The facility is built on a portion of the decommissioned Glenview Naval Air Station.
The museum is a LEED Silver certified green building, utilizing sustainable design practices.
It hosts an outdoor exhibit space called Habitat Park, which includes a sensory garden and a nature-based play area.
Many exhibits, such as the 'Whole Foods Market' replica, are designed to teach children about real-world community functions through play.
The museum operates under the non-profit organization Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago.
Kohl Children's Museum is a 46,000-square-foot facility in Glenview, Illinois, designed specifically for children up to age eight. The museum features 17 hands-on, permanent exhibits focused on STEM, arts, and early childhood literacy. It is situated within the Gallery Park development on the site of the former Glenview Naval Air Station. The institution emphasizes play-based learning through interactive stations like a miniature grocery store, water works area, and a construction site. It maintains LEED Silver certification, reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability. The museum serves as an educational hub for local families, hosting recurring programs that align with early childhood development benchmarks.
The 'Water Works' exhibit, specifically the high-contrast interactive water tables and climbing structures.
Bring a change of clothes for children, as the Water Works exhibit involves significant water play.
Check the online event calendar before visiting to see if specific temporary programming or member-only events are scheduled.
Utilize the designated quiet zones if your child becomes overstimulated by the high-activity areas.
Avoid visiting during local school break weeks or holiday periods if you prefer a quieter environment, as these times reach maximum capacity quickly.
Closed on Mondays during the school year; may have modified operations during major winter holidays.
Socks are required for certain soft-play areas; adult supervision is mandatory at all times.
