Wonder Works

By Christine Escobar

Wonder Works, a children's museum located in Oak Park, opened less than 10 years ago, but it has established itself as a unique combination of children's indoor play space and museum. The small one level museum is housed in an industrial building. Several open rooms lead into one another and form the basis of Wonder Works play-based atmosphere.

Fun for Preschoolers at Wonder Works

Preschoolers at Wonder Works can enjoy climbing a "tree", camping out and having a picnic in the Great Outdoors. In "Farm to Market",they can pick apples and load them into a "machine" to learn how apples go from farms to stores as products that we buy. Preschoolers will love picking the apples off pretend trees and cranking the machine, as well as milking a cow in this exhibit. 

In "Lights, Camera, Action", a stage, complete with a camera and dress-up clothes is very popular with preschoolers, who love to act out shows or sing and dance. The camera in this exhibit area tends to be highly sought after, but often provides a lesson in turn taking for many young visitors.

"Build It" is an exhibit that allows several children to play at once and includes blocks large and small, a train table, and play construction tools. "North Avenue Art Works" is the museum's art activity area and staff generally have a designated project set up for children to work on as they please here. Several areas throughout the museum include play areas for infants and toddlers, as well.

What Parents Should Know When Visiting Wonder Works 

Since the museum is located in an area far from other indoor play spaces, it's very popular and often crowded in colder months. The best time to visit is early morning or on weekends. School groups are often scheduled on weekdays, so it's a good idea to call the museum ahead and check if you want to avoid the crowd.

Parking is available on nearby side streets and in Wonder Works' small lot. Cubbies are provided to hang coats and boots at the front of the museum. A restroom with a changing table and a drinking fountain are located along the side of the "Lights, Camera, Action" exhibit. The museum's gift shop stocks unique craft kits, wooden toys, plush toys and other learning toys not often found in typical toy stores and is worth a look around.

The museum also sponsors many classes in music, art, and movement for children ages infant to 6. See the Wonder Works website for a full listing of classes and fees. Children's concerts are periodically held on weekends featuring favorite local children's performers and separate ticket prices apply.

Details

Address: 6445 West North Avenue, Oak Park, IL
Phone:708-383-4815
Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. See website for additional holiday and school day related closings.
Admission:$5 per person, adults and children. Free for members and children under 1.
Credit Cards are accepted.
Map