DuPage Children’s Museum

Beautiful renovation after the pipe-​burst flood!!! Fantastic areas for sensory, experiments, gross motor, and many other developmentally appropriate activities to engage children of all ages! Great work DCM!

When arriving, got confused with the $ 5 parking signs… I guess it was for the metro train parkers. (parking is free for museum visitors) — Colorful building. When I called while parking to ask, no one answered.
As I entered the front desk, they signed me in, I got a free entry as I went with a group.
This was my daughter and I first time here. (SHE IS 2 y/​o) The lady at the front did not direct me where my group was… Had to ask which was frustrating. Almost as if kids and teenagers run the place. But whatever, let’s get to the actual exhibits.
***Smaller than kohls museum, we like kohls Musuem better because they have more exhibits***
3 levels. First level, when entering has the most exhibits. Was sad to see that an exhibit was being built upstairs, so there was like nothing up there. Really felt like only 1 level of exhibits. Another floor is just for the food they serve. (we didn’t try)
This is a learning and fun environment especially on a rainy, Wintery, boring day.
Our favorite was the woodshop, they have wood blocks, and provide you goggleS. Child must enter w/​adult. They have hammers, saws, and nails. You can build whatever you want & take home.
The water exhibit was fun, lots of cool bubble exploring. Actually, most of it was all bubble tools. Giant bubble. Different bubble shapes. Can get wet and messy in there, especially with other kids flying around with water tools.
I also asked one of the volunteers if they sterilize the toys — she said w/​diluted bleach. Wish it was more of an natural alternative.
Overall, I don’t think I would pay the price & I’d prefer kohls musuem. Free entry was great though, and fun for the time being. We love new museums and checking new stuff out. If your in the area… Why not?

This place is AMAZING. I wish we had discovered it earlier during our trip home for the holidays. We certainly would have been back several time.
My two year absolutely loved this place. He was so excited he couldn’t help but *run* from activity to activity. He favorite was the water table/​soap bubble area. I think that hooked for nearly an hour (impressive feat for a toddler mind!). Mine was the workshop area, where you can hammer & nail things together. He & I created a primitive wood car. He actually still plays with it with his trains.
A must-​visit if you’re in the area with young kids.

First off, establishments that don’t have adequate parking irritate me. If I want to be stressed about finding a parking spot I’ll go to the city. Next, none of the exhibits are very exciting. I don’t know exactly why I felt that way. Maybe too much trying to making learning fun type stuff??? My son gets enough work from school, he does not need it during his play time. I’d rather go to Kohls where my kid can engage in tons of pretend play (which he does not get the opportunity to do in school any more). And this is where I will go rather than return to DCM.
It was nice that they added a small restaurant in the basement. Although we went elsewhere for lunch, so I cannot comment on it’s quality. It was also crazy busy during winter break, but I did not feel like that contributed to my opinion, or was mishandled in anyway (they seemed to have a lot of people working at the registers and on the floor).

My son and I are members and just had his first birthday party here! Staff has always been great on our normal visits. I usually have him «warm up» in the Young Explorers areas before we venture into the rest of the museum. We finish our visits on the second floor as it tends to be less busy and quieter so it helps him unwind a bit.
As for the birthday party experience– I couldn’t be happier! From start to finish, staff was helpful and answered all my questions. The day of the party was very organized they had bins with wheels and the birthday kid’s names ready to go. We used these to bring in decorations and misc supplies and at the end to wheel everything (including presents) out in one trip. There was a party toolkit ready to go, bubble machine (we didn’t get a chance to use it), and a system on the wall where I was able to attach my iPhone and play music from. The pizzas from Branconi’s were delicious (lots of compliments) and so were the sandwiches. I wish I had known the sandwiches didn’t come partially assembled. I thought they would and guests would just have to put condiments on but they also had to open the buns and put the meat in. Sounds silly but it held up the food line. It doesn’t ding the rating– I just wish I would’ve known (probably would’ve just stuck with pizza).
Staff was great– all the guests got checked in and their bracelets without me having to tell them how to do it. Cassidy kept checking on us and making sure we were ok. Birthday boy got a cute tshirt. I wish we could have had the party room a little longer. I felt a little rushed and under the gun to do food, cake, and presents in an hour and a half. A smaller, predominantly older kid party probably would’ve been fine. My family is used to hanging out and taking their time and the kids were smaller so meals just naturally take longer.
Also– a little bummed the wind tunnel and electricity area was under construction. But the birthday boy didn’t notice– he could spend all day at the water tables!

We went with my almost 2 yr old for the first time and he had a great time. We arrived right when it opened on a Saturday, I would suggest getting there early. There was a lot for him as well as us to do, I think it was a bit overwhelming. I guess it leaves more to do the next time we are there. I see a lot of comments regarding the $ 12 fee for adults as well as kids of 1 yr old. It does seem high, but I guess it is what it is… We ended up getting a membership after spending the day there. They will put your daily fee towards any membership you wish to purchase, this was nice to hear. We thought it would be better to invest in a membership because you can visit all year round. No stress of weather impacting your visit if it was somewhere outside. Depending on how many people are in your party, the memberships pay for themselves in 3 – 4 visits.

