By Sue Zeiler

If you’re looking for a way to brighten up these winter months, you’ll definitely want to head over to Navy Pier! The Chicago Children’s Museum has just unveiled its newest exhibit, I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit, and it is a total treat for both the eyes and the imagination. Running now through May 10, 2026, the exhibit brings to life the vibrant, modernist world of artist Charley Harper, whose iconic "minimal realism" style captures nature in such a playful, geometric way. It’s a beautiful space where high art meets high energy, making it perfect for kids who love to explore.

What makes this exhibit so special is how it turns Harper’s art into a physical playground across six different habitats: the Desert, Ocean, Rainforest, Sky, Woods, and even the City. Your little ones can dive into the Canopy Calliope, a musical machine that lets them compose their own bird-song soundscapes, or head over to the Woodland Ball Run to play a game of hide-and-seek with forest critters. It’s rare to find an exhibit that balances quiet, multi-sensory observation with the "Be Wild" imagination areas where kids are actually encouraged to act like their favorite animals.

For the budding creators in your family, The Art Studio is a must-visit. It’s set up for children to experiment with art-making in Harper’s signature style, helping them see the world through shapes and colors. Whether they are exploring the diversity of life at the interactive habitat kiosks or burning off some energy at Navy Pier, it’s a wonderful opportunity to foster an early appreciation for the environment and the interdependency of all living things.

Make sure to grab your tickets soon—it’s the perfect spot to spend a chilly Chicago morning and leave feeling a little more connected to the wild world around us!

I AM WILD runs from January 17, 2026 through May 10, 2026.

Learn more!