
03/17/2023
We have to wait 'til May for the full-sized Buckingham Fountain to delight us, but happily for the kiddos in Water City, no wait is necessary!
Chicago Children's Museum's mission is to create a community where play and learning connect. CCM's p
Operating as usual
We have to wait 'til May for the full-sized Buckingham Fountain to delight us, but happily for the kiddos in Water City, no wait is necessary!
We extended our EARLYBIRD promotion for just one week! Make sure you get your tickets before time runs out on March 24! Use code EARLYBIRD at check out for $15 dollars off.
Join Chicago Children’s Museum for the return of Hide N Seek! Play after dark at Chicago Children’s Museum on May 6. Ticket holders will enjoy 2 floors of games and fun, live music, open bar, chef's tables, and so much more!
Grab a drink, play games with your friends, and explore the museum after hours in this exclusive, 21 + adults' night out. Visit our website (https://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/hidenseek)
or click the link in our bio to get your tickets. 🎉 🌆
Event location: Chicago Children’s Museum at the Navy Pier
3/15: Earlybird Ends Today!
Don’t miss this opportunity to get your Earlybird discount on Tickets! Today is the last day for $15 dollars off admission with code EARLYBIRD at checkout.
Join Chicago Children’s Museum for the return of Hide N Seek! Play after dark at Chicago Children’s Museum on May 6. Ticket holders will enjoy 2 floors of games and fun, live music, open bar, chef's tables, and so much more!
Grab a drink, play games with your friends, and explore the museum after hours in this exclusive, 21 + adults' night out. Visit our website (https://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/hidenseek) or click the link in our bio to get your tickets. 🎉 🌆
Event location: Chicago Children’s Museum at the Navy Pier
Make a play date for your babies and toddlers, your ages 4 to 8, and your ages 9 and up with all of the exhibits designed especially for them! This coming spring break we're open every day 10 am to 5 pm from March 27 through April 9.
Teaching Chess To Kids: A Step By Step Guide...
Stay positive.
Be patient.
Keep it fun.
Set a structure.
Encourage independent studying.
Use online resources.
Make chess a social activity.
Celebrate achievements.
from "How To Teach Your Kids Chess (And Why It's A Great Idea)" -chess.com
Add story retelling to this snowy day! Meaning is made through recalling and reflecting on an experience. It is how children translate play into learning. Through the process of reflection, they are able to achieve deeper, more significant gains in understanding.
The Museum's Story Hub exhibit prompts conversations between grown ups and kiddos to help teach children how to reflect and is made possible by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Surprise Powerz' "Best Places" guide is out and Chicago Children's Museum is listed as #1!
Drawing Studio ends on March 15! Be sure to add to the gorgeous masterpiece covering the Art Studio floors and walls... 😁
Playful learning means...growing new climbers' self-confidence, strength, agility, and independence. The Kovler Family Climbing Schooner gives littles the chance to chart their own path while scaling three stories of ship's rigging to the crow's nest. Friendly staff are at the ready to lend a hand and grown ups can offer encouragement along the way on the adjacent stairway.
What we're excited about...this article "Water Play Is Science" from the National Science Teaching Association gives great ideas on how to channel kiddos' natural curiosity and love of water play into a water scavenger hunt as a way to foster "open observations and intentional interaction with the water in our world."
https://www.nsta.org/science-and-children/science-and-children-marchapril-2022/water-play-science
Explore the Chicago Children's Museum on Navy Pier after hours in this exclusive grown-up-but-we-still-know-how-to-play night out! Save $15 by purchasing before 3/15! 🎉 🌆
Hide N Seek: Play After Dark
May 6, 7-11pm
Tickets on sale now! (21+)
https://lnkd.in/gyJ8zdv3)
Calling all 4 and ups...help our toy pilots fly! Build, launch, test and improve your mini flying machine now that Up, Up and Away! has officially taken over Tinkering Lab!
Did you know? The Museum's Playing With Numbers program annually provides teachers with strategies for making meaning through mathematical thinking. The 2022-2023 cohort of teachers hail from 16 Chicago Public Schools.
“Using more play in the classrooms has allowed my kids to see that math is everywhere—it’s not just when we’re sitting down using the paper and pencil.” (Heather Murphy, kindergarten teacher, PWN alum)
Just a little reminder of water as a fun indoor adventure not a traffic hazard!
