Calling lovers of all things cars, trains, boats, bikes, antiques, dinosaurs, pop culture, history, music and more — much more!
OK, we realize that might seem like a bit of a bizarre list, but that’s because the Volo Museum truly has quirky, fun and interesting exhibits for everyone. Where else can you go from enjoying antique games and rides to viewing classic cars and pop culture memorabilia to spotting animatronic dinosaurs, all in one day?
Your family’s journey begins at the Volo Auto Museum. With 45 exhibits, each one more unpredictable than the next, spread over 35 acres, your family could easily spend all day here. Walk through showrooms packed with classic cars and collectible automobiles. Then, stroll through the buildings and showrooms spread across the museum’s grounds to encounter antique campers, groovy old-school jukeboxes, soda pop machines and pop culture displays. You’ll have to visit for yourself to see how huge this place is!
This article was recently updated on April 1, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Assistant Editor, Nikki Roberts. The update included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information on the Volo Museum, aligning with Chicago Parent’s mission to provide the top parenting resources for local families. Questions? Please reach out to nikki@chicagoparent.com.
Quick Details About the Volo Museum
- Address: 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo
- Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily Hours vary seasonally.
- Cost: Admission to Volo Museum starts at $22.95/adults, $12.95/children 5-12, free/children 4 and under. Jurassic Gardens and Titanic add-ons and combo tickets are available.
Parking: Free on-site parking is available.
Whether you want to stroll through the museum just to take in the sights and its old-school vibe or you’d like to plan a family trip to explore every inch that Volo has to offer, we have all the tips and suggestions you need for visiting Volo Museum, Jurassic Gardens and “The Titanic” with the kiddos.
Things to do with kids at Volo Museum
- Tour the museum grounds on a trackless train. The 20-minute guided tour explains the history of the property, which used to be an 1848 dairy farm. Haunted train tours are offered in the fall.
- Browse showrooms of classic cars and pop culture vehicles — including the Delorean from “Back to the Future,” the Scooby Doo gang’s Mystery Machine, the bug from “Herbie Fully Loaded” and more iconic films and TV automobiles.
- Ride replicas of antique kiddie rides. The museum’s kids carnival area has the largest collection of American kiddie rides from the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s.
- Play vintage arcade games — no screens in sight! Volo has true antique games, from pinball and shooters to fortune tellers and helicopter simulators.
- Little Disney fans will love the Disney Gallery, which has life-sized Disney characters and Disney parade vehicles that were created exclusively for use at Disney’s theme parks and stores.
- Take a spin on an antique carousel. The collection of organs that provide the ride’s soundtrack adds to the old (and slightly creepy!) carnival vibe.
- The museum’s latest addition is The Titanic: A Tribute to the Tragedy. This 30-minute immersive exhibit allows visitors to discover the personal stories of the passengers and crew that were aboard one of the most infamous maritime tragedies. Because of the nature of the exhibit, it is a quiet experience best suited for older kids.
- Catch a show performed by animatronic musicians. From live entertainment in the pizza diner to animal animatronic versions of Elvis and the Beatles, kids will love the five musical oddities located throughout the museum.
- Speaking of animatronics, your dino lovers will be blown away by the robotic dinosaurs at Jurassic Gardens. Keep reading to learn more about this dino-mite attraction located on the grounds of the Volo Museum!
Quick details about Jurassic Gardens
While you’re at Volo Museum, head next door and travel even further back in time with a visit to Jurassic Gardens. Animatronic dinosaurs come to life at this indoor dino park. Kids can marvel at what it would have been like to spot these prehistoric creatures in the flesh, dig for dino bones, mine for fossils and gems and play Jurassic-themed games at the Raptor Pen Arcade.
There is even more dinosaur fun to be had outside. Putt around on Jurassic Jen’s 9-hole mini golf course, or play at the Prehistoric Playground, an adorable dino-themed playground located just outside the museum and Jurassic Gardens.
Tips for visiting with kids
- With so many exhibits, showrooms and experiences, a trip to Volo can take up your entire day. For families whose little ones may not make it on an all-day excursion, two-day museum passes are available so you can split your visit into two manageable days.
- Last entry is at 4 p.m. — you’ll need at least two to three hours before closing time to take in the sights and sounds of the Volo Museum.
- The Volo Museum has indoor and outdoor attractions. Dress for the weather so you don’t have to skip out on any of the fun.
- Grams Central Station is the “hub” that connects the museum’s three unique attractions. There, you can order pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, coffee, cocktails, beer, chocolate-covered treats and more.
- Outside picnic areas are available (weather permitting) but outside food is not allowed in the museum, except for infant formula.
- Strollers up to 31 inches wide and 52 inches long are allowed.
- A limited number of scooters and wheelchairs are available for rent. While the majority of the museum is wheelchair accessible, there are some challenging and inaccessible areas due to the historic nature of the property. Handicapped accessible bathrooms are available throughout the museum.
Other things to do nearby
- Grams Central Station in the museum has plenty of food and beverage options, but for a truly epic meal before or after your visit, you need to take the kids to Epic Deli. The quirky deli offers loaded subs, crazy apps and huge desserts — plus draft beer, canned cocktails and boozy milkshakes for adults.
- After a long day in the museum, get outside and enjoy the area’s parks and lakes. Moraine Hills State Park, Volo Bog State Natural Area, Fox Lake, Glacial Park Conservation Area and other scenic areas are just a short drive away.
- Stroll through a field of sunflowers and pick your own blooms at Stade’s Farm and Market. The farm also offers seasonal berry picking, including blueberries, raspberries and strawberries.
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