Guide To Chicago's Kohl Children's Museum
Head to the Chicago suburb of Glenview with your family for a fun-filled afternoon at the Kohl Children's Museum.
Kohl Children's Museum
2100 Patriot Blvd.
Glenview, IL 60026
(847) 832-6600
www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org
There aren't too many places in the Chicago area where your child can pretend to work on a car, be a veterinarian and make music, all under one roof. At the Kohl Children's Museum, you and your child can spend a fun-filled day learning about music, the sciences, art, nature and more. As it is a children's museum, it is extremely family-friendly and has family restrooms and nursing stations for breastfeeding moms, and it is easy to maneuver a stroller through the exhibits. Admission is free for infants under one year of age, $9.50 for adults and children and $8.50 for senior citizens and grandparents. How should you get to the museum and what should you see when you get there? The following guide to the Kohl Children's Museum has you covered.
How To Get There
The museum is approximately 30 minutes from downtown Chicago, making it an ideal location for a meetup. You have a few options for getting to the museum. It is almost smack-dab between I-94 and I-294, allowing for a quick trip from just about any part of the Chicago area; for directions from either expressway, refer to the museum's website. Parking is free and plentiful at the museum, and additional off-site parking is also available. Public transportation is also an option. Take the Metra Milwaukee District North Line and hop off at the Glen of North Glenview Station, then walk just over one-half of a mile west to the museum. You can also pick up Pace bus route 423.
What To See
The exhibits at the Kohl Children's Museum emphasize a hands-on experience that your child is sure to enjoy. What should you see? Your child might enjoy expressing herself through art at the Adventures in Art exhibit, which includes a take-home art project. If your child is a budding musician or just likes to make noise, then make the Ravinia Festival Music Makers exhibit part of your visit. Children can try out an assortment of musical instruments and learn how melodies work. It's also a fun excuse for your child to be loud and creative while learning about music. Other exhibits include City on the Move, where children learn about gravity and electricity, and Pet Vet, which helps children use their imagination to take care of pretend animals while also learning how an animal hospital works. For an additional list of permanent exhibits, refer to the museum's website.
Related: Best Parent Gathering Places In Chicago
Where To Eat
You don't even have to leave the museum for a quick bite to eat, as a Cosi Cafe is onsite. A kid-friendly menu includes fare like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches and flatbread pizzas. Options for adults include salads, soups, wraps and soft drinks and coffee. You can also pop in for a quick snack. For additional options, head to The Glen Town Center, located just a few blocks from the museum.
When To Visit
If large crowds are overwhelming to your child, then you'll want to know when the museum isn't as crowded. According to the museum's website, Mondays that do not coincide with school holidays tend to have lighter crowds. You can also plan to visit in the afternoon on weekdays, when younger children typically head home for naptime. The museum has several temporary exhibits underway, so you're sure to find something new. "Eggs to Chicks" runs through June 16, 2014, and "Japan and Nature: Spirits of the Seasons" runs through July 1, 2014. Special programs at the museum include "Fitness for All," which focuses on healthy activities and runs Monday through Saturday every week through October, and "Habitat Park," a two-acre garden that teaches children about solar power and nature.
The museum also has extended and special hours, so check the website before your visit. For parents of younger children, expect to spend about two hours at the museum. Older children may wish to stay longer. The museum is also a great destination for field trips for schoolchildren.
Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.