Cultural Areas to Visit in the Chicagoland Area

I would recommend going to the National Museum of Mexican art (free!) in the Pilsen neighborhood, particularly during Halloween/Day of the Dead time when they have hands-on exhibits for the kids and you can watch how they make the candy skulls (I think there are even times when families can participate) and have your name put on your very own colorful candy skull. From there you could go eat on 18th street - the restaurant Nuevo Leon is very well liked.

We visit Chinatown at least once a month - hands down our favorite restaurant is House of Fortune. Chinatown is right off of 55 and Cermak. They have their summer fest in July, which is so much fun. Like a huge street fair with food, craft tables, trinkets, etc.

I am lithuanian, and I know there is a husge lithuanian community there. There is a cultural center/library/museum, and some restaurants. Sadly, i have never been (I live in VA), but have always wanted to go. See http://www.balzekasmuseum.org/

Also, maybe join groups on Facebook - I am part of a local Lithuanian community group on FB and they are always positng about festivals and classes for kids. And I am in a FB group for the San Genero (Italian) festival in NYC.

Here's a good article from USA Today (I googled "cultural areas in Chicago, and I'm sure you can find others.)

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2009-11-10-ch...

The DuSable Museum of African-American History (Named after Chicago's first permanent settler, who was black)

Devon Avenue in Rogers Park--the MOST diverse neighborhood I have ever been in! It is filled with Indian, Pakistani, Arabic, Eastern European and other cultures' restaurants & stores. My hubby said that when he drives thru there he feels like he is in Baghdad (without the car bombs).

Ukranian Village
Andersonville
Greek Town
Little Italy

Edited to Add:
Check out The Ba'hai Temple in Evanston! Stunningly beautiful, and I knew absolutely nothing about their faith when I went to visit it 10 years ago, and they have a very nice library and quiet reading area if you are interested in learning a little bit about them.