Chicago Children's Museum Part 1

The first full day that we were in Chicago we decided to spend the day playing and learning with Megan at the Chicago Children's Museum Since the weather forecast called for cold and windy (really windy) Megan got all bundled up for the 4 block walk to Navy Pier. For the record she could move her hands but she could not put her arms down.

The first exhibit we visited was "Forts", to be honest, this was the exhibit that got my attention while researching the museum online. The purposely used everyday items that kids could find at home, but made it super easy to build forts. Every furniture item had knobs attached and every blanket had loops sewn in so that they would hook over the knobs. So much fun!

Grandma Berthold helping Megan create the perfect fort.
You could even build a fort up high in a loft (for the urban kids)

This fort our group built after we disassembled a pile of stuff. Mark was excited because behind the orange door, he built a fort within a fort! Good times for all ages.

Onto fire safety. Megan was too young to absorb the fire safety tips, but she liked playing with most of the props. She liked driving the fire truck, although Grandma had to pick her up so she could see.
Wanting no part of dressing like a fireman, Megan went straight for the steps to get to the fireman's pole. She didn't know what to do at first, but caught on very quick! She was the only child playing on it she she got her fill, but soon as more kids heard our laughter, a line started to form. But we already had pictures and video, so off to the next exhibit.

She loved this.

Next stop was a building area. I think Megan was trying to show Daddy what kind of play area she wants in the back yard. This area was very fun and organized. All of the pieces and parts were in a tool box or on shelves, so you could easily grab the correct piece you needed for your building.

How about a little fishing!?! Megan had to match a picture to the type of fish she was trying to catch. But she really just wanted to play in the water. I liked that any area that involved water, the museum provided raincoats to keep the kids dry. Even it it was just washing a baby, they had raincoats.

Megan picking some plants in her garden. She couldn't get enough of the real life play areas. She loved them! It was so much fun watching her play in the kitchens, houses, gardens etc. It's got me excited to start thinking of how we can organize our new yard for her to have lots of areas to explore, learn and play in.

More fun museum pictures will come soon. Too much fun for just one post.