Public Programs

Programs at DuPage Children's Museum offer unique learning experiences! Whatever the activity, children will build knowledge that will stay with them long after their visit.

Creativity Programs© for Children include our popular "Wet 'n' Messy" series, guest artist programs and other workshops that offer small sized classes and a more intensive experience. These programs are for specific ages, are often longer in duration and run for several weeks, building on the ideas learned in each program.
Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

Programs for Adults: These programs provide the latest findings in child development and can help you enjoy being your child's first teacher.

Museum Play is scheduled throughout the Museum every day! Drop-in activities are provided in the Art Studio, scattered among the Exhibits and in the Family Resource Center. These activities are free for DCM members or free with Museum admission. Daily schedules for these activities are posted on the "Today's Events" signs in the Museum lobby.

Family Fun Friday Nights Extended hours on Fridays (open until 8 p.m.) give families with working parents and siblings who attend school during the week greater opportunity to enjoy time together. Themed activities and special performances will be scheduled on many Friday evenings.

Tiny Great Performances™: Discover the magic of live performance at DuPage Children’s Museum! Tiny Great Performances™ are free to DCM members or free with admission, held on various Saturday mornings throughout the year. 

Scouting Programs: DuPage Children’s Museum provides facilitators and materials for Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts to work toward completion of many badge requirements. Click on this link for more information.

In addition to our programs, we have Special Events throughout the year! Please check out our What's New section for more information, or sign up for eNews Club and we'll email our latest news to you each month.

Third Thursday is a special time once each month when families of children with autism spectrum disorders, visual impairments, and/or mobility impairments come together to enjoy the Museum and take advantage of the many parent and community resources available to them. This program is available the third Thursday of every month, from 5-7 p.m.

DCM is an ideal location for learning. Our exhibits offer ways to work on language development, social skills and purposeful play. Photo books are available to help visitors structure a visit. Families are also invited to play and utilize the augmentative communication devices available at our exhibits.

In addition to the Museum’s exhibits and activities, during Third Thursday DCM’s Community Access Network coordinator provides a resource table offering visitors information, community and parent support resources.DCM is pleased to bring resources and information to its Third Thursday visitors; however the Museum is not endorsing any organization. Families are encouraged to use their own discretion.

Come play with other families!  Normal admission prices apply. No registration required. Free to DCM Members. The Museum is open at this time and everyone is welcome!

In addition, with support from Hinsdale Center for the Arts, The Association of Children's Museums and Very Special Arts (USA), DCM will be testing some new art activities on Third Thursday, for children who have visual or mobility impairments.

For a complete listing of the above Museum programs, see our calendar.

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