Enjoy Christmas-themed activities during time off or check out something new
"Mom, I'm bored."
It's hard to believe that such words could be uttered this time of year, with the frenzy of activity around the holidays. But once school lets out tomorrow and kids have a few days at home, they just might be looking for something to do.
We've compiled a handful of suggestions below that extend into the new year. The first three are holiday-related, with the final one for those who have had their fill of holiday fun.
O Tannenbaum
Christmas Around the World at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry is a perennial favorite with many families.
The exhibit began with a single tree in 1942. The tree was newly decorated every day for 12 days to represent the countries fighting alongside America during World War II.
Today the annual celebration features a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree surrounded by more than 50 trees and displays representing holiday traditions from culture around the world.
Themed around the science of snow, this year's exhibit features photographs of real snowflakes taken by Ken Libbrecht, a physics professor from the California Institute of Technology.
Stop by other exhibits, like 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bonds, and watch "Antarctica" in the Giant Dome Theater.
The trees will be on display through Jan. 6, with extended hours of 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. most days. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 24, Jan. 31 and Jan. 6.
The museum is at 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
Admission, which includes Christmas Around the World, starts at $25.95 for adults and $14.95 for kids. Visit http://www.msichicago.org for more information.
How does the garden glow?
Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden continues through Jan. 5. This year's 1.3-mile trail takes the celebration to new heights with installations debuting in the U.S. for the first time.
Hold and cold beverages, savory and sweet snacks and adult and kid-friendly food will be available for purchase along the trail.
Have fun with special themed nights - Glow Nights on Tuesdays, PJ nights on Wednesdays and Ugly Sweater Nights on Thursdays.
The Chicago Botanic Garden is at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glenview. Entry times are 4:30 to 9:15 p.m., with the garden closing at 11 p.m. Tickets are $34 for adults in advance, $39 day of and $19/$24 for kids ages 3-13 plus parking.
Visit http://www.chicagobotanicgarden.org for more details.
Winter wonderland
Families don't have to travel far - or buy tickets - to enjoy a light show. Winter Lights at Central Park in Oak Brook features a half-mile walk illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights. Discover dancing tree, colorful rainbow arches, cascading snowflakes, dazzling twirling icicles, vibrantly colored butterflies and musical hearts.
The Cocoa Cabin will be open for guests to purchase cookies, candy canes, hot chocolate and more from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, Dec. 19 and 26.
Central Park is at 1450 Forest Gate Road.
The walk is free and accessible to all. It is open daily from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. through Jan. 5.
A grand(er) entrance
The new Wonder of Water exhibit at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium transforms the historic rotunda into two habitats brimming with activity - one freshwater and one saltwater ecosystem. Guests can stand at the heart of the aquarium between two distinctly rich environments to immerse themselves in the biodiversity of life beneath the water's surface.
"The message of this exhibit is a simple one: water is what makes the dazzling biodiversity on Earth possible. Water is a precious and finite resource," said Sarah Hezel, the aquarium's vice president of design and exhibits. "This space transports our guests out of their lives for a moment to connect with life underwater, to spark our visitors' curiosity and sense of wonder."
The planted freshwater exhibit is one of the largest in the world, with more than 5,000 fish swimming in dazzling schools amongst 50 plant species, some over 7 feet tall and growing. On the marine side, vibrant and colorful corals live, grow and thrive in colonies that come in stunning shapes and sizes with 1,500 bold and beautiful reef fishes. Side by side, guests will see the distinct differences and surprising similarities between fresh and saltwater environments.
The rotunda has been home to two other exhibits. It first opened in 1930 as a 40-foot diameter rock garden and sunken tropical pool filled with native fishes, turtles and frogs. In 1971 it was transformed into a 90-gallon reef with tropical fish, stingrays and sharks.
The aquarium is located at 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. For more information on hours and plan-ahead pricing, visit http://www.sheddaquarium.org.
