Kohl Children's Museum
4.6(2,299)4.6 out of 5 stars, 2299 reviews Chicago, IL
About Kohl Children's Museum
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.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families with toddlers to early elementary-aged children (approx. 1-6 years old).Families seeking a creative, educational, and hands-on learning environment.Establishing a regular routine for young children's social skill and curiosity development.Children who enjoy imaginative and role-playing activities (e.g., grocery shopping, restaurant play).Days with good weather to fully utilize the outdoor play area.
Why families love it
- 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.
Insider tips
- 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.
Good to know before you go
- 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).
- 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.
- Crowds
- Can get very crowded during peak times, especially weekends.
- 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.
- Food
- 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.
- Accessibility
- No specific accessibility accommodations mentioned in the reviews.
- Safety
- The museum has 'maintained high standards of cleanliness and safety' post-pandemic, making it a comfortable space for families with little ones.
What parents say
"It'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."
2 weeks ago
"As 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 divers"
in the last week
"Highly 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!"
6 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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