Cantigny is beautiful in all seasons. It's become a favorite place for my daughter and I to go with…read morethe grandkids. There is something to enjoy for all ages. Last year, they had a row of swings suspended from the trees near the parking lot. It was always a highlight of our visits. In 2026 there is only one swing and it's near the tanks, so there is a wait to use the swing. Cantigny is a bargain because they charge admission by carload instead of individually. Admission is only $6.00 on weekdays, and Wednesday is free if you register in advance.

Updated Review: We…read morewanted to see the 1893 Columbian Exposition exhibits that are thru out the gardens paying tributes to the Architecture,Culture and Foods that debuted at the Worlds Fair. In the Summer,the gardens are full of color! We like to go on Wednesday as the parking is free as long as you pre-register online otherwise it is 6.00. This offer is available March thru October. A real Hidden Gem in the Western suburbs.

We came to view the Hokusai & Ukiyo-E: The Floating World exhibit at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art…read moreat the College of DuPage. Ukiyo-e means "pictures of the floating world," and this art style features scenes from everyday 17th - 19th-century Japan, like entertainment, kabuki, geisha, etc. This style had an impact on the Impressionists like Van Gogh. This exhibition has the debut of the Chiossone Collection, 53 paintings and woodblock prints of ukiyo-e. Prior to this exhibit, the only ukiyo-e artwork that I would have been familiar with is the famous "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" by Hokusai. But this exhibit "rides the wave," creating an immersive and multifaceted experience. Not only do you learn about other artists and their works, you can see original paintings and prints, walk-through an Edo-era street, visit an immersive manga/anime exhibit in "2D", make your own print, visit a garden and more. It was a little confusing how to enter the the historical exhibit (we weren't the only ones), but the info is presented in a very approachable way. That Hokusai, what a character -- He changed his name 30 times, He hated to clean so when his living quarters were messy -- he moved -- 93 times! The manga/anime exhibit was very fun -- with the 2D artwork panels created by the 2D restauranteurs. I was also impressed by the many events planned throughout DuPage county -- so many towns participating. The gift shop items were great! The only thing -- we came on a weekday and only ramen and hotdogs were available -- other items available on the weekend. In any case, I was quite impressed with the exhibit -- and I would recommend it for all ages.

I've been here many times through the years for exhibitions. Andy Warhol, Frieda. This one was…read moreHokusai. Beautifully curated display. Many interactive stations. After each area, you stamped a booklet that corresponds with the art displayed. The staff are knowledgeable & friendly. We came on a Wednesday after 2:30 and the price was discounted.

We went to the museum expecting to see a few old photos and not much else. Instead we stepped…read moreseemingly back in time to an immersive experience of a founding Downers Grove family. The curator clearly pours her heart and soul into curating every aspect of the museum, from the objects in the house to information about the people who walked its walls. We even walked through the cellar where the family hid people for the Underground Railroad. The long history of the house is imbued with mysteries and surprising details about how people used to live... paintings hidden in the walls, a wife's letters kept from past suitors, a wreath of faux flowers made from feathers... we were absolutely floored. We spent over an hour learning so much about American history through the prism of this fascinating house. Bravo!

An interesting local museum with about half a Victorian house on display; special exhibits in the…read morebarn; and another building visible only from the outside. Small wildflower walk. It's free (donations happily accepted). This was perhaps a stop on the underground railroad, though there's no proof. Visit is on your own, and a couple of rooms are given over to administrative purposes. Check out a small selection of items that are marked "please touch" (notably some items in the kitchen, such as the irons heated on the stove during the period; a period corset; etc.). The stereopticons (they have 2) are not included in "please touch" and are positioned so you can't actually use them, which is frustrating (hoping they'll buy a stand). In a hallway upstairs are photos and capsule bios of some noted DG citizens; I had no idea noted Egyptologist Henry Breasted had a connection. Signage is somewhat lacking, though there are small cards in most rooms asking kids "can you find {list of items}?" which will help you find some things. The barn includes an early/midcentury fire truck lovingly restored, with displays on the 1976 Bicentennial painted fire hydrants; a beloved firefighter who dressed as a clown to teach kids about fire safety. The temporary exhibit on travel was interesting, and the staff was preparing for a "Victorian dinner." Overall, worth a look if you have an interest in local history or the lives and possessions of the Victorian well-to-do. Did I mention it's free?

Museum is great for kids younger than 5 years Water table…read morefeature is fantastic! However the cafe can use some improvement We orders macaroni and cheese it was a small bowl about 4 " with bunch of noodles & cheese thrown on top and as a side a dried up mandarin for close to $ 7 you can do better Ended up not eating

We visited here on first night when driving to Chicago last week. Parking was fine since a few…read morehours before closing. The cafe in basement was closed. The first floor looked like tornado went through. Honestly earlier time of 4pm closing is probably when staff does cleaning and sorting. It is too bad there isn't cleaning and sorting throughout the day. A lot of exhibits are for older kids so my son didn't find much interested in it. Outdoors was tinker lab with bubbles which closed early at 3pm. 2nd floor was quieter and not as crowded. There were a few places for baby play area. Overall we were underwhelmed with this. Kohl children museum had outdoor play area which looked better which we visited the next day. This is closer to our hotel but not much for our son's interest. This is better probably when he is older.

