Seeking Great Activities/places Around Chicago Geared for Toddlers

Here are my ideas:

Kohl Children's Museum in Glenview (EXCELLENT)
Lincoln Park Zoo (in the city and it's free)
Brookfield Zoo (not free, but a wonderful zoo)
Cosley Animal Zoo in Wheaton
Beaches all along Lake Michigan
Wagner Farm in Glenview
Peggy Notabart Nature Museum, across the street from LP Zoo
Pirates Cove in Elk Grove Village
Kiddieland in Melrose Park

Some of these places (Wagner Farm, Cosley Zoo) aren't full-day activities, but they're either free or inexpensive and a nice, short visit for kids with nice, short attention spans :) You could do the Kohl Children's Museum, then have lunch, and then see the Wagner Farm - they're within a mile of each other.

If you have any questions or want some more ideas, let me know!

There is a "museum" in Oak Park--Wonderworks on North Ave. I am not really sure of the address but it is around 6400 west on the South side of the street. It is geared more toward the toddler age group though they say it is for all kids. Lots of play and such. Of course, there is always Brookfield Zoo. The Hamill Family Play at the zoo is a great place for tots.
Ther is also a place in Schaumburg run by the park district. It is a farm that runs by old times, educational but fun. My husband took the kids for free. Not sure exactly where but they have info on their site.

www.parkfun.com/recreation/SpringValley/HeritageFarm.aspx

Hi C.
I have a 22 month old and will tell you what places he had a great time at:
The Nature Museum
Lincoln Park Zoo (they're right next to each other actually)
THe Field Museum
Shedd Aquarium
Navy Pier (just running up and down the pier and if you go by the Ferris Wheel, they also have a merry go round)
Have a great time!

Try the Oakley's guide - they always have great things to do!

Also, the new Legoland Discovery Center opens this week in Schaumburg.

when my boys were about 2, we "discovered" a little place called Jumps and Jiggles in the Elk Grove Park District building. it is an indoor play area similat to a McDonlads play area with-the big giant climbing maze thing. also has big soft blocks and a couple of fun toddler play things. the room right next to it has a carousel that the children can ride-with or without you, depending on age/size-. all of this costs $3 per child. adults are free. Also, friends and I used to bring a lunch and eat in the common area, but there is a fish pond right by the building as well as places for a picnic. look them up on the web though, because they have very secific hours of operation.

I don't know how far you want to travel, but the Morton Arboretum has a wonderful kids garden and they have a bug exhibit, trees/bushes shaped as bugs. Supposed to be great.
www.mortonarb.org

If you do go, take a change of clothes, there are water areas.

Have Fun!