A fuzzy seating area, interactive video screens and a chance to dance with a mascot are all a part of the Chicago area’s newest children’s museum.
The Mascot Hall of Fame, which opens Dec. 26 in Whiting, Ind., was designed with kids in mind.
What was once an online-only hall to induct sports mascots like The Famous Chicken of San Diego and the Phillie Phanatic became a brick-and-mortar building thanks to the team in Whiting.
Located within blocks of Lake Michigan, the building houses three floors of interactivity—with the third floor designed as a rental space for birthday parties and events.
Kids are encouraged to follow the “Mascot University” curriculum and have their report cards stamped at the various activities. Mascot students can try their hand at shooting a virtual T-shirt cannon or play with soft baseballs, hockey pucks and footballs on an enclosed court.
Parents can brush up on their mascot history, and challenge their kids to a game of matching the mascot to its home state. (Those in need of a rest can sit in the Parent’s Penalty Box, complete with a lounge chair and cup holder.)
Schools and educational groups are a target of the hall, which designed its exhibits with a focus on STEAM learning, healthy eating and physical education. Students will learn how a mascot is made, touch material for the uniforms and can visit the Build-A-Mascot store from the Build-A-Bear company.
The hall of fame was designed by the team that created the Coca-Cola Museum in Atlanta and the Crayola Experience in Pennsylvania.
Check out our Facebook Live from the media preview day here.
Mascot Hall of Fame
1915 Front St., Whiting, Ind.
$12 children & adults, free 2 and under
mascothalloffame.com
