
After seven months of being closed due to COVID-19, we will reopen our doors to a limited number of guests for a two-hour period, which will continue on weekends throughout the month. Go to the front page of the website to buy your tickets or for members, reserve your spots.
There is a lot of excitement from many of you and I know there is apprehension. I would be lying if I told you that I wasn't both excited and nervous. Over these past few months, we've made some changes and we've been trying to raise philanthropic donations to help us with those changes. It's been a rollercoaster of an emotional journey for us.
As the state still has not provided guidance as to where children's museums fit in the "Restore Illinois" plan, our Board of Directors voted to follow the plans for "Indoor Recreation." Other for-profit business like arcades and bowling alleys are adhering to these guidelines and while we are neither an arcade nor a bowling alley, the language is such that it says the list is "non-exhaustive" and it feels like this is the place we fit.
Our plan is to be open on weekends throughout October, assess how many visitors are coming to the museum and if warranted, we will expand those hours in November to include other days of the week. We want nothing more than to get back to a somewhat normal routine here serving you, our wonderful families.
For our members, those of you who purchased your membership with us, the membership clock is not being turned back on so you are still accruing time. We will let you know when that clock is turned back on.
I'm so very excited to start serving families again. Here is a little video about the importance of play in a child's life.
I'm looking forward to seeing you all back in the museum over the coming days, weeks and months.
Adam Woodworth
Executive Director