I haven't been to the arboretum since I was a kid and used to go frequently with my grandparents…read more Bored one Saturday, I decided to take my outdoorsy 4 year old daughter. We mainly just explored the Children's Garden area. Thankfully, there are bathrooms nearby. They were clean. And there was a vendor selling snacks outside (and yummy sangria) so I bought some there and didn't bother with the indoor restaurant. I would recommend if you're going with Young ones, to bring a stroller!! Children 3 and under are free admission. Tickets are a couple dollars cheaper if purchased online. I paid $25 for adult admission. We would have liked to take the tram around, but I didn't realize it only runs a couple of times and sells out quickly. So if you're interested in the tram ride, buy tickets when you first get there. My daughter loved the rope bridge/tree house area. Definitely a place to add into your rotation of places to go, especially if you have kids that love being outside in nature.

I last visited the Morton Arboretum when I was a teen and have wanted to make a return trip for…read moresome time. I recently attended a tour of the Arboretum via a small (10 people) van tour from another Chicago metro area community about 45 minutes from the location. Of course, it is very different; there is a sit-down restaurant with very good food, The menu is on their webpage. There is also a carry-out location very near the restaurant. There is also a gift/book shop near the entrance. The choices made by the buyer are truly one of a kind and in the best of taste. There are ample visitor facilities and places to sit down. I do not think that there were any special events taking place and if they do there appears to be ample parking which includes chargers for electric cars. Some of the facilities associated with the Arboretum are not close to the visitors' center but closer to the entrance/exit. The walking paths are do-able for hardy folks as well as those who are not. Lots of kids and parents were present, all having a great time. The tram is highly recommended as it gives a one of a kind look at the Arboretum, its past and its future and our driver/guide was terrific. The cost is $10 for non-members, and well worth it. As I am an infrequent visitor I would not be a good candidate for a membership; if I lived closer to the site and were a frequent visitor the cost-savings for an Arboretum membership would be a nice savings I think. Lastly there was a bit of confusion about the admission pricing for our group; our trip organizers may have been quoted one price, and we were charged another upon arrival at the entrance to the Arboretum. We were paying per attendee not as a group, so perhaps that is where the confusion began. Perhaps pre-payment is preferred here. Group sales for the Arboretum would be able to clarify this I am sure.

The museum is free and a nice place to stop in if you have kids and are walking around downtown…read moreWheaton. They have a charming train display on the lower level that children tend to love! The main floor focuses on local Illinois history. It's a small place, and the upper level is currently under construction, but being free makes it well worthwhile even as they spruce things up.

All of you that took pictures inside should be ashamed of yourselves. It's clearly posted…read morethroughout, now go sit in the corner for 10 minutes and reflect on your rebellious nature. Ok, so first of all it's free. But, you can make donations ($4 is "suggested") I like places like this and was happy to make a donation. The building is cool, it was built by John Quincy Adams (distant relative to the former President) as a Library, he lived across the street and gifted this wonderful building to the community. Why only 3 stars you ask? I wanted to click 4 stars.. but when it said "Yay! I'm a fan." I just couldn't. I'm glad that I went once, but that was enough. Many of the displays are specific to only a few families that have made extensive donations of items, this is cool except that I was looking for more specific information on the formation of the towns throughout the county. Also, maybe some juicy gossip.. like the stuff about the how Wheaton became the County Seat.. or how the towns were named.. etc.. and maybe some founder's pictures. The first room on the left is the main exhibit (and to me most interesting) There are some nice period pieces of clothing and family pictures. Quite a bit of information about the trains (and the stations and architects) that run through DuPage County and the Illinois Prairie Path that took some of their places. I spent the most time in this room. It's easy to walk by, but when you first enter the museum, on the right is a display about the building worth looking at.. pictures of the museum going back to the horse and buggy days.. almost missed that because we were engaged with the people at the desk right away. (very friendly) I didn't get the train exhibit in the basement, it was operational (push the button) on the day we were there and held our interest for all of a few moments.. I think you have to know and understand about these things. I was distracted by the placement of the buildings/locations in relation to the tracks, things were out of whack. I know it's supposed to be impressive.. but I was kind of "meh" The second floor used to have a stage and seating. That's been removed but the room is still attractive with it's tall ceiling. It's worth a visit, but I wouldn't plan a day around it.

We went last week. Wait until after Aug 15 to go. Currently there is little or no explanation of…read morelife in the 1800's (except the mansion - the mansion was the regular docent-led tour - well done). For some insane reason, they have decided to "feature" the 1980's. Poorly. A quiz about TV commercials in the 80's. We were there with children, 30-somethings, and a tourist from another country. No one knew any of these answwers and they wouldn't stop. NOTHING about the newspaper printing in the 1800's. Blacksmith was at least about being a blacksmith, but no history. School - "Well, schools were pretty much the same as they are now. Not like this one." Our kids understood that Twister was a game and movies were on a tape in the 80's. But they were not interested. Nice craft opportunity with the scrunchee. But not about early settlement. If not for the mansion, 2 stars (things were open to go inside, at least). I will check carefully again before I would take kids for any history that they would care about. Must be a big draw for the 50 -60 year olds! Huge disappointment for us and our grade-school kids.

Came here for the Halloween trick or treating. There was lots to do and it was fun for all ages…read morefrom 12 months to 65 years old. We played with the dinosaurs eggs, bubbles, entered the costumes contest, and took a tour of the mansion. The decorations were pretty great!