The Kohl’s Children’s Museum, located at 2100 Patriot Boulevard in Glenview, Illinois, is designed especially for children. It gives kids a fun, hands-on place to explore, learn, and play. Children’s museums offer a wide variety of exhibits, activities, and programs that match children’s interests and stages of development.
While many large cities have children’s museums with themed areas covering science, art, history, and culture, Kohl’s goes even further. It features seventeen kid-approved permanent exhibits. In addition, Kohl’s offers play areas, interactive displays, and educational programs that encourage children to learn through play.
Here are some of the kid-friendly favorites my own children have enjoyed at Kohl’s over the years.
Adventures in Art
This exhibit lets children create their own masterpiece through self-guided activities. Every month features a new seasonal theme. In addition, friendly staff members lead drop-in art sessions, and visitors are encouraged to take their artwork home.
Baby Nursery
The Baby Nursery lets children explore the medical field while caring for baby dolls. Kids can use stethoscopes, pretend X-ray machines, and medical kits. They also learn how to change the dolls while enjoying imaginative role-play as caregivers.
Build It
The life-sized building blocks in the Build It exhibit are a huge hit with children. Giant magnets help young builders create sturdy structures. At the same time, kids learn to plan, build, and improve their creations while exploring STEAM concepts.
City on the Move
This exhibit encourages little ones to count, touch, move objects, and explore science. The city is modeled after Chicago, and colorful pegboard structures inspire future architects. Meanwhile, three train tables teach children about train safety in cities and towns.
Cooperation Station
Cooperation Station focuses on teamwork and problem-solving. The goal is to move balls into a basket by working together.
Children communicate through video phones located in different parts of the exhibit. They also use pedal bikes and pump handles to create movement. As a result, every visit becomes a unique team experience.
Play Café
At the Play Café, children prepare pretend meals, take customer orders, and operate cash registers. They can play the roles of cook, cashier, server, or customer. As they play, they learn cooperation, communication, and teamwork.
Pet Vet
The Pet Vet exhibit lets children care for stuffed kittens, puppies, and turtles while wearing white veterinarian coats. They examine pretend X-rays and decide on the best treatment plan for each animal.
Water Works
The Water Works exhibit teaches children about the science of water. They discover how water works in everyday life while experimenting with both simple and complex machines that move and control water.
Whole Foods Market
This grocery store exhibit is one of the museum’s most popular attractions. Children can become stockers, bakers, cashiers, or shoppers. Along the way, they practice sorting, matching healthy foods to shopping lists, and using basic math skills.
Admission and Membership
General admission for visitors ages 1 to 64 is $19 per day. Seniors age 65 and older pay $18, while children under 12 months receive free admission.
However, the best value is a family membership. It allows families to explore the museum at a relaxed pace over multiple visits. Instead of rushing through every exhibit in one day, you can return often and work around your little one’s nap schedule.
A Safe Place to Learn
One of the museum’s main goals is to provide a safe, engaging place where children can discover the world around them. In addition, Kohl’s offers resources and educational programs for families and teachers. Birthday parties and private events are also available.
Amenities at Kohl’s Children’s Museum
- Family Bathrooms
- Ample Parking
- Kid-Friendly Activities
- Kid-Friendly Approved by KFV
- Kid-Friendly Environment
- Kid-Friendly Exploration
- Kid-Friendly Options
- Kid-Friendly Cooperative Learning
- Kid-Friendly Dining
- Kid-Friendly Hands-On Play
- Kid-Friendly Play-Based Learning
- Kid-Friendly Birthday Parties
- Kid-Friendly Safety
- Kid-Friendly Staff
