At Navy Pier in Chicago, the Chicago Children’s Museum gives kids a hands-on place to build, climb, splash and play through make-believe. Exhibits include a dinosaur dig, the WaterWays play area, Treehouse Trails and a Tinkering Lab with real tools and materials. The museum suits babies through school-age children, with dedicated play spaces for younger visitors and building activities that can hold older kids’ interest. Plan a few hours, especially if your children want to move between exhibits at their own pace.
A museum founded for children’s learning
The Chicago Children’s Museum began in 1982, after cuts to programming in Chicago’s public schools. The Junior League of Chicago founded it, and its first exhibits were housed at the Chicago Public Library. After several moves, the museum settled at Navy Pier in 1995.
Play is the way children explore the museum’s subjects, which include science, math, art and literature. The exhibits are built around doing: children can experiment, make things, try roles and investigate their surroundings.
Exhibits for different ages
The museum’s spaces range from areas for babies and toddlers to activities aimed at school-age children. Pritzker Playspace is an open play area for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. KidsTown gives younger children a scaled-down city setting for imaginative role-play, while older children may gravitate toward the Tinkering Lab and building activities.
At the Tinkering Lab, children use real tools and materials to make their own creations. Skyline introduces building and architectural design through wooden planks and screws. Unboxed gives children cardboard to work with, and the Art Studio provides a place for creative projects. Some activities and programs change, so check the museum’s website for current details.
Climbing, water play and the dinosaur dig
Treehouse Trails has a forest theme, with places to climb, crawl and play. Cloud Buster is a large climbing structure made from materials including steel, wood, rope and artificial turf. Children can also climb through the rigging of the Kovler Family Climbing Schooner.
WaterWays is a hands-on play area with water that flows, squirts and can be pumped. Children can get wet there, so bring that possibility into your plans. Dinosaur Expedition recreates a Saharan excavation inspired by an expedition led by Chicago paleontologist Paul Sereno. Its digging area lets children play at uncovering fossils.
Other exhibits draw on everyday role-play. Children can take on jobs in a child-sized town or try a firefighter’s gear and activities. The Zoom Room has toy cars and tracks, while Michael’s Museum: A Curious Collection of Tiny Treasures presents more than 100 miniature objects.
Planning a family visit
The museum is inside Navy Pier’s Family Pavilion at 700 E Grand Ave. Its location makes it straightforward to pair with time at the pier. Families can leave and re-enter during a visit, which can help if you want a break before returning to the exhibits.
Advance tickets are recommended. Parking is available at Navy Pier, but costs can add to the outing; SpotHero is one option to check for nearby parking. The museum has a cafe, restrooms, a gift shop and changing tables. A free-activities program for families and children under ten runs on the last Thursday of the month from January to May and September to October. Check the museum’s website for current program and ticket details.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is the Chicago Children’s Museum?
It is at Navy Pier’s Family Pavilion, 700 E Grand Ave, Chicago.
How long should you spend at the museum?
Set aside a few hours. Families can re-enter during their visit if they want a break.
What ages is the museum for?
Exhibits and play spaces cater to babies, toddlers and school-age children. Some activities are better suited to older kids than others.
Are there free family activities?
Free activities for families and children under ten take place on the last Thursday of the month from January to May and September to October. Check the museum website for current details.
