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Lurker Intro and advice for fun weekend w/ 12 yr old cousin
Hi Everyone!
I've been lurking a bit here and on the national boards, and I've finally decided to go ahead and introduce myself! DH and I have been married for 1.5 yrs, together for 5, and we live in Palatine w/ our furbabies Serenity and Beckett aka Fat Cat and Stinky Cat. I sub in Palatine and Lake Zurich and DH works for the Navy.
We're babysitting my 12 yr old cousin on VDay weekend ( I know, sucky, we'll celebrate when she leaves) and I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for low cost things to do? I'm planning on going to Woodfield Mall with her. And her mom suggested Museum of Science and Industry since it's free that day. She likes photography, soccer, reading, and girl stuff. I'm more of a tomboy so I'm less familiar with the last thing than the first few. 
WDYT?
TIA!
Re: Lurker Intro and advice for fun weekend w/ 12 yr old cousin
First- welcome to the boards!
As for VDay, I think the ideas you have are good. A lot of kids love the Museum of Science & Industry (I actually haven't been there yet!).
Just to throw another option out there - the Cultural Center might be right up your alley. It's free and it's right across the street from Millennium Park if you decide to go there (which I'd also recommend if she's not been there. Right now they also have the ice skating rink in the Park which is fairly cheap and fun).
The Cultural Center usually has several art exhibits that you can go look at, including photography exhibits. Plus, it's a really beautiful building (the girly side should like it) and it used to be the Chicago Public Library (kind of touches the reading interest).
Here's the website. They have a link to all the current events/exhibits.
http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/supporting_narrative/attractions/dca_tourism/Chicago_Cultural_Center.html
Two more ideas:
You can look into museum passes at your local library. They have them at the Chicago libraries, and while they do go fast, it might be worth a shot (especially if you're around really early).
Also, the Lincoln Park Zoo has free admission, if she's into that at all.
You could get the City Pass, which is one fee that gets you in to something like five or nine attractions over the course of a weekend---a few museums, the Shedd Aquarium, Sears Tower, etc.
You could also get a manicure or pedicure.
Have fun!
Not sure if you're still checking this thread, but the Art Institute has free admission for all of February. I recommend the miniature room on the lower level.