The Chicago History Museum's Sensing Chicago exhibit lets kids learn about Chicago through hands-on activities such as riding a high-wheel bicycle down a wood-paved street, catch a fly ball at Comiskey Park, a fun Smell Map, dress up as a Chicago-style hot dog and more.
The "Sensing Chicago" exhibit is definitely the family highlight. Whether making Mom into a hotdog, riding a big old-fashioned bike, spending time at the baseball stadium, or sending your own Chicago postcard, this place is great! Other areas of the museum have hands-on activities as well; my kids loved the trolley and train.