Looking for something different for little Johnny's next birthday party? Chuck E Cheeze getting you down? Well, those of you with young un's, take notice. I recently attended a birthday party at the relatively new PlayLab for a 5 year old. A super fun and somewhat less chaotic environment than the zoo or aquarium. Lots of hands on activities for the kiddies, I'm thinking ages 10 and younger. You get admission to the regular part of the Field with entrance to the PlayLab. Of note was Jim Louderman, the Field Museum's "Collections Assistant in Zoology, Division of Insects"--in other words, the guy in charge of the creepy crawlies, aka the anti-Orkin man. I had always thought that the Field dealt only in specimens of the un-living variety, but was surprised to discover that this is not the case! Jim oversees the Field's collection of exotic (and very much alive) spidies, stick like figures, and other far out looking insects. And you can arrange to have Jim bring a selection of these wild and wacky creatures to your kid's party at the PlayLab! (A fee is involved, of course.) His number is 312-922-9410. read more

So much fun for small kids! This place kept a 3 year old entertained for at least two hours and would have stayed even longer. Clean, GREAT family bathroom ad better yet FREE with museum admission! Moms you can sit on a bench and they can run and play the whole time! read more

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