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Children](https://jugaomwc3qfra7wy.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/indoor-playgrounds/listings/childrens-hands-on-museum-of-northwest-illinois/cover.jpg%22,%22imageAlt%22:%22Children) exploring hands-on exhibits at Children's Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois
VerifiedFixed locationChildren's Museums

Children's Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois

Freeport, IL

Volunteer-run children's museum in Freeport with hands-on exhibits, affordable admission, memberships, and birthday rentals inside Lincoln Mall.
Plan This Visit

Best for

Best for roughly ages 2 to 10, with broad appeal across toddler and elementary years.

Hours

Thursday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Price

$8 per person

Parking

Ample parking available.

Visit style

children's museum outing

Birthday parties

Available

Atlas Perspective

Editor's Take

A friendly, affordable children's museum that punches above its size for imaginative play and easy family planning.

Atlas Perspective

Best Fit

Best For
  • Toddlers through elementary-age kids
  • Families who like hands-on museum visits more than arcade play
  • Budget-conscious birthday parties
Less Ideal For
  • Kids wanting high-adrenaline attractions
  • Families needing general-admission hours earlier in the week

At a Glance

Venue type

Kids activity center

Age groups

ToddlersPreschoolersBig kidsMixed ages

Play features

Museum exhibitsPretend playSensory play

Family amenities

Free parking

Birthday party options

Birthday partiesPrivate party roomParty packages

Accessibility and comfort

Wheelchair accessible

Visit options

Drop-in visitsMembership availableClasses or events

Price range

Budget

Toddler-friendly

Yes

Operator type

Museum

Play model

Mixed open play + classes

Supervision model

Caregiver supervised

Max recommended age

Under 13

Structured classes or guided programming

Yes

Inside a larger venue or attraction

Yes

Inside mall or shopping center

Yes

Plan Your Visit

MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
Thursday10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
SundayClosed
HoursThu-Sat 10:00 AM-2:00 PM; Sun-Wed closed for general admission
LocationInside Lincoln Mall on the west side of Freeport.
Nearby FoodMultiple nearby restaurant options are noted on the official site.
ParkingAmple parking available.

Pricing Snapshot

Family Membership$90
Family Plus One Membership$110
General Admission$8 per person
Grandparent Membership$90
Museums For All$3 per person
Under 24 MonthsFree

About the Venue

Children's Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois, often called CHOM, is a nonprofit, volunteer-run children's museum inside Lincoln Mall in Freeport. The museum is built around interactive exhibit areas rather than one giant climber, which makes it especially appealing for families who want imaginative play with a learning-through-play feel. Affordable admission, level access, memberships, and straightforward birthday pricing also make it one of the easier indoor family destinations in the area to plan around.

Atlas Perspective

Indoor Play Atlas Notes

Age FitBest for roughly ages 2 to 10, with broad appeal across toddler and elementary years.
Booking Frictionlow
Energy Levelmedium
Noise LevelLow To Medium
Parent ComfortHigh for caregivers who appreciate easy parking, simple pricing, and museum-style pacing.
Visit Stylechildren's museum outing

Birthday Party Snapshot

Birthday PartiesYes
During Business HoursFridays and Saturdays during open hours, up to 20 children, members $125 / nonmembers $175, $50 refundable deposit
Facility RentalsPrivate school or community events $200; educational rentals $50 per hour
Field TripsRegular-hours field trips $75 up to 30 kids; private field trips $100 up to 30 kids
Private After HoursPrivate parties available by contact, up to 20 children, members $275 / nonmembers $325, $50 refundable deposit

Accessibility & Comfort

MobilityThe official site specifically notes parking and level entrances that work well for strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs.
Wheelchair accessible

Gallery

Birthday](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a54fa8_858232336d7247b8a9f079c26c7e4b1e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_436%2Ch_600%2Cal_c%2Cq_80%2Cusm_0.66_1.00_0.01%2Cenc_avif%2Cquality_auto/CHOMBirthdayRoom.jpg%22,%22alt%22:%22Birthday) room setup at Children's Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois
CHOM offers birthday parties and private rentals in a dedicated party room.

External Links

WebsiteFacebookDirections

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Quick Summary

Best for

Best for roughly ages 2 to 10, with broad appeal across toddler and elementary years.

Hours

Thursday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Price

$8 per person

Parking

Ample parking available.

Contact Information

Address

1233 W Galena Ave

Freeport, IL, 61032

Location
IllinoisRockford AreaFreeport, IL
Source & Verification

Last updated

April 5, 2026

Verification summary

Last verified: April 5, 2026

Checked against 4 public sources.

Source

Editorial Review 2026 04 05

What Changed

April 5, 2026

Added official address, admission and membership details, rental pricing, and accessibility notes.

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BelvidereDixonLoves ParkRockfordSouth Beloit

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