Cernan Earth and Space Center
Triton College, 2000 5th Ave., River Grove; 708-456-0300, 
Explore the wonders of the universe and the latest discoveries in astronomy, space exploration and Earth science at this space-age facility that combines education and entertainment for people of all ages. Open all year, the Cernan Center houses a 100-seat dome theater that features star-filled planetarium shows, wraparound films, children's shows and laser light shows, along with a Space Hall and Star Store gift shop.
Ongoing: "Apollo/Mars Landscape Diorama": The two-part exhibit commemorates the successful Apollo missions to the moon with models of the lunar module and lunar rover as part of the display while also celebrating present and future exploration of Mars with re-creations of the rocky and sandy Martian landscape, complete with a scale model of the Sojourner probe.
224 S. Michigan Ave.; 312-922-3432, architecture.org
The foundation entertains nearly 500,000 people a year on more than 85 architecture tours, with free exhibitions and a retail store.
Ongoing: "Chicago Model City": A large-scale, 400-block representation of the Loop includes 1,000 highly detailed buildings. City photographs, maps and videos complement the display.
Elmhurst Historical Museum
120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst; 630-833-1457, elmhursthistory.org
The regional history museum is located in the Glos Mansion, former home of Elmhurst's first village president, Henry L. Glos, and offers a look at the lifestyle of past communities through exhibits, educational programs, tours and other programming. The museum also manages the Churchville Schoolhouse (listed in the National Register of Historic Places), a one-room schoolhouse from the early 1900s that has been restored and reopened to the public in 2010.
Through Sept. 30: "Sweet Home Chicago: The History of America's Candy Capital": The is not an exhibit about the legendary blues of Chicago, but the other sweetness from the Windy City: candy. "Sweet Home Chicago" includes interactive displays, videos, a Twisted Candy Challenge and more that take visitors through the rich history of Chicago confections: Ferrara Pan (Lemonhead, Red Hots, Boston Baked Beans), Fannie May, Brach's, Frango Mints and Tootsie Roll, to name a few.
300 N. Central Park Ave.; 773-638-1766, garfieldconservatory.org
Opened in 1908, and nestled in the northern section of Garfield Park, the conservatory features exotic plants, flowers, cacti, trees and other flora from several regions in 41/2 acres of indoor landscaping. The conservatory, designed by landscape architect Jens Jensen, is one of the world's largest gardens under glass. Fountains and small waterfalls make for a pleasant and serene indoor environment. Rooms and outside gardens previously not accessible to the public due to severe damage from the June 30 hailstorm have now been reopened.
Ongoing: Guided tours: Learn historical facts and more about the collection of plants and trees at the Jens Jensen-designed conservatory, opened in 1908, from a guide. $12, adults only (self-guided tours also available).
Reva and David Logan Square Art Center
University of Chicago, 915 E. 60th St.; 773-702-2787, logancenter.uchicago.edu
The university's mission for this new facility is that it be a creative hub for students, visiting artists and the public with programming in cinema, media studies, creative writing, music, theater and performance art. Some events and classes have already taken place while the 11-story, 184,000-square-foot facility, designed by Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, and housing classrooms, studios, rehearsal rooms and exhibition and performance spaces, is being completed, and the public is welcome to come on in now.
Ongoing: "2011 Artists-in-Residence": The exhibit from the Arts & Public Life and the Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture features new works by Faheem Majeed, Cathy Alva Mooses, and Eliza Myrie.