Kohl Children's Museum
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Kohl Children's Museum is an essential, highly interactive, and educational space specifically designed for young children (toddlers to pre-K). It excels in fostering imagination, learning, and play through diverse, hands-on exhibits, including STEAM and multicultural themes. The museum maintains high standards of cleanliness and safety, making it a comfortable environment for families, and its rotating temporary exhibits offer fresh experiences.
Key Highlights
- ✓Variety of hands-on, interactive exhibits including a pretend grocery store, a waterworks area, and a mini restaurant with fake menus, food, and cashier.
- ✓Excellent incorporation of diversity and STEAM-focused play, notably through exhibits like "¡Hola!" celebrating multiculturalism.
- ✓Maintains high standards of cleanliness and safety, especially noted post-pandemic.
- ✓Rotating temporary exhibits provide new and exciting things to explore, keeping visits fresh.
- ✓Features an outdoor area which is a lot of fun, weather permitting.
- ✓Helps children develop social skills, creativity, and curiosity.
- ✓Provides significant entertainment, with kids enjoying up to 3 hours of play.
Standout Features
- ⭐Interactive pretend grocery store exhibit.
- ⭐Engaging waterworks area.
- ⭐"¡Hola!" multicultural exhibit.
- ⭐STEAM-focused play opportunities.
- ⭐Mini restaurant exhibit with fake menus, food, and cashier.
- ⭐Dedicated outdoor play area (weather permitting).
- ⭐Regularly updated rotating temporary exhibits.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Consider purchasing a membership for families planning frequent visits, as it's recommended for long-term benefits and value.
- →To avoid crowds, visit during weekdays or non-peak hours, especially steering clear of weekends if possible.
- →Manage expectations regarding exhibit maintenance; be aware that some toys and features may not be fully functional or maintained.
- →Check the weather forecast to plan for enjoyment of the outdoor area.
- →Be prepared for toys that may show signs of heavy use and visible dirt from kids' hands.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Significant maintenance issues reported: toys not working or missing, water toys not fully functioning, broken instruments, market shelves with very little food, and lights needing replacement.
- ⚠Can get very crowded during peak times, particularly on weekends.
- ⚠Some permanent exhibits may feel geared more toward younger children as kids grow older.
- ⚠Some toys can appear visibly filthy from extensive handling, though noted by one reviewer as a sign of being 'well loved'.
- ⚠Perceived high price given the reported state of maintenance for some exhibits.
Price & Value
The price is perceived as high, particularly by one reviewer who noted a lack of maintenance for the cost. However, a membership is strongly recommended by a long-term visitor as it provides excellent value for families seeking consistent access and long-term developmental benefits, suggesting a better cost-per-visit value for frequent visitors.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accessibility accommodations mentioned in the reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Reviews mention a 'pretend grocery store' exhibit with 'very little food in the shelf', but no information is provided regarding real outside food policies or on-site food for purchase.
🚗Parking Info
- •No information about parking availability or cost was mentioned in the reviews.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Can get very crowded during peak times, especially weekends.
🛡️Safety Features
- •The museum has 'maintained high standards of cleanliness and safety' post-pandemic, making it a comfortable space for families with little ones.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Families who prioritize pristine, perfectly maintained exhibits, especially given the perceived price point.
- • Visiting during peak times on weekends if you dislike very crowded environments.
- • Families with older elementary-aged children or teenagers, as many permanent exhibits are geared towards younger children (unless specifically interested in temporary exhibits).
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
PlayKCM Membership
$185Duration: 1-year
For a family of four, membership pays for itself by the third visit. Non-transferable and non-refundable. Tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Includes:
- •Free Admission: Redeem 4 free general admissions every day to Kohl Children’s Museum.
- •Cardholders: Two adult cardholders may be named for this membership; one of those adults must be present to redeem benefits (a $20 fee may apply for mid-term changes).
- •Receive 50% off up to 6 admissions with every visit to more than 200 children’s museums nationwide (including many local favorites).
- •Free general admission during all regular Museum operating hours.
- •Frequent member appreciation afternoons and evenings.
- •Special member pricing for paid Museum events.
- •Special member pricing on birthday parties and facility rentals.
- •10% off on purchases at Bean Sprouts Café onsite.
- •Access and download membership cards via online portal.
- •Update addresses or phone numbers via online portal.
- •Access purchased special event tickets via online portal.
- •Access to new special exhibits approximately every four months.
PlayKCM Plus Membership
$225Duration: 1-year
For a family of six, membership pays for itself by the second visit. Non-transferable and non-refundable. Tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Includes:
- •Free Admission: Redeem 6 free general admissions every day to Kohl Children’s Museum.
- •Cardholders: Three adult cardholders may be named for this membership; one of those adults must be present to redeem benefits (a $20 fee may apply for mid-term changes).
