There comes a point during every busy parent’s day when the perfect destination is one that allows kids to simply run around playing freely and safely. The youngsters should be able to explore and learn, being entertained and educated, while a tired mom and dad stand back, smile and (most importantly) relax.
For those who make a summer trip to
Oak Park, Illinois, the children’s museum
Wonder Works is that quintessential spot. Spread over 6,400 square feet, Wonder Works specializes in offering kids hands-on learning opportunities; the museum is dedicated to the idea that a child’s active mind can go to great places if given the right stimulus. To that end, Wonder Works consists of a number of exhibits that encourage kids to tap into their inner Albert Einstein, Steven Spielberg or Pablo Picasso as adults watch with pride.
Children learn art-making skills in the North Avenue Art Works exhibit, an interactive art studio steeped in enough paints and crayons for visitors of any age to find their muse. At Lights, Cameras, Action!, little ones can nurture dramatic dreams on a low-rise stage, accompanied by a wealth of backdrops and colorful costumes. And one of the most exciting new attractions at Wonder Works is the Farm To Market exhibit, where among other activities kids can pick produce and “milk” a cow. The goal is to teach kids that there’s more to putting food on the table than simply paying a visit to the grocery store, as well as inform them about sustainable farming and the true meaning of a “market-based” economy.
They’re big ideas that Wonder Works allows kids to grasp.