The Sock Monkey Museum is just plain fun. There are sock monkeys everywhere. On the first floor…read morethere are sock monkey displays, sock monkeys and sock monkey apparel to purchase, and a private room for birthday parties where you can make and stuff your own sock monkey. On the second floor is the actual museum. As a historian, I was skeptical about how much real history there would be but I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of research that went into the history of sock monkeys at this museum. The Sock Monkey Museum is very fun and you might even learn something too.

Overall: 5/5 Its a…read moreone of a kind place. Theres no other place like it. Stepping into the store is kind of like being transported to another world. You feel like you just took a step back into time. The barn style building, the nostalgic decor and the Sock Monkeys from the past, all make the experience truly unique and nostalgic. There is one Sock Monkey named "LUNO"... and LUNO is almost 100yrs old. Great place to visit and check out. Truly one of a kind!

Never returned my call. I heard it through the grapevine that they are out of business and no…read morelonger a venue that can be booked for weddings. However, they are still being advertised.

Not sure which caterer of the four that Cuneo allows but the food at a recent wedding was inedible…read more We chose the beef medallion option and we couldn't cut the meat. It was like hard rubber. Sadly our whole table left the meal. They served it with broccolini that was steamed plain with no salt or seasonings. The potato patty had so much sage in it that it was inedible. We saw others at different tables having the same issues. We just know the bride and groom had to pay a pretty penny for this unacceptable food. Such an embarrassment for the family. Definitely stay away from the Loyola Cuneo Mansion for a wedding. Hopefully they will make needed repairs and add some fresh paint to the exterior of the building. It must be noted that the ballroom was lovely and the tables were exquisitely dressed.

Well, on this hot and muggy Sunday, we decided to have an atypical weekend visit to the shady Grove…read moreto do our almost daily walk. We typically only visit here on quieter weekday mornings. We were pleasantly surprised and fortunate to find the Blacksmith Shop open and that is the case only on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 3pm. Alec was the blacksmith on duty and he provided some insights into his craft as well as a walk-through of their various iron products, both functional and decorative. He is one of five volunteer blacksmiths on the staff here and really enjoys his time here. Thanks for the tour Alec!

What a great surprise. Needed a little down time and a chance to relax. The Grove provides just…read morethat. Free parking and no cost to walk around. The paths are easy to walk and the native prarie plants along with wild life is spectacular. The period building are relics from a very different era that look perfectly in place in woods. Will look to see what programming they have.

The Arlington Heights Historical Museum is also home to the Arlington Heights Farmers Market. This…read moreis a great place to spend a Saturday morning in the summer. My husband and I had a great time pursuing all of the vendors and activities that are available here. We love the cookies, pastries, apples, peaches, and fresh produce that we can get there. I highly recommend the Arlington Heights Historical Museum!

History has always interested me and this is a great place to learn about the history and people of…read moreArlington Heights. The Arlington Heights Historical Museum has beautiful exhibits which tell the story of Arlington Heights. When I visited they had an exhibit on Arlington Club Beverages and the 65th Anniversary of the Arlington Heights Historical Society. Arlington Club Beverages were made at this location for over 70 years. Sodas using the original recipe are available for purchase in the gift shop if you are interested in trying some of the sodas. The five building campus is a must see for any history lover or Arlington Heights resident. I visited on a snowy day. I found the grounds to be easy to walk despite the conditions. I recommend calling ahead to confirm operating hours.

