Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is Lincoln Park's smaller, quieter alternative to the blockbuster museums on the Museum Campus. While the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium draw millions of visitors and can feel overwhelming for young kids, the Nature Museum is intimate, manageable, and specifically designed for children ages 2-10. If you have young kids and only two hours, this is the right museum.

The headliner is the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, a 2,700-square-foot greenhouse habitat housing over 1,000 live butterflies from approximately 40 species. You walk in through a set of double doors (to prevent butterfly escapes) and enter a warm, humid, plant-filled space where butterflies are flying everywhere — landing on flowers, on the walls, and frequently on visitors. The experience of having a butterfly land on your child's hand or head is genuinely magical.

Wear bright or floral-patterned clothing to increase your chances. Hold still when one lands — kids who practice patience are rewarded with longer butterfly encounters.

The Hands on Habitat room is the second must-visit for families with young kids. This ground-floor space is designed for ages 2-6 and includes a water table where kids can manipulate dams and channels, animal puppets for imaginative play, building stations, and sensory exploration areas. For toddlers and preschoolers, this room alone justifies the admission price. Plan 30-45 minutes here.

The museum's live animal exhibits feature native Midwest wildlife: turtles, snakes, frogs, and fish in naturalistic habitats. Keeper talks happen at scheduled times throughout the day and sometimes include opportunities for kids to touch the animals. The exhibits are at kid height and include clear, simple explanations of each animal's behavior and habitat.

The permanent exhibits cover local ecosystems — the prairie, the river, and Lake Michigan. For kids in the 6-10 age range, the interactive displays about how cities affect natural habitats are well-designed and educational without being preachy. The Extreme Green House exhibit shows a model green home with rain collection, solar panels, and composting systems.

The museum is small — two floors, manageable in 1.5-2.5 hours. This is actually a feature for families. Unlike the Field Museum where you can spend a full day and still not see everything (leading to kid meltdowns by 2 PM), the Nature Museum lets you see everything at a relaxed pace, spend extra time in the spaces your kids love, and leave before anyone gets tired.

Location is another advantage. The museum sits in Lincoln Park, steps from the Lincoln Park Zoo (free admission), the Lincoln Park Conservatory (free), and North Pond. A morning at the Nature Museum followed by a walk through the zoo and lunch at R.J. Grunts makes for a perfect family day in one of Chicago's most pleasant neighborhoods.