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The Museum will be closing at 2:00 pm on Sunday, May 11th.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Get Answers to Common Questions

Have a question about the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn? Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about visiting the museum, memberships, events, and more.

  • What is the best age for children to visit the museum?
    Our exhibits and programs are designed for children ages 0-8, but older siblings often enjoy playing alongside younger ones. It really depends on the child!
  • What is the best time to visit the museum?
    While we cannot guarantee specific crowd levels, afternoons on weekdays tend to be less busy. We also post a Field Trip Forecast weekly on our website and social media to help visitors plan.
  • Where is the best place to park?
    Free parking is available only on the 5th floor of the parking garage, along the north wall facing the museum. Look for signs indicating Children’s Museum parking (valid 10 AM – 6 PM). Paid parking is available in commuter spaces if needed. View Parking & Directions
  • Why do adults need to pay admission?
    The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and we rely on admissions and donations to continue providing play-based learning experiences for children and families. Our exhibits are designed for both children and their caregivers to explore together, encouraging shared learning and engagement.
  • Can adults visit the museum without a child?
    No. However, if you are an adult interested in learning more about the museum, you may request a guided tour from a staff member. Tours are subject to availability, so we recommend calling ahead to schedule.
  • Can I drop my child off without staying myself?
    No. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times while in the museum.
  • Can I bring a stroller into the museum?
    Yes, but we encourage children to get out and play! If you bring a stroller, please ensure it does not block exhibits or emergency exits.
  • Does the museum offer discounted admission?
    Yes! We offer discounted admission for: Teachers, seniors, and active military personnel (with valid ID). WIC and EBT cardholders ($5 per person with valid card and ID). Purchasing a membership is another way to save on visits throughout the year.
  • Can we leave the museum for lunch and return later in the day?
    Yes! Just make sure to get your hand stamped before you leave so you can re-enter the same day.
  • Can we bring a lunch or snack?
    Yes, but please note that the Multipurpose Room is not always available, especially on weekends. If the room is unavailable, you are welcome to enjoy a picnic outside near the train station.

Visiting the Museum

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  • What is the best age for children to visit the museum?
    Our exhibits and programs are designed for children ages 0-8, but older siblings often enjoy playing alongside younger ones. It really depends on the child!
  • What is the best time to visit the museum?
    While we cannot guarantee specific crowd levels, afternoons on weekdays tend to be less busy. We also post a Field Trip Forecast weekly on our website and social media to help visitors plan.
  • Where is the best place to park?
    Free parking is available only on the 5th floor of the parking garage, along the north wall facing the museum. Look for signs indicating Children’s Museum parking (valid 10 AM – 6 PM). Paid parking is available in commuter spaces if needed. View Parking & Directions
  • Why do adults need to pay admission?
    The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and we rely on admissions and donations to continue providing play-based learning experiences for children and families. Our exhibits are designed for both children and their caregivers to explore together, encouraging shared learning and engagement.
  • Can adults visit the museum without a child?
    No. However, if you are an adult interested in learning more about the museum, you may request a guided tour from a staff member. Tours are subject to availability, so we recommend calling ahead to schedule.
  • Can I drop my child off without staying myself?
    No. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times while in the museum.
  • Can I bring a stroller into the museum?
    Yes, but we encourage children to get out and play! If you bring a stroller, please ensure it does not block exhibits or emergency exits.
  • Does the museum offer discounted admission?
    Yes! We offer discounted admission for: Teachers, seniors, and active military personnel (with valid ID). WIC and EBT cardholders ($5 per person with valid card and ID). Purchasing a membership is another way to save on visits throughout the year.
  • Can we leave the museum for lunch and return later in the day?
    Yes! Just make sure to get your hand stamped before you leave so you can re-enter the same day.
  • Can we bring a lunch or snack?
    Yes, but please note that the Multipurpose Room is not always available, especially on weekends. If the room is unavailable, you are welcome to enjoy a picnic outside near the train station.

