Activities for Kids

6 Local Children’s Museums You Haven’t Visited Yet

Lesser-known children's museums hide out of sight but are well worth discovering. Read about our favorite secret places for hands-on play. We promise you haven't played them out ... yet.

By Taryn Bickley February 19, 2014

If you’ve already conquered Chicago Children’s Museum and Kohl Children’s Museum, then it’s time to find kiddie fun further afield. Head to lesser-known children’s museums that hide just out of sight but are well worth discovering. Click through our gallery for the 411 on secret places for imaginative play, interactive games and engaging exhibits. We promise you haven’t played them out … yet.

KidsWork Museum – Frankfort

If your wee ones have a case of sticky fingers (aka: they want grab everything) then this neat-o Will County is for you. That’s because everything housed in it can be touched and investigated. Parents rave about their giant Operation game table along with a brand new “Builder Board” exhibit, where kids can construct a fort or table. You'll also love the “Why Beans” area -- a math, sensory and hand/eye coordination play zone. There is also a free music class on Wednesday mornings from 10-10:30 a.m. with paid admission.

11 S. White St., Frankfort (815-469-1199 or kidsworkchildrensmuseum.org). Open Tues.-Thurs., 9 a.m-3 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $7 for adults and kids, babies under 1 are free.

Have you visited any of these museums? Let us know about it in the Comments section below.

— Taryn Bickley