibit meant to stimulate other senses.
5. Mardi Gras Hangover - Spring
Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, (847) 249-1776; sixflags.com/greatamerica
Hours: Debut date to be announced; check website for updates and hours
Admission: $74.99; $54.99 for kids under 4 feet tall; free for kids under age 3
The Mardi Gras Hangover will be the largest loop roller coaster in the world when it opens this spring. Riders will travel both backward and forward and be suspended completely upside down on the 100-foot ride. The park will embrace the Mardi Gras theme in late summer by adding a nightly show featuring floats, beads, stilt walkers and fireworks.