Odyssey Fun World-Naperville

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.

The hidden garden behind the Lincoln Park Conservancy is a must-visit spot. The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, situated in this garden, is designed to resemble a river flowing through a prairie. Walking along the stone path that encircles the lily pool, you'll come across a pavilion, a council ring, and native plants seen from mid-April to mid-November. As soon as you enter through the Prairie-style Fullerton gate, you will find yourself surrounded by a serene and beautiful garden filled with the soothing sounds of birds chirping and a gentle waterfall. Alfred Caldwell, a landscape architect, designed this garden as a hidden treasure for the people of Chicago. The gravel pathway on the east side of the Lily Pool site is partially accessible for those with disabilities. However, the stone pathway on the west has some steps up and down, making it less accessible. Visitors should also be aware that both sides of the path have a slight incline and decline, which should be considered while exploring the garden.

If you're a fan of Shakespeare, you should attend the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier. This professional theater company was founded in 1986 by Barbara Gaines and is the third largest in the Midwest. They produce works from the Shakespeare canon and other theatrical performances, with over six hundred performances annually at the Courtyard Theater and the Upstairs space. The theater has won numerous awards, including 36 Joseph Jefferson Awards, three Laurence Olivier Awards, and a Regional Theatre Tony Award. The theater also has a family series for younger audiences and special student pricing.