Educational Summer Activities For Kids In Chicago

While kids think of summer as a time to let loose and put the books down, many parents think of summer as a great opportunity to continue learning and exploring. Just as the summer sport activities provide children with a way to exercise and stay active, educational activities provide a way to continue stimulating the mind. Whether it's registering for an educational class, visiting a children's museum or thinking a bit out of the box, parents can keep the learning going by participating in summer activities that can be fun and educational. Check out some of the activities in and around the city and ensure your child has a well-rounded summer.
 
CrossTown Kids
CrossTown Fitness
1031 W. Madison St.
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 550-1063
www.crosstownfitness.com
 
CrossTown Fitness is offering child-centered programs, combining physical activity and educational classes. Children will be educated on the importance of exercise and participate in a program that incorporates specific developmental needs, including neurological, cognitive and motor skills. Drop-in classes are available for $10, and there is a specific age group for each child and varying dates and times. Register your child for this hands-on learning activity and ensure a well-rounded class. Check the website for the online scheduling center or for available dates.

Historic Wagner Farm
1510 Wagner Road
Glenview, IL 60026
(847) 657-1506
www.wagnerfarm.org
 
Part of the Glenview Park District, Wagner Farm is one of Cook County's last working dairy farms. Filled with history and a multitude of things to learn, visiting Wagner Farm is an educational activity that gets kids out into the fresh air. Children can milk a cow, feed a chicken, tour a restored farmhouse, go on a hayride, step into a two-story silo, crank a silage machine and much more. Building blocks are available for the young kids to build their own miniature silos and older kids can learn to have a great appreciation of where the food we eat comes from. Open to the public for recreation and learning purposes, this is a great activity for kids to get out of the city and into an old way of life.

Kohl Children's Museum 
2100 Patriot Blvd.
Glenview, IL 60026
(847) 832-6600
www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org
 
Instead of taking the kids to the same old bouncy house venue or video game arcade, Kohl Children's Museum offers the fun of exploration through learning. There are permanent and temporary exhibits available throughout the year, with everything from Car Care to Water Works. They will learn about different art media in the Adventures In Art exhibit or how to take care of animals in the Pet Vet. Instead of a museum that is hands-off for kids, the Kohl Children's Museum encourages exploring and learning through its many exhibits. Adult tickets are $11, seniors are $10 and children under 12 months are free.
 
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Kleinman Family Cove Family Drop-In Activities
1000 Lake Cook Rd.
Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-5440
www.chicagobotanic.org
 
Located at Kleinman Family Cove at the Chicago Botanic Garden, there is 1.25 miles of shoreline for learning and exploring. With such an abundance of wildlife, this is a great area to study aquatic animals and plants. Being held through August 31, 2014, Kleinman Family Cove Family Drop-In Activities include hands-on activities involving the plants, animals and aquatic environments surrounding Kleinman Family Cove. Held on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this is a fun activity that will help your child learn more about nature. There is no charge for admission and families can check out all of the other exhibits after partaking in their drop-in activity.

Hot Colors, Cool Water
Dupage Children's Museum
301 N. Washington St.
Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 637-8000
www.dupagechildrens.org/hot-colors-cool-water
 
Located in one of the most family-friendly suburbs right outside of Chicago, the DuPage Children's Museum offers a full day of fun and learning for your child. Varying stations help teach children about everything from wind energy to electricity. Kids will love writing with light, stepping inside an actual bubble and seeing the amazing things air can do. The Hot Colors, Cool Water activity will be held on June 19, 2014 from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Children will learn about math concepts and opposites while having fun with water play. The member price is $14 and the non-member fee is $20 per pair.
 
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Sara Lugardo is a professional writer out of Chicago, Illinois. She has a Bachelor's in Communication and is currently working on her Master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.