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Home›Featured-Blogs›The Local Angle›Kid Zone›Kid Zone: Funtopia, Powering the Future exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Park District’s Country Farm Fair and Movie in the Park

Kid Zone: Funtopia, Powering the Future exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Park District’s Country Farm Fair and Movie in the Park

By Trent Modglin
July 21, 2026
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Child in a light blue shirt climbs a blue vertical pole on a multi-level indoor obstacle course in a gym. It has a rock wall, tires, and bright yellow padded flooring nearby.

Indoor adventures at Funtopia in Glenview

Take a break from the sun with opportunities for rock climbing, exploring cave systems, conquering a ropes course, playing in the jungle gym and showing some bravery during a free fall on the giant slide. It’s all available at Funtopia in Glenview, where they “believe in the movement — in being active, both physically and mentally, while genuinely enjoying what you do and having fun.”

The best part is the activities accommodate such a wide variety of ages and create natural challenges for children to overcome on their own — with all the necessary safety measures in place, of course. It’s also pretty unique, and equally entertaining to watch, whether you’re just swinging by to burn off some energy or hosting a birthday party or customized team-building session. Plus, with it conveniently located in The Glen Town Center entertainment district, there’s ample opportunity for shopping and restaurants nearby too.

Insider’s tip: If you think you might visit more than once this summer, take advantage of Funtopia’s $69.99 summer pass, which runs June 10-Aug. 10 and allows for two hours of play per day.

2050 Tower Drive in Glenview. Glenview.Funtopiaworld.com

— Trent Modglin

Powering the Future exhibit opens and Spider-Man extended at the Museum of Science and Industry

Powering the Future is the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s newest major permanent exhibit, exploring how energy shapes our everyday lives for both today and tomorrow. Learn about where your electricity comes from and how we can build a sustainable future with various state-of-the-art interactives that make this exhibit fun for all ages.

Try your hand at designing a grid and figure out the best sources to power your city. Explore everyday choices you can make and see how these swaps can impact your home’s efficiency. Learn about batteries and alternatives sources of power through artifacts, including the 1923 Milburn light electric automobile and a cutting-edge geothermal panel. The fan favorite Ice Wall returns with a thermal camera allowing you to visualize heat transfer. You can also turn your potential energy into kinetic energy by playing on a climbing structure or riding the much-anticipated ComEd Coil, featuring two spiral slides.

Also, if you haven’t seen Spider-Man yet, you’re in luck, as now extended through Aug. 16 is Marvel’s Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing — The Exhibition. See rare comic books, view props and costumes from your favorite Spider-Man movies, explore cutting-edge interactive installations and take photos with life-size statues of your favorite characters.

The Museum of Science and Industry is located at 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. GriffinMSI.org

Man helps a boy feed fluffy alpacas behind a metal fence at a petting zoo outside.

Country Farm Fair at Wildwood Nature Center July 25

Enjoy a day down on the farm on Saturday, July 25 with the Park Ridge Park District. Pet cows, chickens, goats and more in a petting zoo that features more than 20 animals. Head out on a 50-cent hayride through Wildwood, enjoy a $5 pony ride and take part in Bingo, pig races, games, activities and crafts too. During the event, cowpokes big and small can try their hand at free contests like pie eating, potato sack races, tug of war and a water balloon toss. Food and drinks are available for sale as well.

The event runs from 12-3 p.m. on July 25 at the Wildwood Nature Center. Visit PRParks.org for more information.

Movie in the Park: Cars Aug. 6

Grab the family and join the Park District for a movie in the park — the mega hit Cars — on Thursday, Aug. 6. The free movie begins at dusk. In the event of inclement weather, movies are shown indoors at the Paula Hassell O’Connor Community Building at Prospect Park.

In Cars, a cocky hot rod gets stranded in a desert town en route to a big race, and gets a long-overdue lesson in humility. With the help of the town’s quirky car population, he learns that sometimes life is more about the voyage than the outcome of the race. Prospect Park is located at 733 N. Prospect Ave.

Visit PRParks.org for more information.

TagsFuntopiaMuseum of Science and IndustryPark RidgePark Ridge Country Farm FairPark Ridge Park DistrictSpider ManThe Real Park RidgeWildwood Nature Center
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The Real Chicago — an eye-catching, family friendly entertainment magazine for active locals and tourists — originally launched in 2006. It now has a sister publication: The Real Park Ridge. Proud to be servicing our new home in Park Ridge, as well as the surrounding areas of Rosemont, Niles, Des Plaines, Mt. Prospect and NW Chicago.

The Real Park Ridge is printed and distributed seasonally four times per year (December, March, June and September) to thousands of Park Ridge homes, as well as more than 150 area restaurants, bars, boutiques, coffee shops, salons, spas, offices and hotels. Make sure to sign up for our e-mail newsletter and download our new digital app for the latest events, deals and feature articles.

