Hello, all, is this museum for children only? The more I'm reading about it, the less desire I have to visit. I'll be on my own, no kids.

And that coal mine, do you really go down 600 feet?

Definately NOT a "children's museum". We arrived late(1pm Sunday), so didn't see very much of it. Current DaVinci exhibit was very interesting, but I'd say with only limited "kid appeal". Will try to be there first thing in the morning on my next trip.

If you enjoy science, it's a must-see. Enjoy your trip.

FainaAgain
I loved this museum, so much so that the second time I went I took my husband, kids and grandkids. Yes, Loved the coal mine. I was on my own the first time also and really enjoyed it more then when in a group.

There are some areas that really appeal only to kids, but not many. And some of the "hands-on" stuff is more enjoyed by kids, but you can still enjoy the exhibit without "playing" with it. Of course, some of the hands on stuff is fun for adults too.

Buy tickets in advance to go into the U505 submarine. Not sure what special exhibits will be there while you're in town, but it's worth checking beforehand to see.

FainaAgain: This is a museum some people love and others don't. It's not just about kids or no kids. But there is a lot of interactive kids' features like whisper coves etc. at the M.of S.&F.

But honestly, if you have a scientific or biologic bent (and I think you do) than you would enjoy the fetuses, the heart, the nutrition sections among many others. There are mechanical exhibits, probabilities displays re balls/real items in motion etc. etc. etc. Lots of planes, cars, vehicles, tools from the past etc.

Not just a cool coal mine or a U-2 German submarine either! And I won't tell you if you really go down or not until I see you.

But do know, that if I were in town for the length of time that you are going to be, I doubt if I would pick this museum. One thing, it's a ride there, and for #2- well, it does take all day and you must invest detail attention to it to make it come alive. It's a rather more intellectual activity, actually, than the TV and mini-minute sound bite groups are used to.

Great, thank you all! I'll start with baby chick hatchery, lol

RB, the DaVinchi Code is there till September 4, I'll arrive a week later. Oh, well, you can't have it all...

I wonder if they move DaVinchi somewhere, maybe even to San Francisco?

I will check the website for exhibits before leaving.

The coal mine is a great exhibit but does involve a bit of good-natured chicanery. It's sort of like those rides where you're in a closed car and there's a film inside that makes it look like you're on a roller coaster while the car moves a few inches.

You enter at the second floor level and the elevator descends to the first floor where you tour the mine.

On weekends the Number 10 bus runs down Michigan Avenue from the Water Tower to the river then down State Street to the south loop every 20 minutes. When it leaves the loop, it runs non-stop to the north entrance of the Museum. The Number 10 bus also runs every 15 minutes on weekdays during the summer months.

I was going to suggest Children's Museum at Navy Pier and then saw that you are traveling without kids! I'd try Field Museum if you are thinking Science and Industry doesn't sound like you. They are currently having a Tut exhibit at Field and I just got an email from the Turism Bureau of some great happenings in Chicago all summer. Enjoy!

JJ5, I didn't see your reply while posting mine... and City... I still have time to think about it!

How about a drink up at Hancock and a jump down a coal mine, LOL

Oh, I'm upset enough with Spertus being half-closed, now this...

FainaAgain, by the time you come the lines won't be as long at any of the museums. Don't forget the Art Institute whatever you do. It's absolutely the best. Yes, I'm prejudice- but I do think it is.

14th And I hope all the elevators are working.

While here, let me ask you about Balzekas museum of Lithuanian culture... I'd love to visit, but it seems to be far away from everything, and I am not an adventurous type.

The CTA website was not really helpful with directions.

6500 S. Pulaski Road @ 65th street

Sure, I want to know about safety of the area first of all, and then - is there a way to take only one bus from some other place?

Or if from hotel, I'll be at E Ohio @ State St

I've been to the Lithuanian Museum. My oldest two kids are 1/2 Lithuanian and this was the Lithuanian neighborhood of Marquette Park for many long years.

You could take the Orange line to Midway and the bus from there, Faina. It would be easier than busing from downtown. It's only about a mile from Midway and I lived within blocks of that museum at one time in 1967.

The South side is not easy to roam via bus, IMHO. Lots of buses, but lots of transfers as well.

It's a small museum and not at a par with the downtown variety but would be interesting to you, I know it would.

I'll get some exact particulars on bus routes if you want me to. I myself don't mind walking a mile or two each way, but I'm not sure you would be comfortable walking there or not. I'd do it and I have.

But some posters here who are obviously used to other environments have said it was scary to them. There are bars on some of the windows. It is not a ghetto. It's a working class blue collar neighborhood with a lot of diversity.