The best arts & culture spots in Des Plaines

“Whether you need a midweek reset or want to wow a curious kid, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum delivers immersive exhibits, live animals, and very chill butterflies. Drop-by programs and hands-on science make it feel like nature class, minus the homework, right in our own backyard.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in nearby Arlington Heights keeps the calendar full with plays, concerts, comedy, and cabarets, plus classes if you’re itching to get on stage yourself. Grab a ticket this week and treat your brain to something brighter than another streaming scroll.”

From the Schaumburg newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Chain of art studios offering easy-to-follow painting classes for groups & individuals.”

“Interactive exhibits, artifacts & memorabilia help tell the story of the city's rich sports history.”

“When the cabin fever hits, Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier delivers hands-on fun for little humans with interactive exhibits that actually invite touching, tinkering, and full-on play. Perfect for sparking curiosity and burning off wiggles, then grabbing a breath while they invent new worlds.”

“State-of-the-art museum of science & invention, with the world's largest Tyrannosaurus Rex.”

“Immersive rooms with optical illusions & holograms designed to deceive the eye, popular for photos.”

“Some 18,000 paintings, photographs, sculptures & more are housed at this art museum.”

“This museum is a collection of vintage & replica homes & businesses, plus dolls & dollhouses.”

“This venue hosts the Chicago Opera Theater as well as a variety of music and dance performances.”

“Chicago brain fog cure this week, courtesy of The Art Institute of Chicago, where the landmark Willem de Kooning Drawing is on view and fresh shows like Beyond Form and Self, Made keep things lively. Wander the galleries, pick your personal must-sees, leave feeling suspiciously inspired.”

“Sprawling, hands-on museum full of informative, child-friendly scientific & industrial exhibits.”

“Photos, artifacts, newsreels & dioramas bring to life historical events, architecture & culture.”

“Important example of early modern architecture from 1892 by Louis Sullivan & Frank Lloyd Wright.”