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Time to grab your team for the Park Ridge - Friend Time to grab your team for the Park Ridge - Friends of the Parks annual Trivia Night fundraiser

Saturday, November 14 from 6-10 p.m.
Prospect Park’s O’Connor Building
733 N. Prospect Ave. in Park Ridge
Doors open at 6 p.m. |  Trivia starts promptly at 7 p.m.
This event is adults only, 21+
$360 per team (up to eight players)

Registration includes:
* Eight rounds of trivia
* Pasta and salad from fire + wine
* Soft drinks and 24 drink tickets per team
(Drink tickets may be used for beer, wine, or hard seltzer.)

Teams are encouraged to create a team name and decorate their table. Registration closes Nov. 8 (or earlier if it sells out). 

prfriendsoftheparks.org
From our big fall issue, a spotlight on six new bu From our big fall issue, a spotlight on six new businesses in town. Welcome to Park Ridge: @brew.pkr 
@barestudioesthetics 
Mandram by @thalaivasindiankitchen @hotworxparkridge 
@hellohollyparkridge 
@ivnparkridge 

Read the feature now at therealparkridge.com
The Real Park Ridge deal of the week: By now we ce The Real Park Ridge deal of the week: By now we certainly hope you know all about the @fireandwinege half-price pasta special on Mondays, but are you aware it’s also the perfect spot to unwind for happy hour Monday through Thursday from 4-5:30 p.m. and Fridays from 3-5:30 p.m.? In the bar and lounge area, you can enjoy all of your favorite small plates at half off their regular menu price, along with a rotating selection of featured $8 wines, $10 signature cocktails, and $5 select draft beers. 
608 W. Touhy, C2 in Park Ridge
https://www.fireandwine.net/park-ridge-fire-and-wine
This Sunday, Oct. 11, check out the @parkridgepark This Sunday, Oct. 11, check out the @parkridgeparks open house at Centennial Fitness Center, where guests will have free admission all day to try out the facility and various group fitness classes. Special membership deals will be available Sunday as well.
Soaking up as much of this 70s weather as possible Soaking up as much of this 70s weather as possible on the patio at @wehavegreatbeerpr with a stellar Southern Tuba hazy IPA from @roaringtable and an @alarmistbrewing Crispy Boy pilsner (thanks to @pollyannabrewingcompany for keeping it alive)
From our big fall issue out now... @parkridgepark From our big fall issue out now...

@parkridgeparks Q&A: Justin Schuring on the variety of the membership options, fun classes this fall, and the welcoming atmosphere at Centennial Fitness Center

“There is definitely an upbeat, positive energy every day here at the CFC. … And I think people are surprised about the value of our membership options and what’s included in that membership.”

Read the interview at TheRealParkRidge.com
The inaugural Pumpkin Palooza from the @parkridgec The inaugural Pumpkin Palooza from the @parkridgechamber was a serious hit last weekend, thanks to the work of so many great volunteers and a community that likes to have a little fun. Until next time…
If you look up at the sky today, you’ll know that If you look up at the sky today, you’ll know that golf season is far from over. Come out and support the @mainesouthparentsscholarclub at their annual golf outing Oct. 17. Form your team or a come solo... either way, it’s guaranteed to be a great time for a great cause. Visit MSParentsScholarshipClub.org for morr info and registration
We’re just one day away from the first annual Pump We’re just one day away from the first annual Pumpkin Palooza from the @parkridgechamber 

The Real Park Ridge magazine will be helping serve up cocktails, wine and beer in the drink tent, so swing by to say hi. Lots of live music, local food, and fun for the kiddos too. All of it’s happening in the Park Ridge Farmers Market / Park Ridge Market after Dark space. See you Saturday!
Another enjoyable wine dinner at @theharpandfiddle Another enjoyable wine dinner at @theharpandfiddle this time benefiting the @parkridgechamber
The critically acclaimed “Adolescent Salvation” mu The critically acclaimed “Adolescent Salvation” must close Oct. 3 at @theaterwit on Chicago’s north side. Grab tickets this week to see what our very own Joseph Calderon called “Sharp, surprising, captivating and disturbing, this sleepover gone wrong captures the messy contradictions of teenage life”

Read the review at therealparkridge.com
From our big fall issue out now... Park Ridge Ins From our big fall issue out now...

Park Ridge Insider Peter Volpe on nature-friendly walks through the @chicagobotanic Garden … enjoying some great Italian at @donnygristorante and @tufanosrestaurant … browsing the unique items at @raffiagifts @edie.boutique and @aroundtheworldcigars … and escaping to @eagleridgeresort in Galena

Read the spotlight now at TheRealParkRidge.com
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