Glenview, Illinois, is a great spot for families looking for a cool educational destination to visit. Whether you are looking to learn more about the history of the area, do some hands-on science experiments, or learn about different plants and animals, there are lots of places you can explore in the area. Here are some places you should visit the next time you are looking for a fun educational experience, courtesy of Crème de la Crème of Glenview, IL.

Kohl Children’s Museum 

At Kohl Children’s Museum, you will find a lot of hands-on learning opportunities for kids. There are 17 permanent exhibits that explore art, building, teamwork, and habitats, to name a few. In addition to the permanent exhibits, there are special exhibits that you can explore as well. 

One of the special exhibits you can explore is Kohlights, a Mesmertastic Holiday Lightacular. This event is open between Dec. 4 to Jan. 3. All the lights are motion-activated and let you play with light and color in this holiday light exhibit. For this event, tickets are $25 per person, and you can buy tickets online. 

By using a glowing wand, visitors can control and change the lights, so you will never have the same light experience twice. Some of the no-touch activity stations you can try include Pixel Play Meadow where you can project an image into the grass or Rainbow Arbor that makes lights cascade through a color wheel. Other stations include Color Play Trees, Rainbow Caterpillar, Color Walk, and Lighted Art Installation. 

If you are interested in checking out the permanent exhibits, be sure to visit the website to check out their schedule as dates of operation regularly change. 

Historic Wagner Farm 

The Historic Wagner Farm is a place where history and education meet. The farm is a working dairy farm where visitors can learn about the farm’s livestock and history while experiencing the way things used to be. In addition to the dairy farm, you can also learn about the different crops they grow there and take a look at the interactive silo exhibit. 

New to the farm is a Farm Adventure Area geared for younger visitors that includes a sandbox, tire swing, farm stand, and a life-sized cow sculpture that allows your little ones to play within a rural environment. The area is scheduled to open by 2021. 

If you are interested in visiting Historic Wagner Farm, be sure to check their hours of operation. While entry to the exhibits are changing, the gift shop is open on Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The store has lots of local products that you can buy and support the farm’s continuing work. 

Chicago Botanic Garden

Image via Flickr by lmgadelha 

The Chicago Botanic Garden is a great way to explore a variety of different gardens to learn about different plants. Some of the many gardens you can visit at the Chicago Botanic Garden include the Aquatic Garden, Children’s Growing Garden, Sensory Garden, and the Plant Science Center. There is also a Model Railroad Garden, Nature Play Garden, and Spider Island. Be sure to look at the website for the full list of gardens you can explore. 

You can find lots of educational opportunities at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. There are a variety of different classes that are available for adults, youth, and families. 

Another great way to learn more about horticulture is to explore the Lenhardt Library. They have books for all ages, and you can now borrow books online. Be sure to check out this amazing resource. 

Before visiting, be sure to book a time to visit, as they are currently doing timed entries to visit the gardens to help keep people respectfully and safely spaced apart. Admission is free, but there is a price for parking, which is $25 for nonmembers. 

Brookfield Zoo

If you love animals, the Brookfield Zoo is a great place to learn about different species of animals. The zoo has lots of animal exhibits to explore and special events you can attend. There are over 20 different exhibits that you can visit and learn about different animals, from big cats to the great bear wilderness or hoofed animals. Some additional exhibits you can visit include the Australia House, where you can learn about animals who live in Australia, or Habitat Africa! The Savannah or The Forest. 

Be sure to check out the website for a more detailed list of animals that you can visit. 

In addition to visiting the animals, the zoo is full of programs that offer learning opportunities. They have family play programs, adult classes and lectures, as well as a conservation scholars program. There is also a nature play program and family play zoo that teaches little ones all about animals. For anyone interested in learning more about climate change, the zoo has a Climate Literacy Zoo Education Network that offers a free eBook download so you can learn more about climate change. 

If you plan on visiting the Brookfield Zoo, make sure that you purchase their advanced tickets. It might also be a good idea to check and see if the indoor exhibits are open before attending. 

Admission to the zoo is $24.95 for adults, $19.95 for seniors 65 and older, and $17.95 for children between 3 and 11 years old. You should also factor in parking fees. If you want to visit the zoo more than once, you can purchase a zoo membership that includes free admission and parking, and other benefits. 

These are just four of many wonderful places that you can visit around Glenview that allow you to explore history, science, horticulture, and animals, courtesy of Crème de la Crème. For more ideas of some cool educational destinations, you can use a field trip directory that gives you lots of places in the area where you can visit for some more fun educational trips. Is your favorite educational stop on the list? We’d love to hear what your favorite place is to visit so we can add it to our own lineup.