- •Receive 50% off up to 6 admissions with every visit to more than 200 children’s museums nationwide (including many local favorites).
- •Free general admission during all regular Museum operating hours.
- •Frequent member appreciation afternoons and evenings.
- •Special member pricing for paid Museum events.
- •Special member pricing on birthday parties and facility rentals.
- •10% off on purchases at Bean Sprouts Café onsite.
- •Access and download membership cards via online portal.
- •Update addresses or phone numbers via online portal.
- •Access purchased special event tickets via online portal.
- •Access to new special exhibits approximately every four months.
KCM Angel Membership
$250Duration: 1-year
Donor-level membership. Non-transferable and non-refundable. Tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Includes:
- •All the benefits associated with the PlayKCM Plus level.
- •Invitations to scheduled donors-only hours at the Museum.
- •Advance access for special event ticket reservations.
- •Free general admission during all regular Museum operating hours.
- •Frequent member appreciation afternoons and evenings.
- •Special member pricing for paid Museum events.
- •Special member pricing on birthday parties and facility rentals.
- •10% off on purchases at Bean Sprouts Café onsite.
- •Access and download membership cards via online portal.
- •Update addresses or phone numbers via online portal.
- •Access purchased special event tickets via online portal.
- •Access to new special exhibits approximately every four months.
KCM Angel Plus Membership
$500Duration: 1-year
Donor-level membership. Non-transferable and non-refundable. Tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Includes:
- •All the benefits associated with the KCM Angel level.
- •Invitations to sneak peeks of new exhibits.
- •Invitations to the annual Donor Appreciation Sleep Under event.
- •Free general admission during all regular Museum operating hours.
- •Frequent member appreciation afternoons and evenings.
- •Special member pricing for paid Museum events.
- •Special member pricing on birthday parties and facility rentals.
- •10% off on purchases at Bean Sprouts Café onsite.
- •Access and download membership cards via online portal.
- •Update addresses or phone numbers via online portal.
- •Access purchased special event tickets via online portal.
- •Access to new special exhibits approximately every four months.
Financial Assistance Membership
$40Duration: Annually
Limited memberships for guests receiving SNAP or WIC benefits. To apply, bring EBT card or other proof of eligibility to the Museum’s front desk during regular operating hours. Non-transferable and non-refundable.
Includes:
- •Free general admission benefits every day for a full year.
Corporate Membership Packages
Varies by packagePackages for businesses to offer employees. Benefits are not applicable to special events or other Museum programming. Contact (847) 832-6895 or Meg Damato for assistance in setting up a corporate membership.
Includes:
- •Free general admission for employees and a designated number of guests.
Gift Admissions
Standard admission price (e.g., $18-20 per ticket)Duration: Valid for 1 year from date of purchase
Tickets can be redeemed for adult, child, or senior admission. Guests can apply tickets toward an annual membership. Available online.
Gift Memberships
Cost of chosen membership levelDuration: 12-month period
Purchase online with immediate e-mail notification to recipient.
Gift Certificates
Any amountPhysical gift to present to recipients. $5 shipping & handling fee applies. Call (847) 832-6600 to request.
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Fall Family Festival
Sun, Oct 5 & 12, 2:30 PM – 5 PM
Members: $17, Non-members: $30 (for Adults and Children Over 12 Months). Infants under 12 months do not require tickets.
Celebrates the changing of the seasons with family fun and exploration. Includes access to all indoor exhibits. Activities: Access to Curious George™: Let’s Get Curious! exhibit, Meet & Greet with Curious George and The Man in the Yellow Hat, Bubble Play (cancels in rain), Kiddie train rides through Habitat Park (suspended for lightning), Petting farm (goats and ducks, suspended for lightning), Unusual animal meet and greets (2:30 – 4:30 only, may include sloth, tortoise, giant bullfrog, cavy, reptiles, insects), Apple cider press demonstration and cider sampling, Meet and greet with Snow White (3 – 4:30 only), Children’s DJ and Dance Party, Paint a Car! (suspended for lightning). Limited capacity. Advance reservations required. Event occurs rain or shine.
Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! Special Exhibit
Opens October 4. Member Sneak Previews: Sat, Sep 27 – Fri, Oct 3 (various times, registration requested).
Included with general admission or membership.
Let your curiosity run wild with Curious George and his friends! A new special exhibit.
Gabby's Dollhouse MEOWseum Discovery Days
Oct 18 & 19 (Meet & Greet times: Saturday 9:45–10:15 AM, 10:30–11:00 AM, 11:15–11:45 AM, 12:00–12:30 PM, 2:00–2:30 PM, 2:45–3:15 PM, 3:30–4 PM; Sunday 8:45–9:15 AM, 9:30–10:00 AM, 10:15–10:45 AM, 11:00–11:30 AM, 11:45–12:15 PM, 12:30–1:00 PM - all sold out)
Requires a general admission ticket or KCM membership for museum entry. Meet & Greet reservations were separate (and sold out), a standby line may be available but not guaranteed.
