Come one, come all to “Circusville” at the Chicago Children’s Museum! The circus-themed exhibit encourages children and their families to learn and bond through imaginative, play-based experiences.
Quick details about “Circusville” at Chicago Children’s Museum
- When: Jan. 25-Sept. 7
- Address: 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
- Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Cost: $21/person. Infants under 1 year are free. Check the free family fun day calendar for upcoming dates in 2024.
- Getting there: The 2, 29, 65, 66 and 124 CTA buses have drop-off points near the museum.
- Parking: Validation is available for the Navy Pier parking lots. Guests must validate when they check in prior to their visit.
“Circusville” holds many exciting play opportunities for little ones. Families will enter a variety of creative circus sets and explore all of the important roles under the circus big top. Play dress up as an acrobat or the star of the show, then try your hand at juggling, balancing on a tightrope and more circus antics.
Kids can also learn about the hard work that goes on behind the scenes by role playing as a ticket taker, or imagining what it would be like to serve popcorn, hot dogs and other concessions to the hungry circus crowd.
“The goal of this exhibit is to empower kids to express themselves however that may feel best to them,” says Chicago Children’s Museum President and CEO Jennifer Farrington in a press release. “Pretend play builds self-confidence and inspires conversation among families. We know Circusville will do just that and look forward to welcoming visitors to step into the center ring or backstage.”
There are many more interactive and educational exhibits for kids of all ages at Chicago Children’s Museum. Here are a few tips for navigating the museum with children, and some suggestions for making the most of your family day at Navy Pier.
Tips for families when visiting Chicago Children’s Museum
- Timed reservations are available when purchasing tickets online.
- Planning your visit on a budget? Navy Pier hosts Free Family Fun days on the last Thursday of the month. This includes free admission to the children’s museum, as well as many other Navy Pier attractions. Check back for updated 2024 dates.
- Pack a lunch or snacks to enjoy at the designated Snack Spots. Water fountains are available, and bottled water is available for purchase.
- There are nursing chairs, a nursing room, changing tables, family bathrooms and other child-friendly amenities throughout the museum.
- The museum may restrict re-entry when there is high visitor traffic, so plan any breaks you may need accordingly.
- Final admission is no later than one hour before the museum closes. Make sure you allow ample time to account for travel and enough time to experience the exhibit.
Once your family has seen all the fun exhibits at Chicago Children’s Museum, there is still so much to explore at Navy Pier — even in the winter months! Here are just a few kid-friendly activities to add to your family’s Navy Pier bucket list.
Other things to do at Navy Pier
- Take a spin on the iconic Centennial Wheel, a nearly 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel that is air-conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter.
- Dine at classic Chicago eateries like Billy Goat Tavern, Giordano’s, Garrett Popcorn Shops, Rainbow Cone, Harry Caray’s Tavern and more.
- Make a new fuzzy friend at Build-A-Bear Workshop, located just steps away from the museum.
- Looking for more Navy Pier attractions? Check out our complete family guide to Navy Pier to find where to eat, play, shop and explore with the kiddos.
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