Happy "Rainbow friends" day from the Drawing Studio!
When the meteorologists are shouting "Winter Storm Watch!", we find comfort in moments like this and the idea that scissors and cardboard are sometimes a great cure for ready-for-winter-to-be-over-itis...
What we're learning...toddlers who spend less than an hour looking at screens each day and engage in at least an hour of daily physical activity have better executive function according to a recent study in The Journal of Pediatrics by University of Illinois professors Naiman Khan and Sharon Donovan and graduate student Arden McMath...
https://news.illinois.edu/view/6367/702754550
Our favorite Water City review so far (alongside the happiness the kiddos are bringing to their visits) is from ... "What I thought was very unique is that older kids and babies alike were completely engaged - there is just so much to do and interact with!"
Extra armfuls of thanks to Lucy (age 7) for sharing her Chicken Day Care made in the Tinkering Lab and to Hojun (age 9) for sharing his sharks made in the Art Studio! It's been a fantastically creative month!
Waters by Elder James Olson
The waters of the world in their cold chasm
Move with slow silver muscles, glide beneath
A tenuous green sheath,
Unfurl to massy folds, or march in mountains.
Rivers and fountains
And waterfalls in raveling ropes of smoke
Feed the green chasm.
The waters of the world conceive cold slow
Insinuating fish, that ghost and glow
Suspended in steep streams or glossy mountains.
We cordially welcome you to Water City - a splashful, splishful, waterful good time! (Pro tip from grownups who've been - consider short sleeve tops for kiddos to wear under the waterproof smocks provided to avoid doused cuffs...!)
While Water City is getting a lot of standing Os - be sure to make the final weekend of Drawing Studio in the Art Studio!
Calling all water loving kiddos - MOEN Presents Water City is now open and we're so excited for you to come in and play!
The wait is over! Come explore Water City today on Free Family Day - we're open 10 am to 5 pm - and join in dance celebrations on the Pier and in the Museum!
Today's the day! Free Family Day from 10 am to 5 pm on Navy Pier and at the Museum - free dance workshops, free Museum admission including grand opening of new MOEN Presents Water City exhibit, and $10 Navy Pier parking. Join in the joy!
Tomorrow is an extra special kidtastic day! Water City opens on Free Family Day!! Free dance workshops at the Museum and on the Pier, free admission to the Museum, and $10 parking!
This Thursday 2/23 is both Water City's opening and February's Free Family Day! Dance with us on the Pier and at the Museum as we welcome our newest exhibit 🎈
Happy Presidents' Day! Bring the kiddos to our neighbor on the Pier, Chef Art Smith's Reunion Restaurant -Chicago, today and enjoy Kids Eat Free with the purchase of an adult meal! And more good news...the Museum has extended holiday hours from 10 am to 5 pm today :)
Looking at Suchomimus from this angle has always felt deserving of a funny caption contest... :)
We ❤ artists at work...
After yesterday's "wintery mix" showed us how water can transform into snow, sleet, hail, ice, and rain, we think we're all ready for its fun side...
Some of our favorite moments at the Museum are seeing the real magic of memories being made right before our eyes. Big thanks to all the grown-ups who take the time to make memories with their little, medium, and big kids here!
Did you know? In addition to our favorite Great Lake, Illinois is bordered by 880 miles of rivers and has 106,900 miles of rivers and streams within its borders. The Museum is grateful to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for these water facts as well as for joining IFF and Moen to make the new Water City exhibit possible. Opening to the public on February 23!
Happy Valentine's Day! Here's hoping there's a full-tilt, tiny dance party in everyone's lives today ❤😍❤️
Just 45 minutes left to vote for Best Children's Museum!
https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-childrens-museum-2023/chicago-childrens-museum-chicago-illinois/?fbclid=IwAR0kTyJhwZCwulDqS7K-6JjD4Uk4B5RtEgX9RUScX1L4XCwmLKapomu5ZK8
Did you know those gorgeous mosaics that live on the Navy Pier wall just outside the gift shop were created by visiting artist Norma Rios-Sierra of Mosaico Arte Chicago (https://mosaicoartechicago.wordpress.com) and young artists at the Museum?
We've had some quality control inspectors making sure everything is just right as we get ready to open MOEN presents Water City on February 23!
