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Museums #2 in Bloomington, Illinois

Children's Discovery Museum

4.7 · 1,064 reviews
Energetic and highly interactive
Children's Discovery Museum, 101 E Beaufort St, Normal, IL 61761, United States
Interesting facts
1

The museum building is LEED-certified, incorporating sustainable design elements like natural lighting and recycled materials.

2

The 'Ag-Zone' exhibit teaches children about the lifecycle of corn and soybeans, reflecting the agricultural economy of McLean County.

3

The museum offers a dedicated 'Discovery Room' for private events and specialized educational workshops.

4

The facility features a wind-powered exhibit that demonstrates the principles of renewable energy generation.

5

Rotating art exhibits in the museum's community gallery feature works created by local K-12 students.

Overview

The Children's Discovery Museum in Normal is a three-story educational facility designed to foster learning through interactive play and hands-on exhibits. It features a signature two-story water table, a climber structure, and a digital interactive floor. The museum focuses on STEM education, creative arts, and agricultural awareness reflecting the regional landscape of central Illinois. Exhibits are specifically curated for children up to age twelve. The facility includes a dedicated area for infants and toddlers to engage in sensory-based play. It is housed in an architecturally modern building located in the Uptown Normal district. The museum serves as a regional hub for educational field trips and community-led programming.

Photo spot

The interactive two-story water table area provides dynamic action shots of children engaged in scientific play.

Insider tips

Bring a change of clothes for children, as the popular water-based exhibits often result in wet sleeves or splashes.

Check the online calendar for 'sensory-friendly' mornings if you prefer a quieter environment with reduced lights and sounds.

Plan your visit to allow time to explore the adjacent public plaza and fountains in Uptown Normal.

What to avoid

Attempting to visit during peak holiday breaks without checking for special events, which can lead to maximum capacity crowds.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays during the academic school year.

Etiquette

Socks are required for children and adults in designated climbing areas; adult supervision is mandatory at all times.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday afternoons during the school year to avoid peak attendance from weekend crowds and summer camps.
Address
Children's Discovery Museum, 101 E Beaufort St, Normal, IL 61761, United States
40.509, -88.984
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsTwo-story water table, Ag-Zone agriculture display, and wind energy station

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday afternoons during the school year to avoid peak attendance from weekend crowds and summer camps..

The interactive two-story water table area provides dynamic action shots of children engaged in scientific play.

Close by you'll find Anderson Park, Fell Park- Normal Parks And Recreation, White Oak Park.