Partnership with DreamWorks Animation and the Association of Children’s Museums. Magic-themed activities celebrating children’s creativity, curiosity, and compassion. Activities: Special Meet and Greet with costume character Gabby, Photo opportunities, Jam out to DJ Catnip, Make a crafty cat tambourine, Scavenger hunt to find images of Gabby and kitty characters, Special previews of Curious George™: Let’s Get Curious! exhibit. All 16 indoor exhibits will be open for exploration. Gabby's Dollhouse is anchored on growth mindset principles, encouraging flexible thinking and problem-solving.
🍎Food Policy
- • No outside food is permitted in the dining area or in the Museum exhibits.
- • Bean Sprouts Café is an on-site healthy food provider, offering organic and sustainable foods, compostable packaging, and eco-friendly design.
- • Bean Sprouts adheres to clean ingredient guidelines: No artificial flavors, artificial colors, artificial preservatives, or antibiotics. Allergy-friendly.
- • Guests may bring bottled water, sippy cups, or beverage cups with lids into the exhibits areas.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • All children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
- • The Museum requests a health check on all guests before arriving. Do not come to the Museum if: Fever of more than 100.4 F, Coughing, sneezing, chills, runny nose, or difficulty breathing, Exposure to a COVID-19-infected individual within the previous 14 days. Staff and volunteers complete the same health check.
- • Face masks are optional at this time. Guests are asked to respect others’ choices.
📅Booking Policy
- • Advance general admission reservations are no longer required for individuals, only for group rates.
- • If the Museum reaches capacity, there may be a wait for general admission. Museum members will be given priority access.
- • Advance tickets for general admission save $2 per ticket when purchased online.
- • Fall Family Festival: Limited capacity, advance reservations required.
- • Gabby's Dollhouse MEOWseum Discovery Days: Meet and Greet reservations were required and are sold out; a first-come-first-served standby line may be available but is not guaranteed.
- • Military/Veteran and Museums for All discounts must purchase tickets at the front desk; cannot be purchased in advance online.
- • Members do NOT need to reserve general admission in advance.
- • Gift cards must be redeemed by phone at (847) 832-6900.
What People Say
What's Great
- Safe environment for children (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 6 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 5 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Can get crowded during peak times (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Melina Christian
2 weeks agoIt's been a couple of years since I was here last time. I noticed lots of items needed to be taken care of. Toys not working or missing. Water toys not all functioning. The same for the instruments. Market had very little food in the shelf. And lights needed to be replaced. For the price they charge I think things should've be much better maintained. Over all the kids had a great time. I think we were there for almost 3h. It is very entertaining specially for the little ones.
Nidia Escobar
in the last weekAs a member of Kohl Children’s Museum since my son was one, shortly after the pandemic lockdown, this space has been an essential part of his childhood and our family’s routine. The museum is a haven of imagination, learning, and play, thoughtfully designed for young minds. What We Love: • Interactive Exhibits: Every visit feels fresh and engaging, thanks to the variety of hands-on exhibits. From the pretend grocery store to the waterworks area, my son has grown up learning, experimenting, and having a blast. • Inclusivity and Learning: The museum does an excellent job of incorporating diversity and STEAM-focused play. We’ve especially appreciated how exhibits like ”¡Hola!” celebrate multiculturalism. • Safety and Cleanliness: Post-pandemic, the museum has maintained high standards of cleanliness and safety, making it a comfortable space for families with little ones. Long-Term Benefits: Watching my son grow from a curious toddler to a confident pre-K learner has been inspiring, and Kohl has played a big role. It’s not just a place for play but a space where I’ve seen his social skills, creativity, and curiosity flourish. Room for Improvement: While we love the museum, it can get crowded during peak times, especially weekends. Also, as my son grows older, some exhibits feel geared more toward younger children, but the rotating temporary exhibits always add something new and exciting to explore. I’d recommend ihe membership to any family seeking a creative, educational space to bond and grow together!!!
Liv Kim
6 months agoHighly recommended for anyone who has little kids! My 5yo had the most amazing time at the museum and did not want to leave. Perfect age to enjoy all the activities that they have. Some toys were filthy from kids hands but that means they were all well loved haha. We will definitely be back sometime soon!
BY Israel
3 months agoIt's a very nice place and it's really amazing for young kids. They literally have an entire museum geared towards younger kids. They have a whole range of things for different ages with many very creative activities that the kids just love. They have a mini restaurant with fake menu's, food, cashier, etc. That's just one of the many attractions they have. They also have a whole outdoor area which is a lot of fun weather permitting. Definitely recommend stopping by!
Emmanuel Cabrera
2 weeks agoThe kids loved it! Kept their little brains, hearts and bodies entertained all evening!