Just a reminder - the Museum will be open 10 am to 5 pm on Presidents' Day, Monday, February 20!
Mark your calendars...February 23 is Water City opening day! Created in partnership with Moen, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and IFF (and rigorously tested by a team of kindergartners), we can't wait to welcome water play back to the Museum!
https://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/watercity2023
What we're excited about... Science Journal for Kids offers cutting edge, peer-reviewed research adapted for students. In their "Meet-a-Scientist" series we learned about Dr. Shannon Currie who studies bats along with an 8-year-old boy who is blind and learning to echo-locate just like bats and dolphins.
https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/lesson-ideas/meet-a-scientist-shannon-currie/
700 E Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL
60611
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Our toy friends need to cross a pool of light without touching it! Can your little engineer a safe passage for a toy traveler? Take on Tinkering Lab’s latest program Safe Travels: Constructing Shadows and design a safe way for toy friends to travel. Click the link below for more details on our latest programming. https://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/program-calendar
Hebru Brantley, a renowned Chicago-born and raised artist created a little corner of the world for CCM’s young visitors in our New Art Experience! From Kirby’s Clubhouse to the Sky Studio, littles (and those young at heart) will feel free to immerse and express themselves in all sorts of creative ways. Throughout the New Art Experience, Brantley challenges us all to play, explore, create, and most importantly have fun! Click the link below for more details. https://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/new-art-experience
The New Art Experience featuring Chicago-born and raised artist, Hebru Brantley was made possible by a generous naming gift from Thaddeus Wong and Emily Sachs Wong to transform the Art Studio into an inspiring and immersive art space for littles to explore their imagination! In their own words, they talk about how important it is to have this immersive space available for ALL children to ‘fly’ alongside their creations. Click the link below for more details on the New Art Experience. https://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/new-art-experience
It’s been a long Chicago winter, but spring is coming! To celebrate the end of winter and the start of daylight savings time, enjoy this read-along of Stella Keeps The Sun Up written and read by CCM friend, Clothilde Ewing. Turns out Stella gets her wish granted today…at least for another hour! ☀️ To watch the read-along on YouTube 👇 https://youtu.be/TaAmtrC0CUM
Ever wondered who to thank for many of the inventions that have touched our lives every single day? These kiddos know exactly who to thank! This Black History Month, share a moment with your little and learn more about African American inventors through this read-along of the biographies from Have You Thanked an Inventor Today?
Did you know that Abraham Lincoln and George Washington share a birthday month? Celebrate Presidents’ Day with your littles with Mrs. Kim's Building Blocks’ read aloud of Presidents' Day by Anne Rockwell, which is the perfect way for kiddos to learn about prominent historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and George Washington! Click the link below to watch more of Mrs. Kim read alouds. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxc231bHDefeiTiVTbMwvGg
Pritzker’s Playspace has a new look! Children(and adults) can play with lights and shadows to explore colors, patterns, and motion or get cozy inside our tent and read a book by the light of a flashlight. 🔦 Click the link below for more details on our current programming. https://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/program-calendar
Let's kick off Black History Month with gratitude to the African American inventors who touch our lives every single day with this read-long by our friend, Leonard House.
Rosa Parks played an important role in the Civil Rights Movement that helped reshape civil rights reform. Start your MLK weekend off by watching our read-along of Rosa with CCM friend, Olivia Porter to help facilitate at-home discussions with your little about how Rosa Parks’ courageous stance propelled the movement forward. Learn more about Rosa Parks and other important figures in the Civil Rights Movement at CCM’s MLK celebration on Monday! Click the link below for details. https://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/mlk-day-celebration
Looking for ways to start your at-home conversations about the Civil Rights Movement before CCM’s MLK celebrations? Use this read-along written by Patrice McLaurin and read by CCM friend, Leonard House to learn more about the contributions of African American inventors who have touched our everyday lives! Click the link below for more information about CCM’s MLK Day celebrations. https://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/mlk-day-celebration
It may be hard to explain the civil rights movement and Dr. King’s role in it using your words. Watch this read-along and let King’s big words guide your conversations with your little. Don’t forget we have a full weekend of MLK Day programs to celebrate his legacy. Click the link below for more details. https://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/mlk-day-celebration
We're excited to announce that the Kovler Family Climbing Schooner is officially re-opened! Kids can scale 3 stories of ship-shape rigging or discover tropical fish at the ocean's bottom! Schedule your visit today!
