Kidzeum of Health and Science

Kidzeum of Health and Science Kidzeum is a children's museum committed to bringing education to visitors of all abilities.

In 1992, a group of volunteers banded together to open the original Springfield Children's Museum. For eight years, this museum served as a solid community attraction with more than 40,000 visitors each year. However, because the museum suffered from inadequate space and an inconvenient location, it ultimately could not be sustained. In 2008, with a shared passion to build a learning environment f

or children and their families, a new group of dedicated community members convened to form the Kidzeum of Health and Science Board of Directors, Trustees, and volunteers. With more than 200 strong, Kidzeum supporters have recognized the need for an educational and entertainment facility in our region. During Kidzeum's planning phase, focus groups, including both children and adults, determined the topics of health and science the best fit for the new children's museum. With this in mind, Kidzeum of Health and Science's mission, to create memorable experiences of learning through play for children of ALL abilities, was developed to address critical issues affecting today’s youth. Kidzeum is committed to nurturing health and wellness, promoting science education and careers, and developing environmental and global awareness through innovative programs and exhibits. Being healthy is not just a popular trend, but a persistent core value that Kidzeum aspires to enhance through visitor impact. With a new focus and a new name, Kidzeum of Health and Science is dedicated to providing access to children of all abilities through the development of multi-sensory components for each part of the museum.

More than 7,000 people have watched our new video, The Power of Play in Downtown Springfield! Wow! One message seemed to...
06/22/2026

More than 7,000 people have watched our new video, The Power of Play in Downtown Springfield! Wow!

One message seemed to resonate more than any other:

Free play has declined by 50% since the 1970s. Children now spend an average of 7.5 hours a day on screens. Kids are getting fewer opportunities for unstructured exploration.

Without those opportunities, they may never discover their full potential.

For the last eight years, Kidzeum has worked to create those opportunities through hands-on exhibits, STEAM programs, camps, field trips, and community access initiatives.

But we're not finished yet.

For our 8th Birthday this summer, we are inviting you in on the mission.

This carousel shares three ways we're working to create even more opportunities for children to explore, create, imagine, and discover what they're capable of.

Swipe through to see what's next, and if you believe every child deserves the chance to discover what excites them, we'd love for you to be part of it. Learn how at: https://kidzeum.org/pages/support

*Nomination period closes this Saturday, June 20!* Behind every child who feels seen, supported, and inspired, there's o...
06/17/2026

*Nomination period closes this Saturday, June 20!*

Behind every child who feels seen, supported, and inspired, there's often an adult making a difference.

The nomination period for the 2026 For the Kids Awards is. Don't miss the chance to recognize someone whose impact on children deserves to be celebrated.

Nominate a local champion today at forthekidsawards.org.

06/16/2026

Free play is down 50% since the 1970's. Screen time for kids is averaging 7.5 hours a day. The research on what children are losing is clear.

Kidzeum has spent 8 years building an answer to that in Downtown Springfield: nearly 200,000 visits, more than 15,000 community access admissions, and a District 186 partnership that brings every 2nd grader in the district to Kidzeum for our STEAM Residency.

This video captures why that matters, in the words of our own community members.

We are also excited to launch our new website, where you can learn more about Kidzeum, our impact, and what's next.

Stay tuned. We're not done yet.

Kidzeum.org

06/15/2026

We just know your kids will love Botley! Don't miss this free event!

What a week of discovery at Eco Explorers Summer Camp! 🌱🦋🔬Our campers became scientists, naturalists, artists, and conse...
06/15/2026

What a week of discovery at Eco Explorers Summer Camp! 🌱🦋🔬

Our campers became scientists, naturalists, artists, and conservationists as they explored the world around them through hands-on investigation and play. Throughout the week they released monarch butterflies, planted milkweed, created beautiful flower-pounding art, studied pollen under microscopes, tested soil and water, learned nature photography and birding skills, conducted population studies, competed in Squirrel Olympics, and even got their hands dirty with worm composting.

A special thank you to Susan Helm, Ruth Nonneman and Brenda Larison for sharing their expertise and helping our campers develop a deeper appreciation for pollinators, native plants, and the important role each of us can play in caring for our environment.

We are deeply grateful for Rob Tucker for renting space at Erin's Pavilion for our campers.

The future of conservation is in good hands. 💚

A big thank you to 1221 Photography for capturing the wonder of our Migrating Mural so beautifully!This special downtown...
06/12/2026

A big thank you to 1221 Photography for capturing the wonder of our Migrating Mural so beautifully!

This special downtown exhibit invites families to slow down, look closer, and explore big questions together. What do pollinators need to thrive? Why are native plants important? How can our community create spaces that support learning, habitat, and beauty all at once?

We hope you'll stop by and experience it for yourself. Bring a friend, enjoy lunch at our community picnic tables, and discover what it feels like to be bug-sized in this free outdoor exhibit.

06/12/2026

One of the things we love most about Springfield is the people who care deeply about this community and take the time to tell its stories.

A huge thank you to Tony Stang and The Mosaic Project SPI for shining a light on the people, organizations, and ideas helping move Springfield forward. His focus on "Moments of Humanity" captures something important about what makes our community special.

We were honored to have Leah Wilson join Tony to discuss Kidzeum's NSF-funded Center for STEAM Education planning project and the community-driven work happening behind the scenes to shape its future.

We've been working on something BIG, and we can't wait to share it with you. Stay tuned.
06/11/2026

We've been working on something BIG, and we can't wait to share it with you.

Stay tuned.

We can't wait to share this exciting episode with you!
06/05/2026

We can't wait to share this exciting episode with you!

Address

412 E Adams Street
Springfield, IL
62701

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm
Sunday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

(217) 679-2123

Website

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