We really wanted to see the Dupage Children's Museum. We had heard such great things about it that we were determined to drag our little 4 year old guy on an hour-long train ride to a neighbouring community to see it.
After a 4.5 hour round trip, though, we only saw the outside of the highly acclaimed Museum. And all due to bad planning. Coupled with bad weather.
First we should've checked to see how often the trains to Naperville left Union Station. Next, we should've called the Museum to make sure they were business as usual after the snow fall the evening before. Dumb.
How we got to the Children's Museum
301 N Washington Street | Naperville, IL | 630 637 8000
1. We took the 151 bus to Union Station across from the old Water Tower on Michigan.
2. At Union Station we bought our tickets at Metra. Our train was leaving in an hour. During rush hour they run more often. At off times they can run every 2 hours.
3. After about an hour on the train we reached Naperville. We crossed under the rail in the pedestrian tunnel to the other side, walked away from Chicago toward a large parking lot until we saw the museum. It was pretty empty. Except for snow. And turned out to be completely locked up. There was no sign or indication as to why it would be closed at noon on a Friday but one can assume that it had something to do with the wintery weather.
So sad. Oh well. The train ride was an experience. And I guess that just gives us another excuse to come again some day.