Can't wait for spring break? Start planning now

When the temperatures start to warm up and the sun begins to shine, the kids are usually itching to get out of the classroom and play outside — but where should you take them once it finally is spring break?

The Chicago area offers a variety of ways to keep the kids entertained, help them enjoy the colors and sights of spring and maybe even learn something at the same time.

In the cityMuseum of Science and IndustryA child's curiosity can be a beautiful thing, except when parents run out of answers to their endless string of #8220;why#8221; and #8220;what if.#8221; A new exhibit coming to the Museum of Science and Industry will help answer some of those questions and provide a fun, educational and interesting experience for the whole family, rain or shine this spring.Opening March 15, MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition, will be coming to the Chicago museum with experts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman from the Discovery Channel's Emmy-nominated show to help answer some of the every day questions.Can you really blow a brick house down? Do you stay drier by running or walking through the rain? Why does a piece of toast always seem to land butter-side down?The answers to these questions will come with special effects, hand-on experiments and live demonstrations as the shows hosts solve these myths and many more.If the weather is nice enough enjoy a stroll by the lakefront or lunch in the city with the family. Turning the whole day into a mini vacation away from home will be fun for kids of all ages, and parents as well.If you goLocation: Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, ChicagoDates: Exhibit opens March 15Times: Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. On weekdays there are shows starting at 9:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:15 p.m., and 2:45 p.m. Additional Saturday and Sunday times include 10 a.m., 10:15 a.m., and 10:45 a.m.Exhibit price: $10 for adults and seniors; $8 for children ages 3-11Museum admission: $9-$15, depending on age and residencyUpcoming free days for state residents: Feb. 22, 29, March 5 and April 19Online: msichicago.orgIn the countryStarved Rock State ParkAre you looking to get the kids out of the house and out of the suburbs so they can really enjoy nature? A trip to Starved Rock State Park in Utica could be the perfect way to spend a few days this spring.Open 365 days a year, Starved Rock boasts sparkling waterfalls at the heads of 18 canyons around the park as spring rains fall and snow begins to thaw. You can take the whole family hiking along the 13 miles of nature trails, fishing, boating, horseback riding, camping or even just have a picnic lunch while viewing the sights from one of the many overlooks along the Illinois River.If you goDates: Open 365 days a yearPhone: (800) 868-ROCK (7625)Online: starvedrockstatepark.orgWith familyCantigny ParkIf you're looking for a day trip that will entertain grandparents and kids alike, a trip to Cantigny Park in Wheaton could be the perfect way to spend a spring day. The 500-acre park lets families get lost in history, play golf, listen to concerts, explore nature and learn something along the way.The Tank Park portion of Cantigny features nearly a dozen Army tanks that the kids can climb on. They are arranged in chronological order, so they'll learn about the history of America's wars as well. History buffs will enjoy the educational side, while your sons and daughters may just love climbing up on the massive tanks.The First Division Museum lets kids literally climb into fox holes, lie in a World War II-era bunk, visit the jungles of Vietnam and sands of Iraq and go through other hands-on war experiences.Cantigny also features 22 gardens, several restaurants, a golf course and a museum about Robert McCormick, whose foundation funds the entire park.If you goLocation: 1S151 Winfield Road, WheatonDates and times: Park and museum 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday; starting in March, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Gardens and grounds open daily 9 a.m. to sunset.Cost: Daily parking fee $5 per car. Museum is free.Online: cantigny.orgEducationalChicago Botanic GardenAs the flowers begin to bloom, what better place to take in the colors of the season then at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. The 385-acre garden features 24 display gardens and four natural areas. Exploring the flowers, plants and nature will make learning about flora and fauna fun for kids of all ages, especially as the garden's buds begin to o open for the season.Chicago Botanic Garden will host several family friendly activities during March including a class on homemade ice cream, held from 9:30 to 1 p.m. on Saturday March 17, and Saturday, March 31; $22 for nonmembers. During this class you can get an upclose look at how the seeds of vanilla orchid, which is one of the world's smallest seeds, can turn into a batch of ice cream and even pot your own plant to take home and use to later make your own delicious batch.For parents looking for something for the kids to do all week over spring break, Chicago Botanic Garden will also be hosting a spring break camp for children age 5 to 8 where they'll participate in hands-on learning activities about nature, art, food, conservation and more. Camp hours will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 25-30. Cost is $345 for nonmembers.If you goLocation: 1000 Lake Cook Road, GlencoeHours: Winter hours continue through March 31 with the garden open 8 a.m. to sunset.Cost: Admission is free, $20 parkingSpring break camp: March 25-30Ice cream class: March 17 and 31Register online: chicagobotanic.org/familyprogramsWith friendsSpring break campsLooking to get the kids away from the computer and out of the house over spring break? Many suburban park districts offer spring break camps for a variety of ages and activities.For example, children in grades 1-5 can participate in spring break camps at the Arlington Heights Park District for one day or the entire week that include swimming, arts and crafts and other sports activities. Parents have the option of enrolling their kids for a morning, afternoon or all-day session the week of March 26 for varying prices.Arlington Heights Park District will also be offering a three-day Mad Science Camp for students to learn and explore the world of animals, chemistry and the secrets behind magic tricks. The science classes will be from 1 to 3 p.m. on March 23, 25 and 27.Naperville Park District will be offering #8220;Camp Hip Hip Hooray; it's Spring Break#8221; also the week of March 26 for children to go on field trips, play games and make new friends. Camp runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with early pickup available at 3 p.m.Naperville's camp is for students in grades 1 to 5 and costs $153 for residents, $183 for nonresidents.Check your local park district for other spring break camp options. 12011023Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman of the Discovery Channel show Mythbusters will bring their exhibit to the Museum of Science and Industry this spring. 577384Starved Rock State Park in Utica is a great place to get out of town and enjoy nature with the family. 577384As winter begins to thaw, 18 beautiful waterfalls will be visible around Starved Rock State Park. 577384Bluebells will just be one flower on display along the nature paths at Starved Rock State Park. 601401Chicago Botanic Garden hosts a spring break camp for children ages 5 to 8 in March. 27011802Families enjoy exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.