The Chicago Latino Film Festival is a nonprofit organization that aims to promote and raise awareness of Latino cultures through various art forms and education. One of their main events is the Chicago Latino Film Festival, which showcases about 100 films from Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, Portugal, and the US. The Festival allows film enthusiasts in Chicago, regardless of their backgrounds, to watch movies they may not have seen otherwise. The movies featured in the Festival include films that have gained global recognition on the festival circuit, box office hits in their countries of origin, and those that have yet to be released in theaters. The Festival initially premiered with 14 films projected onto a concrete wall, drawing an audience of 500 people. Apart from films, the Festival also features music, dance, comedy, theater, and visual arts, making it a comprehensive celebration of Latino culture.
If you're searching for a zoo knowledgeable about its animals, you should visit the Lincoln Park Zoo. It is one of the oldest zoos in the country and houses over 1,250 animals within its exhibits and attractions. During your visit, you will witness various animals, such as zebras, big cats, polar bears, penguins, gorillas, reptiles, monkeys, and more. Established in 1868, the Lincoln Park Zoo is rich in history. It is situated in Chicago's Lincoln Park and covers an area of 35 acres. One of the zoo's most unique features is a burr oak tree that goes back to 1830. For younger guests, the Children's Zoo and the Farm-in-the-Zoo exhibits offer hands-on experiences. Children will also enjoy the indoor play structure, while the Farm exhibit allows guests to pet animals like goats and feed the cows.
If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven is a perfect place to visit. Here, you can get up close and personal with over 40 exotic, free-flying butterflies and several stunning bird species from the Southern Hemisphere. The greenhouse, which spans 2,700 square feet, features serene pools of water, flowers, tropical trees, and over 1,000 butterflies, giving you the feeling of being in summer all year round. If you're interested in witnessing the life cycle of a butterfly from caterpillar to chrysalis to the very first flight, you should take advantage of the First Flight Butterfly Release. Moreover, they offer weekly Butterfly Haven Yoga sessions if you want to spend more time in the Butterfly Haven.