Our daughter was invited to the Media Preview of "Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains" special exhibition…read moreat Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County in Libertyville before it opened to the public, and we were thrilled that she invited us, her parents, to join her. It was our first time visiting the museum, and it left a lasting impression. The Dunn Museum, operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves, recently expanded with a brand-new 3,000-square-foot gallery designed specifically for large-scale exhibitions. Alex Ross's special exhibition is the first one to be unveiled there. I found the new gallery very spacious, comfortable, thoughtfully designed, and professionally executed. Renowned for his use of gouache to paint incredibly lifelike portraits of Marvel and DC icons, Ross has elevated comic book illustration into the realm of fine art. The exhibition showcases 100 stunning portraits, each reflecting the unique personality and attitude of the character, which naturally shapes their pose. The portraits form two larger-than-life murals that fully immerse visitors, creating a perfect backdrop to step into the world of comics and pose with your favorite characters. We were so grateful and pleasantly surprise that Alex Ross was present at the Media Preview. Although he is such an iconic artist in the comic world, he is so friendly, warm, and down-to-earth. We were absolutely delighted to meet and chat with him. The museum's slogan is "Arrive curious. Leave inspired." That was exactly how I felt. I have only had casual exposure to the comic universe through superhero movies like Superman, Batman, and Spiderman, and I did not know much about the artists behind the scenes. However, after seeing Ross's work up close, I came away a true fan of Ross, with a newfound respect for his comic art! Although this is a ticketed special exhibit to the public, $5 - $10 in addition to the general admission, it is well worth the price and special trip to see it. The exhibition runs from June 29 through February 16, 2026. Go see it if you have a chance! We did not have time to explore the museum's permanent exhibits, but we certainly look forward to coming back. We did stop by the gift shop, which is well-stocked with comic books and merchandise that fans will love. There are even Heroes books and Villains books signed by Alex Ross available behind the counter for $100 each. Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains is the Dunn Museum's second exhibit featuring the celebrated artist's work, following 2019's Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross. This exhibition also supports the Preservation Foundation's "Every Acre Strong" initiative, which raises funds to help maintain and protect Forest Preserve lands, making sure they stay healthy and thriving for generations to come.

Our daughter invited us to the media preview of Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains at the Bess Bower Dunn…read moreMuseum in Libertyville. I didn't know what to expect. It was my first time at the museum, but I walked away seriously impressed. The new 3,000 square foot gallery is well done. It's spacious, comfortable, and designed to showcase large-scale work the right way. And Alex Ross's art? Incredible. His portraits of Marvel and DC characters are lifelike, powerful, and packed with personality. The layout includes two massive murals that completely pull you into the comic world. Best part? Ross himself was there. The guy is a legend in the comic world, but down-to-earth and genuinely kind. It was a real pleasure to meet him. I've only scratched the surface of comics through the usual superhero movies, but seeing Ross's work up close gave me a whole new appreciation for the art behind it. I walked in curious and left a fan. The exhibit runs through February 16, 2026. It's a special-ticketed show with an extra five to ten dollars on top of regular admission, but it's absolutely worth it. We didn't get to explore the rest of the museum this time, but we'll definitely be back. The gift shop is great too, with plenty of comic merch, including signed Ross books behind the counter. If you're into comics, art, or just want to see something unique, go check it out.

This museum is even more impactful to me than the big Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC. For…read morehistory buffs, this is very well laid out, and I am sure they'd approve. For those who grew up isolated/protected from the dark and tragic stories of human history, this museum will open your eyes and hearts to the truth in a way you can slowly and understandingly absorb. It is truly excellent, and the staff are knowledgeable without a guilt-trip attitude towards visitors. Start with a long pause at the memory wall/fountains outdoors (weather permitting) to quiet your soul and prepare for the exhibits inside. For me, after going through the interior, I like to stop again at the outdoor memory wall before heading to the parking lot, and say a prayer.

I spent Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day here in 2025, wanting to avoid news of the inauguration…read more Though I'd been at the museum for special events, like lectures, I'd never visited the main exhibit. The volunteers at the desk were super friendly and helpful. When I mentioned it was my first visit, they gave suggestions on how to maximize my time. The exhibit is put together incredibly thoughtfully. Walking through the chronology with photos, artifacts, and videos from Chicago-area family was powerful. I recommend really allocating time to read and observe everything, as the story unfolds completely. I was frustrated by other patrons who were having conversations about the worst road trip they've ever been on. There weren't staff in the exhibit, so I addressed it myself and asked them to step outside to continue the conversation or to be more respectful. They were appropriately embarrassed. I'm not sure if it's normal for their not to be volunteers or staff, but it would have been helpful had that situation escalated. I participated in one of the VR experiences where the audience can ask questions of a survivor, whose answers are the result of hundreds of hours of interviews. Not only was the experience amazing, but it was humbling to think of survivors spending all of those hours relieving their experiences so that generations can continue to learn directly from them. I will definitely be returning - there was more to see and do - and I'm grateful for the volunteers and staff who maintain this experience.

