The new Cloud Buster exhibit at the Chicago Children’s Museum

When it comes to pure entertainment for the little ones — and adults, too, for that matter — near the top of the list in the city has to be the Chicago Children’s Museum, located at the front of the newly renovated Navy Pier. In this active, expansive museum, kids can dig for dinosaur bones, take an art class, divert rivers, scan items at a grocery store, test their building skills or help put out a fire.

We recently hosted friends from Ohio and particularly enjoyed the newest exhibit, Cloud Buster, which is 37 climbable feet of structural steel, wood, wire, rope, acrylic, fiberglass, and artificial turf perched high above Navy Pier’s Fifth Third Family Pavilion. It’s such a unique experience, as visitors can explore multiple levels, climb through unexpected spaces, and ascend all the way to The Apartment.

The Chicago Children’s Museum is located at 600 E. Grand Ave at Navy Pier. ChicagoChildrensMuseum.org

Enjoy 37 climbable feet of structural steel, wood, wire, rope, acrylic, fiberglass, and artificial turf perched high above Navy Pier’s Fifth Third Family Pavilion.

Miniature golf and more at the Mountain View Adventure Center

We ventured over to Des Plaines for a family day early this summer and really enjoyed playing miniature golf on this nicely laid out course. It’s well-maintained, perfect for kids (most holes are par 2), spacious, clean and surrounded by walking paths, trees and shrubs, which offers a calming effect. The small pavilion on the course grounds looks like a good option to host your child’s birthday party.

Mountain View is easy to get to as well, and for only $5 more, you can play a second round. And don’t forget the batting cages, skate & bike park and snack bar, allowing you to truly make a day of it.

Located at 510 E. Algonquin Road in Des Plaines. DPParks.org

Chicago Dogs minor-league baseball in Rosemont

Fans of all ages are invited for a one-of-a-kind experience in Rosemont, where the Chicago Dogs like to say that “every day is fan appreciation day.”

The Chicago Dogs are members of the American Association of Independent
 Professional Baseball, and home games are played at the beautiful Impact Field in the middle of the Rosemont entertainment district.

Here are their daily promotions this summer:
Family four pack — 4 tickets, 4 giveaways, Murray Bros. Caddyshack certificate.

Wiener Wednesdays — $1 hot dogs

Thirsty Thursdays — Fireworks, $2 cans of beer, trivia and prizes

Happy Hour Fridays — Giveaways, food & drink specials, live music

Theme-night Saturdays — Fireworks and a special theme for every Saturday (Jimmy Buffett, Star Wars, Decades Night, etc.)

Family Sundays — Play catch on the field, autographs, $3 bottomless popcorn, $3 bottomless fountain drinks.

Impact Field is located at 9800 Balmoral Avenue in Rosemont. TheChicagoDogs.com

Photo by Daniel Boczarski