Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

"Here’s a friendly reminder that Hyde Park does not have cooties. You are allowed to go hang out there and we promise it will be fun. A good start is a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry. “But I don’t like museums, they’re educational,” you say. Ya, but this museum has hands on experiences plus an exhibit where you can watch baby chickens hatch, and that's bound to put a smile on your face. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation

"A stellar cultural activity perfect for families; offers various exhibits and interactive experiences."

"A comprehensive science and technology museum housed in a building constructed for the 1893 Columbian Exposition, the Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park takes up 14 acres and tends to draw families. Participation sells most of the exhibits here. For example, there's an authentic World War II submarine to crawl through, a coal shaft to ride down, and John Deere tractors to climb on—some of these experiences will be closed due to COVID-19 though. Science exhibits cover everything from human biology to storms and space travel (the actual Apollo 8 module is here). There's also an IMAX theater, with a separate entrance and shifting shows that play in repertoire." - Elaine Glusac

"The Museum of Science and Industry, which houses the largest science center in the Western Hemisphere, is one of the few remaining edifices from the 1893 World's Fair. It’s a veritable temple to science, and explores our inner child’s curiosities around how things work: a bicycle, pinball machines, tornados, farms, outer space exploration, and a whole lot more. For a breath of fresh air, walk around to the south side of the building, past the caryatids, and find the lagoon; or walk northeast, where a path under US-41 leads to Lake Michigan."

"Started in 1942 as a United Nations Day salute to Allied forces, the Christmas Around the World celebration at the Museum of Science and Industry began with a single tree decorated every day for 12 days to represent each of the countries who fought alongside the USA during World War II. Today, the holiday tradition has blossomed into 60 trees and displays exploring customs celebrated by families around the world. Surrounding the 45-foot-tall Grand Tree—which twinkles with 45,000 lights—are volunteer-decorated displays of more than 50 cultures, meticulously decked out with hand-made ornaments nodding to global customs."