MLK Holiday is just one day — Monday, January 17 — and from 10:30 am to 4 pm at the museum, we will be open to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy through art activities, storytelling, and reflection. To begin the conversations at-home before the MLK celebration on Monday enjoy this read-along written by Ruby Bridges read by a CCM friend, Birtukan. Click the link below for more details about the MLK celebration at the museum. https://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/mlk-day-celebration
Gravity, force, and energy are given new meaning when our sculpture Thingamabob comes to life! Bring your little along to learn how Thingamabob uses concepts of physical science to demonstrate how a variety of simple machines can work together!
We asked Chicago White Sox’s official mascot Southpaw some important questions about his dreams, creativity, and his favorite ways to play. What's your littles favorite way to play at CCM?
Our Playful Learning Landscapes in Little Village and Aurora are just two examples of how we partner with organizations to meet littles anywhere. It’s not too late to make a 2021 tax-deductible donation. All new and additional donations made now will be matched dollar-for-dollar thanks to an anonymous foundation. Learn how your gift supports community play throughout Chicago. 👇 Make a gift today. https://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/make-a-gift
"Play is absolutely necessary for happy and healthy children to thrive," says Associate Board Member Laura Tribbett. Your donation to CCM removes the cost barrier of play for so many families. Give today to make the museum a more accessible place for families who need it the most: https://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/make-a-gift
In Aurora, play meets parents and children where they are. This playful learning landscape provides a space where children can play with math while engaging in agriculture and better understand the process of harvesting and producing food. Aurora creates a connection between the food pantry across the street and the farm showcasing how learning and food are connected.
Play is essential for learning, that’s why we partnered with the McCormick Foundation to bring learning through play to communities that don’t have access to museums. In Little Village play meets parents and children where they are. This installation creates a space where children can engage with math while helping out with tasks like laundry.
A better, and bolder water experience is coming to CCM in 2022! Moen Presents Water City will provide your littles a playful experience that will help them think differently about water and water conservation!
Olympic athlete David Kendziera loves to play. Find out what is his favorite way to play! #amillionwaystoplay
Playing is not just for little kids, but for children of all ages. Here at CCM we provide learning and play for every kid. Listen to these three tweens talk about how cool playing can be. 😎
It is getting close...only two days left before the gala. Have you registered? Have you bid on silent auction items? Have you entered the raffle for your chance to win the hottest e-bike to hit the market? If you, answered no to any of the above, click https://e.givesmart.com/events/gbN/ #amillionwaystoplay #ccmgala #ccmgala #chicagochldrensmuseum #whereplayandlearningconnect
It's 3 days until the gala. Are you going to a watch party? You still need to register to participate in all of the fun. If you are hosting or attending a watch party, register here: https://e.givesmart.com/events/gbN/ #ccmgala #amillionwaystoplay #whereplayandlearningconnect #chicagochildrensmuseum #chicagochildrensmuseumgala
There are 3 days and we have not mentioned the silent auction. Get a head start on your holiday shopping while supporting the access programs that provide Chicago's children with millions of unique ways to play, explore, and learn all year long. See auction items here: https://e.givesmart.com/events/gbN/i/
It is 5 days until the Chicago Children's Museum's celebration of play. US Olympians, Chicago White Sox’s mascot Southpaw, musical entertainment from Little Miss Ann, and a closing finale featuring the stars from the Broadway in Chicago production of Frozen are just some of the highlights of the virtual event. RSVP here: www.ccmgala.org
Harry Caray's Tavern on Navy Pier
E Grand AvenueChicago Children's Museum Metropolitan Board
E Grand Avenue/Navy PierMuseum of Contemporary Art Chicago
E Chicago AvenueMcCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
N Michigan AvenueLoyola University Museum of Art (LUMA)
N Michigan AvenueThe Richard H. Driehaus Museum
E Erie StreetOriental Institute - University of Chicago
E 58th StreetChicago Women's History Center
N Humboldt BoulevardNational Public Housing Museum
N Kingsbury StreetMuseum of Contemporary Photography
S Michigan AvenueLoyola University Museum of Art (LUMA)
N Michigan Avenue