Wonder Works Children's Museum

Wonder Works Children’s Museum is dedicated to the development of healthy children and families, specifically for those in the immediate Western Cook County Suburbs and West Side of Chicago. For 18 years in its current location, Wonder Works has promoted the growth of social, emotional, intellectual and executive functioning learning through open-ended play for children ages birth to eight. We provide six high-quality play experiences and exhibits, as well as programs, that provide children and families with access to meaningful play in music, math, science, imaginative and dramatic arts and literacy. The exhibits and programs are designed according to the State of Illinois early learning and developmental standards. The primary focus of the museum is self-directed, hands-on play utilizing the “loose-parts theory.”  Loose parts are integral to the imagination of a child by offering an opportunity to extend, expand, and enrich how and what they play. We are essential to children’s cognitive and social-emotional growth. To the residents and businesses, we are viewed as a community anchor. During normal years, the museum is open more than 300 days a year.  Wonder Works' mission is to spark curiosity and creativity in all young children through positive, play-based, learning experiences.