A hands-on museum is a creative way for children to learn.
Illinois is the most populous state in the Midwest region, so it is no wonder it is packed with fun, creative ways to get children off the couch and learning. Illinois offers cooking schools for your aspiring chef and world-class zoos for the animal lovers among us. The museums of Illinois are some of the best in the country. With so much for children and families to do, it's hard to have a boring day here.
Cooking Schools
Cooking classes are a creative way for kids to learn about nutrition. Many cooking schools throughout Illinois offer children's programs. The Chopping Block (thechoppingblock.net), located in Chicago, offers weekday classes for children ages 7 to 11 for $25 per class and for ages 12 through 16 for $30 per class. The Chopping Block also offers week-long winter and summer camp programs. Mettler Cooking School (mettlercenter.com) in Champaign offers classes for children, emphasizing healthy cooking skills and nutrition. Its Kids Cook program is for children ages 5 to 11 or under 5 with an adult. Participants learn to choose healthy foods when eating out and to make nutritious snacks and meals. Mettler also hosts birthday parties and week-long summer camps.
Museums
Museums offer creative play for the whole family. Illinois is home to many children's museums that specialize in little minds, with hands-on activities and age-appropriate displays. In Naperville, children can get down and dirty at the Dupage Children's Museum's (dupagechildrensmuseum.org) Wet 'n Messy series or spend the day visiting the exhibit neighborhoods spanning three floors. Admission is around $9. Another creative family-centered museum is the Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago (kohlchildrensmuseum.org). This museum focuses on exhibits for children up to 8 years old, and the programs are aligned with the Illinois State Learning Standards. Admission is around $9 and includes access to hands-on exhibits and a two-acre nature park.
Play Centers
The many indoor play centers in Illinois offer safe, creative play for children. Rockome Gardens (rockome.com) is an Amish-themed park in Arcola with horse-drawn carriages, a general store and a petting zoo. This unusual park offers hands-on activities for children and parents alike. In Schaumburg, the FireZone (firezonefun.com) is another hands-on play center where children learn about fire safety and about the world of firefighting. Admission is $9 for children.
Zoos
Illinois is home to many outstanding zoos, including the Lincoln Park Zoo (lpzoo.org) just north of Chicago. General admission to the park is free. Children can take a ride on the Endangered Species Carousel or hop on the LPZoo Express Train. The zoo offers creative classes and camps for kids age 5 and up. General admission to the park is free. The Henson Robinson Zoo (hensonrobinsonzoo.org) in Springfield is home over 300 to animals native to Africa, Asia, Australia, and North and South America. Admission is around $5. Many hands-on children's and family programs are available for an addition fee.
Tags: Admission around, admission park, admission park free, children ages, children learn, Children Museum, Chopping Block