DuPage Children’s Museum

DuPage Children’s Museum is a nonprofit educational institution located in Naperville, Illinois, dedicated to nurturing joyful discovery and learning through play-based experiences. For more than 35 years, the museum has been inspiring children and their families to be curious, creative, and full of wonder while building essential 21st-century skills.

Designed specifically for children ages 0 to 10 years, the museum features over 17,000 square feet of interactive, hands-on exhibits organized into distinct neighborhoods that invite families to explore at their own pace. The museum’s philosophy centers on three core beliefs: respect for all children and their ability to learn, the power of play as a basis for constructing knowledge, and the importance of the child-adult learning partnership.

The museum’s exhibit neighborhoods include popular attractions such as The Questioneers, a STEAM-based exhibit featuring beloved characters Ada Twist, Rosie Revere, Iggy Peck, Sofia Valdez, and Aaron Slater from Andrea Beaty’s best-selling book series. Other exhibit areas include Awesome Energy, Make It Move, and numerous other interactive learning spaces where children can explore science, engineering, art, and problem-solving through hands-on experimentation and discovery.

Bean Sprouts Café, a healthy café located on the museum’s lower level, offers a variety of food choices including options for picky eaters and those with allergies or dietary restrictions. The café provides a convenient place for families to refuel during their visit.

Beyond daily admission, the museum offers a robust array of programming including Summer Tinkering Camp, which runs for eight weeks each summer with full-day and half-day options for children ages 4 to 10. The camp emphasizes open-ended exploration, design thinking, and hands-on making experiences with weekly themed activities ranging from engineering projects to art explorations.

Educational programming extends to schools, groups, libraries, and scouts through field trips, STEM with DCM programs, Museum PopUps that bring exhibits directly to schools and community centers, Exhibits-To-Go portable exhibit rentals, DCM Wonder Clubs, and Scout STEAM Labs. The museum also provides extensive educator resources to support classroom learning.

Families can host birthday parties and private events at the museum, with packages that include exhibit access and dedicated party spaces. The museum also offers gift memberships, gift cards, and gift certificates, making it easy to share the joy of play and learning with others.

Special family events throughout the year include Bloom Together Playgroup sessions, Scout Night Out evenings, seasonal celebrations, and themed programs. The museum maintains an active blog and At Home resources section providing families with activities and learning opportunities to continue the museum experience beyond their visit.