8 Hands-On Discovery Museums In Illinois That Will Teach You Something New
×
Elizabeth Crozier
Author
No matter how old you get, you’ll always be a kid at heart. Rekindle that youthful spirit at one of these eight discovery museums in Illinois where adventure and learning are intertwined.
You’ll find science, make-believe, and everything in between at these excellent children’s museums. Scroll on for details about each one.
This 30,000 square-foot house of science was been inspiring children's minds since 1988. There are more than 200 interactive exhibits that allow you to conduct your own mini experiments and learn about the world. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the cost to enter is $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens, and free for children below the age of 4.
Address: 18 W Benton St., Aurora, IL 60506
Website: https://scitechmuseum.org
Address: 18 W Benton St., Aurora, IL 60506
Website: https://scitechmuseum.org
Since 2015, this interactive children's museum has made make-believe even more fun. Guests enjoy science-themed exhibits that let you play in the sand, pick your own fruit and vegetables, or manipulate a dump truck. Stop by Monday and Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday is reserved for members only. The price for non-members is $8.50, though infants are free and seniors and active military receive a discount.
Address: 2218 N Prospect Rd., Peoria, IL 61603
Website: https://peoriaplayhouse.org
Address: 2218 N Prospect Rd., Peoria, IL 61603
Website: https://peoriaplayhouse.org
Advertisement
Enjoy three floors of interactive fun at this little-known museum. It opened in 1994 and has grown to include activities for children and preteens. Pretend to operate a train, learn how to be a dentist, pretend to cook or drive a tractor, and climb around on the jungle gym at this children's paradise.
Address: 101 E Beaufort St., Normal, IL 61761
Website: https://www.childrensdiscoverymuseum.net
Address: 101 E Beaufort St., Normal, IL 61761
Website: https://www.childrensdiscoverymuseum.net
Advertisement
This bright and colorful land of make-believe has been around since 1988, and it has 17 different exhibits for kids to enjoy. Pretend to be a doctor or vet, take care of a house, read books, grocery shop, and enjoy natural wonders like nature tails and water play when you visit this epic place. Admission is $13 though senior citizens pay just $12. Infants are admitted for free.
Address: 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, IL 60026
Website: https://www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org
Address: 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, IL 60026
Website: https://www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org
Related Stories
This Fabulous Small Town Museum Preserves More Than A Century Of Illinois History
This Old Depot Station Is Now A Museum Of Illinois' Most Unique History
The Museum Of Oddities In Illinois Where You Can Do A Lot Of Weird Stuff
Science, math, and art come together in this brilliant play land. Kids enjoy Legos, wood blocks, hand paint, music, and dance at this excellent place. Visit any day of the week from about 9 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. for one of the state's best discovery museums. The price for admission is $12.
Address: 301 N Washington St., Naperville, IL 60540
Website: https://dupagechildrens.org
Address: 301 N Washington St., Naperville, IL 60540
Website: https://dupagechildrens.org
In business since 1999, this amazing place is all about technology, science, math, literacy, and the fine arts. There are a wealth of different exhibits at this 6,000 square foot museum, including an art studio, an air maze, and and a giant light bright. Admission is $6, and the place is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as well as Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Address: 128 S Chambers St., Galesburg, IL 61401
Website: https://www.discoverydepot.org
Address: 128 S Chambers St., Galesburg, IL 61401
Website: https://www.discoverydepot.org
This make-believe town lets your little ones pretend they are adults. Go to the library, the dentist, fire station, crime lab, fitness center, cafe, and even the recycling center. This simulation of real life has been in operation since 1998, and it is exciting for young ones who are eager to grow up. Admission is $7 and the museum is open Monday and Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Address: 722 Holyoake Rd, Edwardsville, IL 62025
Website: https://edwardsvillechildrensmuseum.org
Address: 722 Holyoake Rd, Edwardsville, IL 62025
Website: https://edwardsvillechildrensmuseum.org
Consisting of 6,400 square-feet, this unique adventure zone is one of the best discovery museums for playing pretend. It includes an organic garden, a mini farm, a mock film studio, Legos, and an art studio. It is open Monday and Wednesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 :30 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Address: 1009, 6445 W North Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302
Website: https://www.wonder-works.org
Address: 1009, 6445 W North Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302
Website: https://www.wonder-works.org
For more like this, check out seven wacky museums in Illinois that are just too weird for words.
What other discovery museums do you like to visit? Share your favorite places with us below in the comments.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.