I was so very disappointed in our visit to DCM. As others have noted, the $ 12/​person admission price is incredibly high for what they have to offer. I was so surprised to be paying such a steep fee when several exhibits weren’t even open yet. I absolutely do not think that the admission price is warranted for what the museum offers.

New look and new stuff! I haven’t been here since they renovated due to an exploded pipe (early in the year). They had a temporary one at the fox valley mall but was small and I don’t think I lasted more then an hour there with the kids.
We came here in the evening on a Friday and it was pretty empty. I was able to walk (run) through almost all the exhibits. We didn’t have much time here but I wanted to check it out bc my membership was expiring and I wanted to make sure it would be worth renewing, and that’s a definite YES! The kids (ages; 2,3 &4). I would say ages infant to maybe 12 would be fun. They have tons of little «stations» to explore, build, climb, etc. it was a bit of a over haul for the kids I was with bc we haven’t been there in so long and they wanted to play with everything. I would say you could spend hours here. They also have a little café, which they try and gear towards more healthier options. You can also bring your own lunches (which we usually do). If your a member you get a discount (I think 10%) off the food.
Overall everything was very clean and they have volunteers and workers playing-​cleaning up the toys. Everyone seems very friendly. It’s a very fun and very colorful place.
I would recommend getting a membership as the price for admission seems a little pricey, unless your going for one time all day. We only had an hour here but worth the drive and we will be back soon, and I’ll be renewing my membership! Thanks children’s museum!

$ 12 bucks. $ 12 for admission for what feels like 3 exhibits. I started coming here more than a decade ago when my older kids were young. Then began again when my youngest entered toddlerhood. It was exactly the same. No new exhibits. Nothing different at all in nearly a decade. Every time I come here, I am bored within 10 minutes.
My kids have unanimously loved the AirWorks exhibit. Not just my kids. I swear, my husband could spend half of his day building tubes to shove balls into. We eventually move on because it isn’t polite to hog an exhibit, but that’s pretty much the extent of our $ 12 admission. So, for $ 36, my husband and I and our 5 yr old get about an hour of shoving balls into tubes of blowing air.
Additionally, the DCM is a SEA of strollers and children running amok. And where are the parents? –Moms sitting around texting and/​or socializing with their other mom friends. FYI: This isn’t daycare service. Try putting the phone down and engaging with your offspring.
It’s more convenient than dealing with the ick that is Navy Pier, but the Chicago Children’s Museum is only $ 2 more and is mammoth in size and exhibits. Plus, parents are actually watching their kids there. –Perhaps because it is Chicago and they don’t feel as relaxed about their kids there as they do in the burbs?
Anything that gets kids thinking and off of handheld devices is a good thing. I love anything that encourages learning. But, I think that $ 12 is laughable for what you get. Not a lot of bang for your buck.

Took the 3 and 5 year old grandkids to the newly re-​opened and totally reconfigured Children’s Museum. With what’s there currently, it’s hard to fathom why it took a full year to re-​open after the flood.
The kids were super disappointed that the water table and the bubble area are still not open (and for the price, Gpa and I were disappointed, too!).
That said, the kids had a great time with all the hands-​on activities

Came into today for the first time with our 2 year old son and he fell in love with this place! My son had so much fun and I know that we will be signing up for a family package soon. The staff was beyond friendly especially Danielle, she did such a great job with my son and was very informative about the museum. We look forward to visiting here on a regular basis!

This place is a great place to let our little guy blow of some steam and interact with different toys, blocks, puzzles, and lights. He really enjoys the water tables and the light board. Close to downtown Naperville, right by the Washington Street Train Station. Check it out, great for kids 1+

If I ever have children, I would take them here. There is so much to do. But now, I must get on my «soap box» which I will step off after the following paragraph.
As a teacher, I understand how important GREAT parents are. 95% of the parents here are doing fantastic (my sister and brother in law included). This is Naperville/​Wheaton type parents, so that’s par for the course if you will. I could not believe some of the kids running around like maniacs with toddlers around. Some of these «parents» were no where to be found. Probably the ones on their cell phones letting their kids run around doing whatever. I want to round house kick the 5% of these parents in the JAW. Off the soap box.
Yes, I am a PE teacher, but understand that in the days before microphones, one would stand on a box of dry goods or SOAP to bloviate about a political subject. If you don’t want to watch your kids 24/​7, keep it in your pants! Okay, now officially off the box.
This is good place to go. Let your kid discover what it’s like before they are in school being around other kids. Parking is a b*tch, but then again you are in downtown Naperville.
I will go back to watch my awesome nephew play around. I also won’t leave him alone like the 5% of parents who don’t give a CRAP about teaching their kids manners, ettiquette, or hygiene :-)

Fun place if you are a toddler/​younger child. Sometimes not a fun place for the grownup chasing around the child. :-)
Great place to be a member of… definitely worth it if you plan on going a few times throughout the year. The staff is always beyond friendly and helpful. Each time I visit there are new activities to try out.
Unfortunately, there are times where it is too crowded to enjoy yourself so I end up leaving after a short while, but that is why I am glad I am a member.

