Children’s Museums in Illinois
Explore Illinois’ top-rated children’s museums! Discover engaging exhibits, fun learning spaces, and essential tips for an unforgettable family experience.
Ranked in Alphabetical Order
- Chicago Children’s Museum – Chicago, IL
- Children’s Discovery Museum – Normal, IL
- Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn – Oak Lawn, IL
- Children’s Museum of Illinois – Decatur, IL
- Discovery Center Museum – Rockford, IL
- Kidzeum of Health and Science – Springfield, IL
- Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago – Glenview, IL
- Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum – Peoria, IL
- Wonder Works Children’s Museum – Oak Park, IL
#1 Chicago Children’s Museum
Phone: 312-527-1000
Hours: Current Admission Hours
Cost: Current Admission Prices
Calendar: Upcoming Events
Over 55,000 sq. ft and 3 floors of interactive exhibits
Multi-level climbing structure with a Chicago themed apartment on top
Located near additional attractions and food options
#2 Children’s Discovery Museum
Phone: 309-433-3444
Hours: Current Admission Hours
Cost: Current Admission Prices
Calendar: Upcoming Events
Three levels of hands-on, interactive exhibits designed for imaginative and educational play such as a mini grocery store, pizza cafe, and puppet theater
A two-story climbing structure and outdoor play area
Free parking
#3 Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn
Phone: 708-423-6709
Hours: Current Admission Hours
Cost: Current Admission Prices
Calendar: Upcoming Events
Two floors of interactive exhibits
Variety of imaginative play including Friendly Market, Vet Clinic, First Responders
Free parking
#4 Children’s Museum of Illinois
Phone: 217-423-5437
Hours: Current Admission Hours
Cost: Current Admission Prices
Calendar: Upcoming Events
Over 27,000 sq. ft across two floors with interactive, hands-on exhibits including a 20 foot water table and massive climbing structure
Dedicated area for infants and toddlers
Free parking
#5 Discovery Center Museum
Phone: 815-963-6769
Hours: Current Admission Hours
Cost: Current Admission Prices
Calendar: Upcoming Events
Over 25,000 sq. ft of STEM-focused exhibits
Extensive outdoor adventures, including a two-story maze
Free parking nearby
#6 Kidzeum of Health and Science
Phone: 217-679-2123
Hours: Current Admission Hours
Cost: Current Admission Prices
Calendar: Upcoming Events
Three floors of interactive exhibits including Active Alex, a three-story structure
Exhibits emphasizes health, wellness, and environmental education
Conveniently located in downtown near many food options
#7 Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago
Phone: 847-832-6600
Hours: Current Admission Hours
Cost: Current Admission Prices
Calendar: Upcoming Events
Over 46,000 sq. ft, including a 2-acre outdoor exhibit space
On-site café available
Free parking
#8 Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum
Phone: 309-323-6900
Hours: Current Admission Hours
Cost: Current Admission Prices
Calendar: Upcoming Events
Three floors of interactive exhibits designed for imaginative and educational play, including a water table, family farm, and tiny town
Located near Peoria Zoo and Luthy Botanical Garden
Free parking nearby
#9 Wonder Works Children’s Museum
Phone: 708-383-4825
Hours: Current Admission Hours
Cost: Current Admission Prices
Calendar: Upcoming Events
Over 6,400 sq. ft of imaginative play exhibits including a massive treehouse climbing structure
Outdoor nature play space
Conveniently located near many food options