Indoor Play Atlas
Source-checked Apr 5, 2026Children'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.

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

Photo 1 of 2. 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

Editorial notes

What stands out

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

Good fit

  • Toddlers through elementary-age kids
  • Families who like hands-on museum visits more than arcade play
  • Budget-conscious birthday parties

Consider another option if

  • Kids wanting high-adrenaline attractions
  • Families needing general-admission hours earlier in the week

Know Before You Go

Supervision model
Caregiver supervised

What to Expect

For kids

  • Toddlers
  • Preschoolers
  • Big kids
  • Mixed ages
  • Museum exhibits
  • Pretend play

For caregivers

  • Free parking
  • Caregiver supervised
Visit type
children's museum outing
Read more about this location

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.

Hours & Admission

Posted hours

Check posted weekly hours

View full weekly hours
Weekly posted opening hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
Thursday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
SundayClosed

Based on posted weekly hours. Holidays, private events, seasonal schedules, and special closures may differ.

Admission

Published admission prices
VisitorPrice
General Admission$8 per person

Admission details can change. Confirm current fees before visiting.

Birthday Parties

Party or event options reported

Accessibility

Mobility

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

Accessibility and comfort

Wheelchair accessible

Location

1233 W Galena Ave

Freeport, IL, 61032

Get directions

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Sources & Updates

Source-checked Apr 5, 2026 against 4 public sources

View source and update details
Last check on record
Apr 5, 2026
Sources reviewed
4 public sources

Public sources

  • Official homepagevisitchom.org

    Checked: overview, standard](https://www.visitchom.org/%22,%22verified%22:[%22overview%22,%22standard) hours, mall location, contact info, accessibility notes

  • Official visit pagevisitchom.org

    Checked: admission, memberships, street](https://www.visitchom.org/blank-3%22,%22verified%22:[%22admission%22,%22memberships%22,%22street) address, hours, parking and level entrances

  • Official membership pagevisitchom.org

    Checked: membership](https://www.visitchom.org/plans-pricing%22,%22verified%22:[%22membership) options, membership pricing

  • Official parties and rentals pagevisitchom.org

    Checked: party](https://www.visitchom.org/parties-rentals%22,%22verified%22:[%22party) pricing, deposits, field trips, rental rates

What changed

  • April 5, 2026

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