Chicago Children's Museum | Chicago

The Chicago Children's Museum is a premier interactive museum designed specifically for children and families, located at Navy Pier in Chicago. It provides a vibrant environment where kids can learn through play, exploration, and hands-on activities. The museum is dedicated to inspiring creativity, critical thinking, and curiosity in children of all ages through engaging exhibits and educational programs.

History and Location

Founded in 1982, the Chicago Children's Museum has grown from a small storefront space into one of the largest children’s museums in the country. It moved to its current, spacious location on Navy Pier in 1995, placing it in a scenic and popular tourist area right on the shores of Lake Michigan. The location at Navy Pier allows families to combine their museum visit with other attractions like the Centennial Wheel, boat tours, and waterfront parks.

Exhibits and Interactive Experiences

The museum spans over 50,000 square feet and is organized into multiple themed exhibit areas tailored for different age groups and developmental stages. The exhibits emphasize interactive learning and encourage children to explore concepts in science, technology, engineering, art, and culture.

Major exhibit areas include:

Pritzker Playspace: A specially designed space for babies and toddlers to explore safely, featuring sensory activities, soft play elements, and early learning stations focused on motor skills and discovery.

Tinkering Lab: An innovative STEM-focused area where kids can experiment with tools, building materials, and creative projects, encouraging problem-solving and engineering thinking.

Water Ways: An interactive water play exhibit that teaches basic physics and environmental science principles through water flow, dams, and channels.

Treehouse Trails: A multi-level structure for climbing, role-playing, and imaginative play that also introduces concepts of nature and ecology.

Art Studios: Spaces where children can engage in creative arts, including painting, sculpting, and crafts, fostering self-expression and fine motor skills.

Construction Zone: A hands-on exhibit where kids build with foam blocks, creating structures and exploring architectural concepts.

Story Hub: Encourages early literacy and storytelling through interactive exhibits with books, puppetry, and dramatic play.

Each exhibit is designed to be multi-sensory and hands-on, making learning an active and enjoyable experience. The museum also adapts some exhibits seasonally and features rotating special exhibits that highlight different themes or cultures.

Educational Programs and Events

The Chicago Children's Museum offers a variety of educational programs, workshops, and events for children, families, and educators. These include:

Storytimes and performances: Engaging children with literature, music, and theater.

STEM workshops: Hands-on classes and camps focused on science, technology, engineering, and math.

Family programs: Activities designed for parents and children to learn and play together.

School partnerships: Curriculum-aligned field trips and outreach programs that bring the museum’s resources into classrooms.

Sensory-friendly sessions: Specially designed times for children with sensory sensitivities to enjoy the museum in a calmer environment.

Visitor Information

Hours: The museum is open most days, with longer hours on weekends and during summer. It is closed on Tuesdays for maintenance and special events.

Admission: Tickets vary for Illinois residents, non-residents, and special groups. Discounts are available for families with EBT or WIC cards and for military personnel. Children under 1 year enter free. Advance ticket purchase is recommended to avoid waiting.

Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible, with accommodations for visitors with disabilities, including sensory guides and quiet spaces.

Amenities: Stroller parking, nursing areas, family restrooms, and a café offering snacks and beverages.

Location and Access

The Chicago Children's Museum is located at:
700 East Grand Avenue, Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60611

The museum is easily accessible by public transportation, including several CTA bus routes and nearby train stations. There is ample parking available in Navy Pier garages, with discounted parking options during busy periods. The museum’s location on Navy Pier also provides easy access to lakefront walking paths, dining options, and other entertainment venues.

Why Visit?

The Chicago Children's Museum offers a unique blend of education and entertainment, making it a beloved destination for families, school groups, and visitors to Chicago. It promotes learning through play, fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills in a safe, welcoming environment. Whether it’s a rainy day activity or part of a broader Chicago sightseeing itinerary, the museum provides enriching experiences that children remember and treasure.

The Chicago Children's Museum is truly a space where imagination meets education, inspiring young minds and creating joyful memories.