Memberships & Discounts

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  • What is the best age for children to visit the museum?
    Our exhibits and programs are designed for children ages 0-8, but older siblings often enjoy playing alongside younger ones. It really depends on the child!
  • What is the best time to visit the museum?
    While we cannot guarantee specific crowd levels, afternoons on weekdays tend to be less busy. We also post a Field Trip Forecast weekly on our website and social media to help visitors plan.
  • Where is the best place to park?
    Free parking is available only on the 5th floor of the parking garage, along the north wall facing the museum. Look for signs indicating Children’s Museum parking (valid 10 AM – 6 PM). Paid parking is available in commuter spaces if needed. View Parking & Directions
  • Why do adults need to pay admission?
    The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and we rely on admissions and donations to continue providing play-based learning experiences for children and families. Our exhibits are designed for both children and their caregivers to explore together, encouraging shared learning and engagement.
  • Can adults visit the museum without a child?
    No. However, if you are an adult interested in learning more about the museum, you may request a guided tour from a staff member. Tours are subject to availability, so we recommend calling ahead to schedule.
  • Can I drop my child off without staying myself?
    No. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times while in the museum.
  • Can I bring a stroller into the museum?
    Yes, but we encourage children to get out and play! If you bring a stroller, please ensure it does not block exhibits or emergency exits.
  • Does the museum offer discounted admission?
    Yes! We offer discounted admission for: Teachers, seniors, and active military personnel (with valid ID). WIC and EBT cardholders ($5 per person with valid card and ID). Purchasing a membership is another way to save on visits throughout the year.
  • Can we leave the museum for lunch and return later in the day?
    Yes! Just make sure to get your hand stamped before you leave so you can re-enter the same day.
  • Can we bring a lunch or snack?
    Yes, but please note that the Multipurpose Room is not always available, especially on weekends. If the room is unavailable, you are welcome to enjoy a picnic outside near the train station.

Events, Programs & Donations

Astronaut reading a book in space
  • What is the best age for children to visit the museum?
    Our exhibits and programs are designed for children ages 0-8, but older siblings often enjoy playing alongside younger ones. It really depends on the child!
  • What is the best time to visit the museum?
    While we cannot guarantee specific crowd levels, afternoons on weekdays tend to be less busy. We also post a Field Trip Forecast weekly on our website and social media to help visitors plan.
  • Where is the best place to park?
    Free parking is available only on the 5th floor of the parking garage, along the north wall facing the museum. Look for signs indicating Children’s Museum parking (valid 10 AM – 6 PM). Paid parking is available in commuter spaces if needed. View Parking & Directions
  • Why do adults need to pay admission?
    The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and we rely on admissions and donations to continue providing play-based learning experiences for children and families. Our exhibits are designed for both children and their caregivers to explore together, encouraging shared learning and engagement.
  • Can adults visit the museum without a child?
    No. However, if you are an adult interested in learning more about the museum, you may request a guided tour from a staff member. Tours are subject to availability, so we recommend calling ahead to schedule.
  • Can I drop my child off without staying myself?
    No. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times while in the museum.
  • Can I bring a stroller into the museum?
    Yes, but we encourage children to get out and play! If you bring a stroller, please ensure it does not block exhibits or emergency exits.
  • Does the museum offer discounted admission?
    Yes! We offer discounted admission for: Teachers, seniors, and active military personnel (with valid ID). WIC and EBT cardholders ($5 per person with valid card and ID). Purchasing a membership is another way to save on visits throughout the year.
  • Can we leave the museum for lunch and return later in the day?
    Yes! Just make sure to get your hand stamped before you leave so you can re-enter the same day.
  • Can we bring a lunch or snack?
    Yes, but please note that the Multipurpose Room is not always available, especially on weekends. If the room is unavailable, you are welcome to enjoy a picnic outside near the train station.

Accessibility & Safety

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Misc Questions

  • What is the best age for children to visit the museum?
    Our exhibits and programs are designed for children ages 0-8, but older siblings often enjoy playing alongside younger ones. It really depends on the child!
  • What is the best time to visit the museum?
    While we cannot guarantee specific crowd levels, afternoons on weekdays tend to be less busy. We also post a Field Trip Forecast weekly on our website and social media to help visitors plan.
  • Where is the best place to park?
    Free parking is available only on the 5th floor of the parking garage, along the north wall facing the museum. Look for signs indicating Children’s Museum parking (valid 10 AM – 6 PM). Paid parking is available in commuter spaces if needed. View Parking & Directions
  • Why do adults need to pay admission?
    The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and we rely on admissions and donations to continue providing play-based learning experiences for children and families. Our exhibits are designed for both children and their caregivers to explore together, encouraging shared learning and engagement.
  • Can adults visit the museum without a child?
    No. However, if you are an adult interested in learning more about the museum, you may request a guided tour from a staff member. Tours are subject to availability, so we recommend calling ahead to schedule.
  • Can I drop my child off without staying myself?
    No. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times while in the museum.
  • Can I bring a stroller into the museum?
    Yes, but we encourage children to get out and play! If you bring a stroller, please ensure it does not block exhibits or emergency exits.
  • Does the museum offer discounted admission?
    Yes! We offer discounted admission for: Teachers, seniors, and active military personnel (with valid ID). WIC and EBT cardholders ($5 per person with valid card and ID). Purchasing a membership is another way to save on visits throughout the year.
  • Can we leave the museum for lunch and return later in the day?
    Yes! Just make sure to get your hand stamped before you leave so you can re-enter the same day.
  • Can we bring a lunch or snack?
    Yes, but please note that the Multipurpose Room is not always available, especially on weekends. If the room is unavailable, you are welcome to enjoy a picnic outside near the train station.
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