The Highest Mountain

My uncle once climbed the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere—Aconcagua. That mountain is in Argentina. But you don't need to travel to Argentina to find a mountain. There's already a mountain in Chicago, Illinois; a mountain of scientific discoveries!

In the Western Hemisphere, the biggest science museum is the Museum of Science and Industry. This museum is filled with fascinating science, and it has hundreds of hands-on exhibits.

You can see your own pulsating heart in 3D, pumping with the rhythm of your pulse; fly (or sit there suspended from the ceiling) in a Boeing 727; take a tour through a full-blown eco-friendly house; creep into a coal mine; jog in a life-size gerbil wheel (big enough to fit a grown human); shuffle inside a WWII submarine, see a human body sliced into cross-sections (if you're into that kind of thing); and plenty more.

Rather than walking around, dozing off, twiddling your thumbs, spectating, you'll be immersed in the fun. In the process, you'll be learning.

With lots of enjoyable activities to do for children, it also has exhibits for adults.

If you’re in Chicago for only one day you can, without ever purchasing extra tickets, easily fill many hours at this excellent museum. Do the mirror maze before it gets too crowded (and dirty...hand prints ruin the illusion), if you visit the museum early.

The German submarine is amazing. You learn so much in one day. A fascinating place to take kids, but you need to get there early. Plan to spend the entire day. There is so much to see and to do.

If you're in Chicago, I strongly suggest taking the time to experience the Museum of Science and Industry. The tour and exhibit of the U505 German U-Boat are well worth the additional price.

Leslie, our guide, was welcoming, friendly, engaging, and knowledgeable. She shared the story with such passion. I have been on the tour several times, and Leslie is one of the best guides bar none. Something for everyone can be found at MSI. Prepare yourself to spend most of the day; even then, it will be a challenge to see all of it.

Once you’ve spent the day the MOSI, make sure you check out the Adler Planetarium.