Happy Place Chicago — Kate's Take

We had the most fun morning this past weekend! Do you want to know what we did? We went to Happy Place Chicago and the kids had the time of their lives! Happy Place is a a pop-up exhibit (similar to Color Factory and Museum of Ice Cream) with interactive installations that well...make you happy! I was lucky to come across the venue by chance a couple of weeks ago on my drive home from work and it's been on my summer activity wish list ever since. We had a change of plans this weekend so I was able to snag tickets and surprise the kids! Of course, we didn't know what we were getting into but the experience is almost like being in Willy Wonka's candy factory - each of the 13 rooms is full of surprises, colorful and larger-than-life. The exhibit is open through August 6th; run don't walk and as always, read on for my TAKE.

What to Know Before You Go

Tickets must be purchased in advance here
Parking is a bit of a pain but they have valet for $12
Kids under 4 are free (YAY) but no strollers allowed so bring a carrier for the babes
There are no bathrooms inside but they are available outside of the exhibit
The exhibit really is fun for kids and if you go on a weekend morning expect KIDS
You will have a timed entrance into the exhibit but our time there didn't feel rushed
The venue is an Instagrammers dream and staff is more than willing to take your photo
If your bring your DSLR make sure to charge the battery (ahem, yes my battery died)
Be warned that your sweet 6 year old will get a lot of exposure to older girls posing for photos and will leave the exhibit acting like a tween. True story.
Snacks like M&M's and Tootsie Pops are provided with your ticket cost
Food like rainbow grilled cheese and unicorn cotton candy are available for purchase
Like any museum exhibit there is a gift shop at the end of the experience (I regret not spending time here there were some fun curated goods!)

As soon as we left our kids were asking to go back next summer and while Happy Place is a traveling exhibit there are new interactive experiences like 29 Rooms coming to Chicago. I for one hope this trend continues because it's a great excuse to take a break from the mundane and get HAPPY! Fingers crossed that someday Color Factory or Museum of Ice Cream decide to pop up in Chicago too! What are you waiting for? Come on, get happy!