I love the concept of children’s’ museums. My daughter and I love to explore new ones everywhere we go.
We visited this specific location on a Saturday and it was not packed at all! Plenty of free parking. I love that it had enough children for her to interact with and still have an opportunity to play with the things that interested her.
Two story museum and has many different rooms and themes. Really, there’s something for everyone. I never made it down to the basement but from the map it showed a cafeteria. We will have to check that out at a later date.
The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is because it was more on the used side. Some of the toys and objects were very worn down. Children can still play with them but I also feel that they are easily replaceable.
Also, the family bathroom was pretty dirty. Like clean enough to change my baby’s diaper in (after laying down several layers of paper towels).
I only used one of their bathrooms so I can’t say much else.
The place is big enough that you won’t have time to explore every area in one day.
Totally worth the drive out here because the experience your child will have is so worth it.

My 21-​month-​old daughter had an absolute blast here and when the three of us (my daughter, my wife, and me) left we were all completely exhausted.
Her from running around from place-​to-​place having an awesome time, and us from running around behind her, loving every moment of watching her have an awesome time.
It was a real blast and we’ll be paying for a membership once we move into the area.
There are things that are perfect for her now at 21 months old, things that will be good a little while from now when she’s a little older/​taller/​more able to take instructions, and things that will be great when she’s a year or two or several older. It is really the kind of place that grows with the child and there are things to learn about/​play with/​experience for all ages.

Bought a yearly membership here because with a family of 4, costs add up quickly at $ 11 per person (1 year and up). I definitely think it was worth it with all the fun you could have here. We stayed for about 3 hours and got through pretty much the whole museum, hitting the waterworks twice since my kids couldn’t get away. I had to rip my youngest child away from the water and even then he had a tantrum.
The lights, music, and building section was fun; the kids enjoyed playing music and hitting whatever they could. The trains on the second floor was also a hit. If you come here just 3 times a year, your membership pays itself and it makes for a really great rainy day activity.
Once my children are older I’ll have to let them go at it in the wood work station, that was pretty cool except my kids would break a finger in there at their age. I saw some real creative things that children were making and it really was very impressive.
We’ll see you again Dupage Children’s Museum., till next time.

I have been meaning to write a review for DCM for a while, because after visiting and reviewing two other nearby children’s museums, I wanted to add this to the list.
Overall, we really like it, and are glad it’s pretty close. Very nice inside, and enough to occupy the kids for a long, long time. The layout inside is a little confusing (to me, at least), and the parking can be tricky if it’s busy, because there’s very limited space. The first time we came we had to park about two blocks away and walk. Which isn’t a big deal if you’re by yourself, but with kids in tow, that’s not easy. Other than that, it’s always fun, and maybe a bit pricey, but not bad enough to keep us away. We always enjoy our visits here.

This is a great local place for kids. It can be pricey, so I went for the membership. It pays for itself in a couple of visits. You also get to preview new exhibits early and discounts on birthday parties too.
I had a birthday for my 2 year old here. There were kids from 2−9yrs and they all had a great time. The adults had fun too, especially in the wind tunnel.
Some of the favorite exhibits for my little ones are the trains, the bubbles, and of course the water table. Beware the bubble area: it is so much fun but many have been known to slip here.
Every area is staffed appropriately. The staff is friendly, knowledgable, helpful, and patient. They transition between cleaning up messes, explaining how to enjoy exhibits, and sharing interesting facts with grace.
As for the Smart Café, it’s your typical museum eatery. The foods not awful. They have an ok selection. It’s fine for a quick snack between adventures.

We just bought a membership today and I’d like to think this place saved my life.
Okay, so I’m being a bit dramatic. But seriously, what on earth do parents of 16-​month old kiddos do during mornings that have nothing but nonstop thunderstorms?
I was desperate.
I had to circle around a bit for a parking spot (primetime + summer + rainy day = obviously a parking nightmare), but once inside, we were happy as clams.
I bought a $ 90 membership for my kiddo and myself (though the adult is transferable, so he can be taken by my husband or someone else… which is cool!). We’re planning to go multiple times a week because it offers so much.
1. Other kids. Dude. My kid looooooves interacting with other little people.
2. No sunscreen. This is a silly perk, but can I get an AMEN?
3. All seasons. Yeeees. Winter, take THAT!
4. So much stimulation and gobs of fun exhibits for kids ages 1 – 7 (I’m estimating).
The cost of admission was like $ 9.50 for an adult alone… and I didn’t even look at the kid prices. But for $ 90, I can go whenever I want.
My only gripe? Hours are kind of short. They close at 4 on Mondays and 5 most days. We’re not really an early to bed kind of family, so it would be nice to use it in the evenings… not gonna happen. But for an all-​you-​can-​use pass for $ 90 for 12 full months? I’d say we’ll get our money’s worth.