Great place for a rainy day activity with the kids. Various activities to keep the kids busy.read more

This Free Children's Museum is a gem in Palatine. I would highly recommend this place for kids 3-9read more

Chicago Botanic Garden is a wonderful place just outside of Chicago to enjoy a little piece of…read morenature. They have so much to explore throughout the year, including special exhibits like the Orchid Show and bonsai displays. It's also very kid-friendly and easy to get around if you have a stroller. The paths are beautiful and well-kept, making it a great spot for walking, exploring, or even running. Overall, it's such a peaceful place to spend the day and a perfect option when you want to step away from the city and enjoy nature.

I love Botanical gardens. Flowers and plants have always been my thing. This one has a butterfly…read moregarden as well. How cool is that. You pay a small fee for parking. Unless you're a member. I also noticed a tram near the entrance. If you don't feel like walking. I like to explore the premises and there are spots that the tram wouldn't be able to reach. This has to be the biggest botanical garden I've ever encountered. So worth it all though. Make sure you have on comfortable sneakers. It's a lot of walking involved. Don't forget the train station. Model Trains from state to state. Check out my video. This was another favorite of mine. I even saw amtrak from DC. I took so many pictures that I had to start removing old ones from my phone for the space. They also have various indoor plants. I loved visiting the veggie plants. All those fresh vegetables made me want a salad lol. Everything is included once you pay the entry fee. Including those beautiful butterflies. Loved it and afterwards we got something to eat. Which is also located by the visitor center. They also had free water with the cups available. Much needed, just make sure you stay hydrated. Keep a bottle of water available or thermal bottle. It definitely will be needed while walking around. Good way to get your steps in and watch nature at the same time. Enjoy yourself.

This place is great with a caveat - your kids need to really be in the sweet spot for it. Like, 2-5…read moreyears old. Also, prices are now up to $20 per person, whether an adult or child. Last time I was here I was amused to see the grocery store was a Whole Foods and the sandwich shop was a Potbelly's, but I guess those sponsorships have expired and everything's kind of generic now. Kids won't care but I thought it was fun. The main draw of this place is the sheer amount of variety they have. Kids can play with toy cars, instruments, water, trains. They can paint, build things, read. They can pretend to be a vet, build a house, grocery shop, run a sandwich shop (oh I guess I mentioned those). There's a whole bunch of little science-y things, and some areas that rotate periodically. Toddlers and young kiddos have a blast, but I feel it'd be hard to keep older kids engaged. It also feels pretty pricy, especially charging parents, though I didn't know you could save a couple bucks buying online ahead of time. Parking is mostly easy but it is a popular place so be prepared to have to do some conflict resolution at times.

This children museum is a bit of a hike for us. We have to drive at least 50 minutes but our girls…read morelove the grocery store (resembles Whole Foods) and sandwich shop (resembles Potbelly) exhibits so we would suck up the drive. We have the Dupage Children Museum (DCM) family circle membership and Kohl Children Museum used to be the one of six in-network museums with free admissions. However, it is no longer the case as of the summer of 2025. Now with our DCM family circle membership, we will receive a 50% discount from the full general admission fee. It is still a good deal. Our girls would usually spend at least two hours here. We have visited Kohl several times over the years and I generally find it best to arrive at the early morning, members-only hour because there will be less people and less chaotic. And also because we have visited so many times during different months, we noticed they rarely change up the exhibits.

A surprising hidden gem tucked away off the main road, without much indication of where this place…read moreis or what it is for. The museum here is quite impressive, with a nicely designed, brightly lit, attractive display of art, artifacts, and well constructed set of displays. With the spacious layout, it's easy to believe that you're in one of the major museums downtown, except that this place is not crowded at all so you can take your time to really read and learn about Korean Culture. There is also a library, event hall, class rooms, and outdoor sculptures to look at as well. Overall, worth a visit if you're in the area. The center is well maintained and you're sure to learn something, especially with the rotating art exhibits.

I am taking Korean language classes here. I have had difficulty learning a new language in the…read morepast, but here I have been able to learn so much and so quickly!