Gift the JOY of Play | Unwrap Fun, Learning, & More…
Gift the JOY of Play | Unwrap Fun, Learning, & More…
With more than 30 years under our belt, we’ve been inspiring families to laugh, learn, and love spending time together. Through exhibits, programs, and special events, every experience is designed to help children develop a strong foundation of creativity, critical thinking and problem solving skills, and confidence – strengths that help them grow to become resilient, innovative, life-long learners.
DuPage Children’s Museum nurtures joyful discovery and learning.
Respect for all children and their ability to learn
The power of play as a basis for constructing knowledge
The importance of the child-adult learning partnership
That all children thrive through access to extraordinary learning experiences.
Founded
DuPage Children’s Museum was founded in 1987 by two childhood educators from Hinsdale, Louise Beem and Dorothy Carpenter.
Opened Temporary Location
DCM opened a temporary location in the Elmhurst Park District. Each morning, Museum workers had to take the exhibits out of a storage area and assemble them, and at the end of the day, reverse the process.
Opened Full-Time Pilot Location
A full-time pilot location for the Museum was established in the Wheaton Park District Community Center. With this change, DCM was able to be open more hours, and move from seasonal to year-round operation.
Opened in Naperville
DuPage Children’s Museum opened permanent location in Naperville vastly expanding ability to serve children and families in the community.
Hitting A Milestone
On December 21, the Museum celebrated the millionth visitor family since its relocation to Naperville.
Celebrating Innovation
DCM celebrated its 20th anniversary as the place where learning comes into play. After the Museum unveiled a new layout in 2005, DCM was named one of Chicgoland’s top 10 cultural attractions by Crain’s Chicago Business in 2006.
The Great Flood
From lemons to lemonade. A burst pipe resulted in extensive water damage to all three floors, causing the Museum to close in January. The lemonade… reimagining an entire Museum and coming back better than ever in September.
Chapter Still Being Written
DCM has over 17,000 sq ft of interactive exhibits, unique events, memorable parties, innovative programs, fun Learning Labs, and even a café. There is truly something for everyone.
630.637.8003
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Help create an unforgettable experience for our young visitors. Whether it’s front-line staff working directly with our visitors or backstage staff keeping everything running smoothly, every role plays an important part of the bigger picture.
