When you have a younger kid, you need a place in your life where you know they can let out their unending energy. The truth is that, no matter what the forecast looks like, your child needs a way to run around and explore. Lucky for you, we have a few local spots designed to ignite their brains while letting them be their energetic selves! As a Springfield milestone photographer, I love chatting with parents about the best hidden gems in the city. If you are looking for children’s museums near Springfield, IL, here are the ones I think you’ll love!
Children Love Exploring These Engaging Children’s Museums Near Springfield, IL
Kidzeum of Health and Science
412 E. Adams St, Springfield, Illinois 62701
If you have a child who loves learning how things work, Kidzeum of Health and Science is your destination! This beloved Springfield destination was started by the HSHS Medical Group and gives your child unique ways to explore scientific topics like agriculture, animals, and the human body. They mix permanent exhibits with temporary attractions so each trip can feel completely unique. The best part? Your child will be welcome to run wild while learning tons!
Their newest exhibit, The Road to Adventure, lets your child explore historic Rt. 66. They can change flat tires, get behind the grill of a retro diner, or see a movie at their drive-in. There is an exhibit that lets your child explore all the different aspects of the community, such as emergency services, vet offices, and dentist offices. And while all of this is guaranteed to delight your child, the true star of the show will be Active Alex, a three-story structure that lets your child get a hands-on way to see just how the body works.
Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum
502 S. Spring St, Springfield, Illinois 62706
The Illinois State Museum in Springfield is a destination with something for visitors of all ages. The three-story building is full of exhibits that teach you everything you could want to know about our great state. You can explore the cultures of Illinois’s past societies and listen to the stories of people who have lived in the area. One of the most beloved sections is a natural history wing where you can meet all the creatures that settled here long before humans were even around. They also have a number of rotating exhibits that change every few months.
While I recommend this museum to everyone, it’s especially great for younger visitors. The center houses the Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum, an area specifically for kids ages 3-10. This free area lets your child create their very own art, learn more about animals and insects, and dig for fossils. They also have hands-on play areas that let your child navigate a cave or get behind the wheel of a jeep.
Children’s Museum of Illinois
55 S. Country Club Rd, Decatur, Illinois 62521
Children’s Museum of Illinois brings you a fully immersive space where your child can have the best time ever! They have life-sized displays that answer questions like “how does your eye work?” or “how does food go from the seed to the table?” All of the exhibits were created to ignite your child’s sense of imagination in a truly unique way.
It all starts out on the ground floor with a space made just for the climbers. Your child can scale a spiral staircase leading up to a rocket ship before racing down the slides. Once you’re done here, you can head over to the 20-foot water table or fix up some cars at the Super Service Center. The second floor was created for artists with walls you can paint on or a theater where your child can unleash their dramatic side. There’s a pretend pizzeria and gelato stand as well as a doctor’s office. They even have a quieter space just for toddlers!
Children’s Discovery Museum
101 E Beaufort St, Normal, Illinois 61761
Children’s Discovery Museum is a spot devoted to teaching your child all about the world around them. The creators set out to create an open-ended experience that they knew kids would love. On top of their exhibits, they offer classes and programs designed to activate your child’s ever-growing mind. They have three floors full of hands-on displays for kids of all ages. The first floor lets your child create their own city or shop in a kid-sized shop. There are outdoor sandboxes and indoor playgrounds, plus there’s a tot-appropriate water table.
The second floor is where your child can really release their energy! There are several playgrounds, including the entrance of the Luckey Climber, plus there are a few displays that ignite your child’s sense of imagination by letting them build their own structures or hop aboard farm equipment. Once they’re done here, you can head to the third story, which is stocked with art studios and theaters.
Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum
2218 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, Illinois 61603
Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum is all about creating a play-based learning experience for kids all across the area. This museum was built as part of the 2012 Power of Play campaign from the Peoria Park District and the Peoria Zoological Society. Their goal was to make a day-long experience where families could come out and enjoy this museum before exploring the Peoria Zoo and the Luthy Botanical Garden.
This beautifully decorated space has interactive exhibits that will kick your child’s imagination into overdrive. Your child can splash around in the water table or care for some pretend animals at the farm. There’s a life-sized play kitchen where your child can experiment with some meals. Additionally, they have a puppet theater ideal for new stories. The museum’s calendar is stacked with exciting activities that will let you bond with your baby while encouraging their development. Just be aware that the building is a little smaller and cannot accommodate strollers.
I Hope There Are Children’s Museums Near Springfield, IL Your Family Loves
If you need the best way to get out with your child, I think you are really going to adore these children’s museums near Springfield, IL! With all of these spaces, you can make memories your child will cherish for years.
Now it’s time to figure out how to make those memories a little more frame-worthy. I can help with that, too! I am a Springfield milestone photographer, and I adore working with parents to make sure they can celebrate each and every season. If you want to see if my style is a match for yours, let’s chat! Send me a message today to find out more!
