GLENVIEW – As part of its commitment to inclusiveness for all children and families regardless of ability, Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago will host Everyone at Play, a series of special mornings of museum exploration tailored toward children with special needs and their families. Taking place several times throughout the year, the Museum subtly modifies the museum experience to make it even more appropriate for families that include these children. The Museum is closed to the general public at these times.
Kohl Children’s Museum is located at 2100 Patriot Boulevard in Glenview.
In 2018, Everyone at Play will take place from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. on:
- Sunday, May 20
- Sunday, Jun. 24
During these events, the museum will foster an environment ideal for calm, creative, and collaborative play. Everyone at Play not only gives an opportunity for children to play with kids at similar developmental levels, it also creates an opportunity for families who share similar experiences to meet. In addition to scaling down the stimulating sound and lighting elements of the museum and capping capacity, there will also be a quiet room available for stimulation breaks. Museum staff and volunteers will be on-hand for play support and guidance as families make their way through the exhibits. Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy will also be on-site for one-on-one sessions with therapy dogs to provide a soothing presence and volunteers to answer any questions about dog safety.
“One of the pillars of our mission is ensuring that every child have the ability and opportunity to be inspired for a lifetime of learning,” said Sheridan Turner, President & CEO of the Museum. “We are committed to removing any barriers, both socio-economic and physical, that can affect a child’s right to learn and play.”
Accessibility Opportunities:
Interactive exhibits feature push button activations with buttons that are low and stick out from the wall so they are accessible to children with limited mobility or vision, allowing play alongside their peers.
Every exhibit in every room has accessible activities that all children can enjoy no matter their ability level.
Bathrooms feature large padded benches for changing diapers of children too big for the infant table.
By capping the number of visitors, the risk of any child becoming agitated is minimized.
Kohl Children’s Museum is designed specifically to be accessible to all children every day, regardless of ability, but these events allow for an environment more equipped to meet the needs of any child who walks through the door. The Museum’s 17 exhibits and 2 acres of outdoor explorations are designed for play with a purpose and encourage linguistic, cognitive, motor, and social skills for children ages birth through 8. The Museum partners with community organizations to invite families with special needs children. Due to space limitations families must register in advance online.
About Kohl Children’s Museum
In recognition for its outstanding exhibits and impact on Chicagoland families, Kohl Children’s Museum was recently named one of the country’s Ten Best Children’s Museums by Parents Magazine.
Offering 17 interactive, hands-on exhibits for children age’s birth to 8, the Museum’s mission is to encourage young children to become effective learners through self-directed complex play. Kohl Children’s Museum is located at 2100 Patriot Blvd., in Glenview, Ill. at the corner of Patriot Blvd. and W. Lake Ave. in The Glen. The Museum can be easily reached by public transportation, including Pace bus and Metra trains.
For more information, visit the Museum’s website at www.kcmgc.org or call (847) 832-6600. The Museum is open on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Special members-only hours are from Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Admission prices are $12 for children and adults and $11 for senior citizens. Children under 1-year-old and members are free.
Submitted by Kohl Children’s Museum
