Information
Landmark: Children's Museum of IllinoisCity: Decatur IL
Country: USA Illinois
Continent: North America
Children's Museum of Illinois, Decatur IL, USA Illinois, North America
Overview
In Decatur, the Children’s Museum of Illinois invites kids to explore, build, and imagine, turning curiosity into discovery through hands-on exhibits and playful, creative activities.It’s designed mostly for kids between 2 and 10, offering a safe, lively space where they can tinker with science experiments, dabble in art, dive into technology, and discover plenty more.The facility’s located at 55 S., just past the corner where the red brick building stands.In Decatur, IL 62521, on Country Club Road, the museum fills a roomy 27,000‑square‑foot building stretched across three bright, bustling floors.It sits just a short stroll from family-friendly spots like Scovill Zoo and Scovill Park, so you can pack the kids’ day with animals, playgrounds, and plenty of fresh air.We’re open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays from noon until 5, when the sunlight spills through the front doors.We’re closed on Mondays and on major holidays like New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.Adults and kids 2 and older pay $12, seniors 65 and up get in for $6, and little ones under 2 walk in free.Military families, EBT or LINK cardholders, and participants in select local programs can get discounts, like a few dollars off a ticket.At its heart, the museum aims to spark curiosity by inviting visitors to explore, solve problems, and dive into imaginative play-picture a child building a tower of bright wooden blocks.It highlights STEAM-science, technology, engineering, arts, and math-through exhibits kids can touch, tinker with, and explore, sparking curiosity as they experiment, build, and create.Heroes Hall showcases key exhibits and standout features-a one-of-a-kind, law enforcement–themed space funded by the Howard G., where polished badges catch the light.The Buffett Foundation, a philanthropic organization, quietly funds projects that leave a lasting mark, from rural schools to small-town libraries with creaky wooden floors.Kids dive into mock investigations, poke around a buzzing crime lab, and step inside a sheriff’s helicopter, discovering how public safety works and the roles people play-learning it all through hands-on, exciting experiences.Innovation Station is a hands-on maker space where kids grab real hammers, wood, and wires to design, build, and tackle problems head-on.This exhibit sparks creativity, sharpens engineering skills, and pushes you to think critically, like solving a tricky puzzle piece by piece.AgMazing is an agriculture-themed exhibit where kids dig into farming, food production, and sustainability through hands-on activities and lively games - think planting seeds or sorting fresh vegetables.Imagination Playground is an open-ended space filled with oversized foam blocks, where kids stack towers, scramble over walls, and discover new ways to play, sparking both movement and creativity.Art Studio: A cozy, light-filled spot where kids dive into painting, sculpting, and other hands-on projects, building fine motor skills while letting their imaginations run wild.The museum runs tailored programs for schools and community groups, with field trips that might include a guided walk past ancient pottery and hands-on workshops designed to match curriculum standards.Museum on Wheels is an outreach program where staff pack up hands-on exhibits and lively activities, then bring them straight into classrooms and community halls, giving kids who can’t make the trip a chance to experience the museum’s magic up close.Summer camps and workshops offer seasonal programs that draw kids into STEAM through hands-on, themed projects-like building a tiny solar car or designing a paper circuit-and make learning feel like play.Memberships give you unlimited access, knock a few dollars off camps and workshops, and send you invitations to special events-enough to keep you coming back and learning more.Visitor Amenities – Mess Hall: On the second floor, you’ll find a bright cafeteria with rows of tables where visitors can sit and enjoy a snack or unpack a homemade lunch.You’ll find vending machines too, humming quietly in the corner.The picnic area sits just outside the museum, with benches by the bright red firetruck and gleaming helicopter displays-perfect for families to kick back and enjoy lunch.Free parking’s available on-site, just off South Country Club Road, so families can pull right in without the hassle.The Children’s Museum of Illinois is a cornerstone of Decatur, offering a lively space where kids can learn, explore, and laugh-whether they’re building a tower of blocks or discovering how magnets work.It helps children grow in their early years and sparks a love for learning that lasts a lifetime, like the thrill of discovering a new story at bedtime.The museum works with local schools, community groups, and foundations to open up more learning opportunities and make sure every child-whether from the city center or a quiet rural street-can take part.The Children’s Museum of Illinois isn’t just a place to play-it’s a lively, hands-on hub where kids explore fresh ideas, sharpen essential skills, and let their imaginations run wild, whether they’re building towers or painting bright swirls of color.Packed with varied exhibits, hands-on programs, and even a cozy spot for a snack, it’s one of Decatur’s best places for families who want learning to feel lively and personal.
