50 things to do with the kids for spring

Typically, the Art Institute closes at 5 p.m., but Thursdays are special. Illinois residents get free admission after 5 p.m. You can explore historic works of art, including James McNeill Whistler’s “Whistler’s Mother” (pictured) –which is on loan from a Paris museum until May 21. Kids can also see AIC’s Modern Wing, which features eclectic pieces from artists such as Andy Warhol and Yoko Ono. Open until 8 p.m. Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave. http://tinyurl.com/7ow9llc

Models don’t get any cooler — or much more ambitious — than the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s sprawling version of the Loop (and near North, West and South sides), which scales 4 square miles down to 320 square feet. Containing 1,000 3-D structures, the Chicago Model takes up a large portion of the Railway Exchange Building’s spacious lobby. Walking around the model, checking out all the features of downtown Chicago, is a cool experience for all ages — and the kids might learn something about legendary city planner Daniel Burnham too. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at the headquarters of the Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan Ave. Free. http://tinyurl.com/m8vwzam

Introduce a new generation to a musical menagerie when last decade’s hit Dreamworks film gets the musical-stage treatment. Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Gloria the hippo and, of course, the penguin crew come to the burbs, thanks to Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences. Catch a YouTube preview here. Tuesdays to Sundays through April 15 at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. $17.23. http://tinyurl.com/hd5ogqa