Sometimes you stumble across an outing that checks every box: it's different, gets everyone moving, sparks imagination, and somehow keeps both kids and adults entertained. That was exactly our experience at the Balloon Museum's EmotionAir.
We decided to make a morning of it. Before heading to the museum, we stopped at the bakery inside Cermak Fresh Market for a quick breakfast, and if you've never treated yourself to one of their fresh pastries, consider this your sign. It was the perfect (and surprisingly affordable) way to start the day before diving into a few hours of play.
Once we arrived at the Balloon Museum, we immediately realized this wasn't your typical museum experience. Instead of walking quietly from exhibit to exhibit, we found ourselves interacting with the art in ways that felt completely unexpected.
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The exhibits are immersive and hands-on, inviting visitors to become part of the experience rather than simply observing it. Every room offered something new and encouraged curiosity, movement, and play. It felt a little like walking through a dream where touching everything was actually encouraged.
My child especially loved being able to explore at their own pace. There wasn't a "right" way to experience each installation, which made it fun for everyone. Some exhibits had us stopping to admire the artistry, while others had us running back for "just one more turn."
One thing that surprised me most? We spent nearly two hours there, and as we walked out, we were already talking about how badly we wanted to return with the rest of the family.
A Few Tips Before You Go
- Plan for at least 2 hours to fully explore and expect that some installations may inspire you to experience them again.
- Charge your phone. There are plenty of photo-worthy moments you'll want to capture.
- The space is dark, and some exhibits may include low or flashing light.
- EmotionAir is located within the Field Studios. If driving, the entry to parking is off Pulaski, and although there is a sign, it is easy to turn in too early to the parking lot for Cermak Fresh Market.
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely.
If you're looking for something beyond the usual museum visit, the Balloon Museum offers a unique blend of art, imagination, and play that appeals to kids and adults alike. Whether you're planning a family outing, entertaining visiting grandparents, or simply looking for something memorable to do in Chicago, this experience is one we'll be talking about long after the balloons are packed away.
We left smiling and happily chatting about the experience and debating which installation was our favorite (we are still debating this), and one unanimous opinion: we'd do it again in a heartbeat.
