Exploring the Museum Campus @ Chicago: Shedd Aquarium

There were a few Hop On Hop Off stops in the 57-acre Museum Campus by the shores of Lake Michigan. This is where you can find three of the most notable museums in Chicago-- Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Field Museum of Natural History.

Adler Planetarium, Museum Campus, Chicago

Field Museum, Museum Campus, Chicago

 We only had time to go to a couple and the kids chose Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum.

Shedd Aquarium, Museum Campus, Chicago

The line-up at Shedd Aquarium was just crazy! Even if we had a so-called “Skip the Line” perk from the Go Chicago pass, we still had to line up at the “Will Call” door. There were some protesters advocating against the dolphin shows at the aquarium wherein they claimed the dolphins were sourced from inhumane practices in Japan. The aquarium, in response, has put up signs saying they do not support these practices. 

As we entered, we got our group photo taken, which you can purchase upon exit. We only had time to tour the exhibits and no longer the shows, Stingray touch experience, and 4D movies. The exhibits were beautiful! 

Amazon river exhibit @ Shedd Aquarium

 Good thing we had just gone to Ripley’s Aquarium this year so we really did not need to go all the way with the other exhibits which had additional fees. For example, while I think the jellyfish exhibit at Shedd would be awesome (as I saw from some photos), as we did not have time and did not want to pay additional admission, we no longer went. We had seen a beautiful, albeit smaller exhibit at Ripley’s. As well, the girls already had a Stingray touch experience at the Toronto Zoo, so again, we did not have to do it this time. We also just came from Marineland a year or so ago where we saw shows and touched Beluga whales so we were covered on that end as well. 

Beluga whales @ Shedd Aquarium

 But if you only have one chance to check out an aquarium (vs going to three different locations like we did), then this is the place to go! You would have the jellyfish exhibit, dolphin show, and Stingray touch experience under one roof! 

We managed to catch the dolphin show from the bottom of the tank where there was a viewing area. 

Underwater Dolphin show @ Shedd Aquarium

 We also were able to touch starfish and sturgeon—and got my sleeves wet from having to reach down! 

Starfish touch experience @ Shedd Aquarium

Sturgeon touching experience @ Shedd Aquarium

We especially liked the penguin exhibit which fascinated the girls—like a scene from Happy Feet!

Penguins @ Shedd Aquarium

 The aquarium was well maintained and there were so many learning experiences for the kids. We could have spent the full day here (after all, we lined up!!!) but we didn’t have enough time.  So, we had to make do.

The restaurant was way bigger than Ripley’s. They had pizza, tacos, burgers and dogs. There was also a patio outside where you can eat your lunch. Like Ripley’s, the gift shops/kiosks were all over. You can get your souvenir at practically every point. 

The girls had an awesome time but were quite ok not to spend the whole day there. They were excited to check out Field Museum! Shedd Aquarium is an attraction that must not be missed— for anything aquatic, visual and experiential, under a majestic structure from the 1930’s!

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A Girl’s World: The American Girl Place at Chicago

American Girl Place, Chicago

 So, the girls had seen the American Girl commercials and even the store at Chapters-Indigo. But that was nothing compared to the American girl Place at Chicago. The flagship store located at the Water TowerPlace features two-levels of girl stuff: American girl dolls, bookstore, café, dining area, photo booth, doll hospital, and even a doll salon! They hold parties and events in the store as well.

You need to make reservations at the Café as there are limited seatings (brunch to dinner)—and the dolls are welcome to join, too, with special chairs attached to the tables and their own cups and saucers for their meal! And if your little girl forgot her AG doll, they have extra dolls to dine with you.  

Cafe at American Girl Place, Chicago

 At the doll hospital, you can check-in your doll for repair. And for some pampering, there are stylists who will do your doll’s hair from braids to buns (for a fee, of course).

Doll Hair Salon @ American Girl Place, Chicago

 Your AG doll can even get ear piercing! 

Doll Ear Piercing, American Girl Place, Chicago

 Between the two floors, we were all amazed by the amount of clothes and accessories to delight any girl (or girl at heart). Girls’ clothes to match the $20-30 doll outfit were available as well. It was a place made especially for little girls and their indulging mamas and grandmamas to enjoy. So much so that we dropped by the store pretty much every day we were in Chicago—and hubby did not mind. He was amazed at the store as well!

Everything was expensive yet 3 out of 5 girls we saw walking on Mag Mile had either a doll clutched in their arms or had a shopping bag from American Girl. Going there or buying something is definitely a treat! But if you consider a purchase as a birthday and Christmas present, oh and for the next 5 years, then you should be ok :) Or if you are totally against such frivolity, then just check it out with an open mind and allow yourself to enter the world of little girls’ dreams, even for a while.

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