CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF OAK PARK

WONDER WORKS CHILDREN'S MUSEUM ("WWCM") HAS INSTILLED A LIFELONG LOVE OF LEARNING IN ITS VISITORS FOR OVER THREE DECADES. WE COMBAT INEQUITY THROUGH MULTIPLE ACCESS PROGRAMS, WHICH REMOVE ATTENDANCE BARRIERS FOR FAMILIES WITH LOW INCOME, SENSORY AND ACCESSIBILITY NEEDS, TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS, AND THOSE WHO RECEIVE SUPPORT FROM SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES. OUR 6,400 SQUARE FOOT FACILITY CONTAINS NINE INTERACTIVE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR EXHIBITS WHICH INSPIRE PLAY-BASED LEARNING EXPERIENCES IN THE ARTS, MATH, MUSIC, SCIENCE, AND LITERACY THAT ARE ALIGNED WITH ILLINOIS EARLY LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. FOCUSING ON AGES 0-8 AND THEIR FAMILIES, OUR GOAL IS TO OFFER NOVEL AND INVIGORATING EXPERIENCES THAT SCHOOLS AND INDIVIDUAL FAMILIES DO NOT HAVE THE LUXURY TO PROVIDE. (SEE SCHEDULE O FOR 2024) IN 2024, WWCM INTRODUCED A NEW EXHIBIT TO PROMOTE BUILDING STEM EXPERIMENTATION: THE LIGHT LAB WHICH INCLUDES A LIGHT TABLE FOR MAGNA TILES, A GIANT LITE BRITE MANIPULATIVE STATION, AND A RAINBOW WALL PROJECTION AREA. MUSEUM FREE DAYS AND OUTREACH EVENTS ALSO ENSURE THAT OUR PROGRAMS ARE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO HAVE HISTORICALLY BEEN DENIED ACCESS. THE MUSEUM ALSO ENHANCED ITS DAILY OFFERINGS WITH SPECIAL PROGRAMMING IN MUSIC, DANCE, YOGA, SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING, AND INSECT ENCOUNTERS. THE MUSEUM IS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE PARTIES, PARTIES DURING MUSEUM OPEN HOURS, AND FIELD TRIPS. WWCM CONTINUES TO EVOLVE AND PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, SUPPORTING OUR SOCIETY'S YOUNGEST MEMBERS.