Special Programming

Spinosaurus Mirabilis, Chicago’s Newest Dinosaur | Now- September 14
Travel back more than 90 million years at Chicago Children’s Museum this spring as renowned paleontologist Paul Sereno unveils a newly discovered species of Spinosaurus. Guests can come face-to-face with a full-scale replica of the dinosaur’s skull and explore a hands-on interactive highlighting its distinctive crest, installed just outside the beloved Dinosaur Expedition exhibit. LEARN MORE
Great Hall at Chicago Children’s Museum 10 am-12 pm, 1 pm-3 pm
Rattle and shake! Dance and sing! Join us in making instruments inspired by the life and music of beloved children’s musician Ella Jenkins. What sounds will you make on your instrument? Will you invite someone to play along?
Play For All | December 7, 2025, February 8, 2026, and April 12, 2026
Play For All invites children and families with disabilities and Chicago Children’s Museum members to come and experience CCM’s inclusive, multisensory exhibits and programs. The museum opens at 10 am for Play for All guests and members exclusively, and at 11 am to the general public. Pre-registration is required for free admission. LEARN MORE
ART STUDIO
Workshop Times
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm
Finger Puppets | October 15-November 17 | All Ages
Create a finger puppet friend out of fabric, repurposed materials and your creativity!
Thankful Cards | November 19 – December 15 | All Ages
Who are you thankful for? Create a beautiful card to show how much you care for the special people in your life.
Pritzker Playspace
Session Times
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm
Let’s Take Care | September 5 – January 9
In Let’s Take Care, children explore what it means to nurture and help through playful, hands-on experiences. They can care for baby dolls, cook and host a pretend tea party, tend to farm animals, harvest pumpkins in a mini patch, or hang laundry on the washing line. Each act of care helps children practice empathy, cooperation, and kindness, while having fun together with you!
Tinkering Lab
Workshop Times
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm
Robot Lab | October 2 – December 1 | Ages 3 and Up
Build your own Robot Helper! Bring your robot to life with cardboard, computer parts, and more recycled materials to explore!