Sometimes we forget how long winter can be in Lake County. And with kids, cabin fever is sure to set in. We know that there are lots of great indoor play places to take them to burn off their energy. But did you know that Lake County has a wide range of kid-friendly museums within our borders? Not only can your kids actually learn something, but as parents, we can expand our brains a little as well.
General Interest Museums in Lake County
The Button Room
4072 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee | (224) 399-9870
The only button museum and gathering place in Illinois.
Great Lakes Naval Museum
610 Farragut Avenue, Great Lakes | (847) 688-3154
You don’t have to be military to access it (MiaLynn gives you details here). This museum features monthly free kid’s activities, and has lots of boats, planes, and interesting historical exhibits.
Volo Auto Museum
27582 Volo Village Rd., Volo | (815) 385-3644
Mom Tip: The military exhibit with its realistic effects may be overwhelming for kids. However, there is still plenty to do, and there is a playground, too. Children with sensory issues should be aware that the rooms can be loud with different movies playing in different areas.
Pickard China Museum
782 Pickard Ave., Antioch | (847) 395-3800
Mom Tip: Pair this museum visit with the Lakes Area Historical Society Museum, as the china museum is very small.
Nature Museums in Lake County
Heller Nature Center
2821 Ridge Rd., Highland Park | (847) 433-6901
Lots of great children’s programming can be found here.
Prairie Grass Nature Museum
814 Hart Rd., Round Lake | (847) 546-8558
Mom Tip: This museum is located in the aquatics center building, not the larger parks building next door.
Volo Bog Nature Center
28478 W. Brandenburg Rd. Ingleside | (815) 344-1294
I did not expect to find a wonderful, hands-on nature center when my family made an impromptu visit to the bog. The center is a renovated barn with two stories, housing lots of interactive exhibits for both adults and children.
Wildlife Discovery Center
1401 Middlefork Drive, Lake Forest | (847) 810-3663
Get up close and personal with snakes, crocs, lizards and other animals–both indoors and outdoors. Free admission during normal visiting hours on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p..m. There is a park located next door to the center. This is a favorite of Loralie’s; read her review here.
Children’s Museums in Lake County
Bonner Heritage Farm
19412 Sand Lake Road, Lindenhurst
This is an outdoor experience only, but there is a great playground. Check it out on a warmer-weather day or during the summer. They house many great events such as “touch a tractor.”
Children’s Neighborhood Museum
814 Hart Road, Round Lake | (847) 546-8558
Perfect for preschoolers, without a long drive! Read about their recent remodel.
Community History Museums in Lake County
Barrington History Museum
212 W. Main St., Barrington | (847) 381-1730
Deerfield Area Historical Society & Historic Village
450 Kipling Place, Deerfield | (847) 948-0680
Check out the outdoor historical village comprised of preserved buildings.
Fort Hill Heritage Museum
601 E. Noel Drive, Mundelein | (847) 566-8122
Features an old caboose!
Grayslake Heritage Center and Historical Society Museum
164 Hawley Street, Grayslake | 847-543-1745
Located next to the fire station and across from Tastee-Freeze it’s a perfect afternoon trip! Be sure to see the Annex (you may need to ask to have it opened) where Wilbur the fire truck is, Melissa’s kids love it!
Haines Museum
1917 N. Sheridan Rd., Waukegan | (847) 336-1859
Located in beautiful Bowen Park in a well-preserved, Victorian home.
Lake Bluff History Museum
127 E Scranton Ave, Lake Bluff | (847) 482-1571
Lake Forest Lake Bluff Historical Society
361 E. Westminster Ave., Lake Forest | (847) 234-5253
Lakes Region Historical Society
817 Main St., Antioch | (847) 395-7337
Lakes Region Historical Society’s Museum is located in a preserved schoolhouse. The museum is open on Saturdays and by appointment. Walking distance, just 2 blocks to downtown Antioch.
Raupp Museum
901 Dunham Ln., Buffalo Grove
Be sure to check our calendar for free drop in activities for kids at the Raupp Museum.
Other Great Museums Just Outside of Lake County
Lake Geneva Historical Museum
255 Mill Street, Lake Geneva, WI | (262) 248-6060
Add this to your next jaunt up to Lake Geneva. Last year we visited the museum then had lunch at Sprecher Brewery Restaurant.
Dinosaur Discovery Center
5608 Tenth Avenue, Kenosha, Wisconsin | (262) 653-4450
Read Loralie’s review of Dinosaur Digs.
Kenosha Civil War Museum
5400 1st Ave., Kenosha | (262) 653-4141
Kenosha Public Museum
5500 1st Ave., Kenosha | (262) 653-4140
The Kenosha Public Museum features art displays and natural science specimens. Fossil alert! Don’t miss the mammoths.
Kohls Childrens’ Museum
2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview | (847) 832-6600
A must-visit museum for everyone in the Chicagoland area.
Pringle Nature Center
9800 160th Ave., Bristol, WI | (262) 857-8008
This little gem is located just minutes over the Wisconsin border. It features animals, hands-on exhibits, nature trails, a park, and children’s programming and events.
Have you visited any of these museums? Do you have any tips for other visitors? Let us know if we missed any of your favorite local spots.
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