Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum — Attraction in Lake View Township

Since my last time here (a year ago) they added Nature's playspace, an amazing second playground on the first floor. They also spiked the price for adults from $10 to $16.5 🫤

Wonderful museum, helpful and courteous staff, beautiful exhibits, well maintained.

It is extremely friendly for kids. I think some exhibits are better for older kids who can read like the "river works" or the "weather to climate" but in general there is something to see and do for all ages.

The museum has 3 floors.

First floor: River Works exhibit which explains about floods, rivers and dems with wonderful interactive models. This is more suited for older kids so I didn't linger with my young one much there.

Mysteries of the Marsh has many live turtles, and some snakes and toads. There are also some events (like feeding) going on from time to time. It's a great opportunity to show the kids those animals up close.

Nature Lunch Box is an indoor area where you can eat with large round tables. There are many high chairs to use, and some interactive information about nutrition on the walls.

The rest of the exhibits on that floor where renovated when we were there.

Second floor: Judy Istock Butterfly Haven exhibit, probably the most popular one, which is an enclosed area you can walk/seat in with various butterfly species flying around. Very cool experience. There is also a window to see the different cacoons and other information about butterflies and moths.

The Wilderness Walk is next to the butterfly haven and has 3 sceneries of the historical nature areas of Chicago. Each scenery background is beautifully drawn and with the addition of the sounds and animal taxidermy creates a unique experience. There are many other animal taxidermy with information around that exhibition.

Parallel to the wilderness walk there is the Weather to Climate exhibit which is more suited for older kids so I didn't linger much there either.

At the northern part of that floor there is a nice little playground. It has a small structure with a slide and tunnels, two tents, animals fur station and a half a boat with some handles and wheels to pull and play with.

Third floor: Accessible only through the elevators (next to the building entrance), the third floor features a hallway leading to an open roof with a path viewing the museum area. There are plaques with information about the roof and local birds and some...

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is not just a fun, educational, interactive museum, but was THE perfect wedding venue for us last year! It easily accommodated all 150+ of our guests and kids, who absolutely LOVED the museum, the butterfly haven, the outdoor terrace and cocktail hour space, etc. We couldn't have asked for anything better. You can do an indoor or outdoor ceremony and reception, with minimal decoration since the museum itself is already so naturally beautiful, bright and vibrant!

Working with Mary Kehoe was a dream come true. She did so much to make our wedding soooo beautiful and perfect! All the months leading up to this day too, she was right there and ready to help us in any way she could, and especially in the weeks before, she was so supportive: answering all our questions, assuring us of everything, letting us stay in after-hours, walking us and our families/friends multiple times through the entire site, introducing us to all the security guards and staff to help us be more comfortable with everything on that day....all the while with a beautiful smile on her face and the most encouraging spirit. This was such a blessing to us!!

And even though Mary wasn't scheduled to work our event that night, she made sure to stop by just to double check on things and ensure that EVERYthing was perfect...and it was. I'm sure she is like this (and is so busy) with all her brides and grooms, but I truly thank her for making us feel like the only- and most special- ones, every time I talked to her. I hope you can also consider the Nature Museum as an alternative to the typical hotel or banquet hall for your reception. And if not for your wedding- at least make a visit and check out the awesome...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is truly one of Chicago’s best spots for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking for an interactive, hands-on experience with wildlife! 🦋🌿

✨ Why You Should Visit ✨

✅ Best Time to Go? Weekdays! It’s way less busy, so you get to enjoy everything without the crowds. Check the schedule for the butterfly release—it’s a MUST-SEE moment! 🦋✨

✅ Two Levels of Fun! There are two stories filled with interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and TWO play areas perfect for kids to run around and explore. It’s engaging and always evolving—they’re constantly adding new things! 👏🏼

✅ Perfect for All Ages – We’ve been coming since my daughter was one year old, and now that she’s two, she’s still just as obsessed. A place kids won’t outgrow too quickly!

✅ Worth the Money! Everything is well-maintained, super interactive, and clean (yes, even the restrooms! 🚻✨). There are also designated spots to sit and have lunch if you want to bring food.

✅ Gift Shop 🛍️ – There’s a little store where you can grab cute souvenirs and nature-themed goodies.

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🚗 Parking & Safety Tips! 🚗

🚗 No dedicated parking lot – it’s all paid street parking, or you might get lucky and find free parking nearby. BUT—be mindful of your valuables! Last time I was there, a car was broken into, and they went through everything inside. 😞 Do NOT leave anything visible in your car.

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💭 Final Thoughts

Would I recommend it? 1000% YES! It’s fun, educational, and worth every penny. A perfect spot to take your little ones or just enjoy a peaceful moment with...