Chicago Children’s Museum believes an accessible and inclusive museum must address each visitor’s experience—making the museum’s facilities, offices, exhibits, services, programs, digital spaces, and staff welcoming to all. The museum’s access and inclusion initiative is recognized as a critical component of its planning and development.
Before You Visit
Where to Park
The nearest accessible parking is in Navy Pier’s West Garage.
If you’re driving and would like to drop off a passenger, do so at the front main entrance of Navy Pier. There are automatic doors that lead to the Family Pavilion and Chicago Children’s Museum.
Paratransit services can drop off and pick up passengers from several locations on Navy Pier, including the front main entrance of Navy Pier, on the north dock at the Family Pavilion entrance, and Entrances 1 and 2. All locations are equipped with ramps.
Where to Enter
The Museum’s accessible entrance is located in the Family Pavilion at Navy Pier.
General Resources
Wheelchairs
Adult and child size wheelchairs are available for free checkout at the Ticket Desk on a first-come, first-served basis with photo identification. Wheelchairs will be sanitized between each use.
Accessible Restrooms
Accessible and All-Gender restrooms can be found on floors 2 and 3 of the Museum. To support our enhanced cleaning measures, all restrooms will be periodically closed for cleaning. Please see a team member to be directed to the nearest accessible restroom.
Sound-reducing Headphones
Sound-reducing headphones are available at the Ticket Desk for free checkout on a first-come, first-served basis with photo identification. They are also available at self-serve kiosks on floors 2 and 3.
Storybook Guides
Storybook Guides are available at the Ticket Desk for free checkout on a first-come, first-served basis with photo identification. They are also available at self-serve kiosks, with the Earmuffs, on floors 2 and 3.
Lap Trays
Portable lap trays that provide a stable surface are available at the Ticket Desk for free checkout on a first-come, first-served basis.
Additional Items
Additional items such as portable lap trays, fidgets, communication boards, and more may be made available. Ask any staff member during your visit.
Resources for Those Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
American Sign Language Interpreters
American Sign Language interpreters can be arranged at no additional charge for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing. We require two weeks’ notice to make arrangements. To request this service, please contact us by phone at (312) 321-6551 or email at customersupport@chicagochildrensmuseum.org.
Assistive-listening Devices
Assistive-listening devices are available whenever the sound system is in use in the Great Hall. Talk to the sound system operator to request an assistive-listening device.
Hearing Loop
Hearing loops are available whenever the sound system is in use in the Great Hall. Talk to the sound system operator to request a hearing loop. A hearing loop is a sound system that provides a wireless signal picked up when any hearing device is set to ‘T’ Tele coil setting.
Open Captioning
Open captioning is available wherever there is audio enabled video presentations in the museum.
Resources for Those Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
Touchable Models
Almost all parts of the exhibits can be experienced through touch. Tactile models or representations can be found at the Suchomimus dinosaur skeleton, and other glass enclosed displays.
Care Attendants and Service Animals
Service Animal Policy
Service animals are always welcome at Chicago Children’s Museum. They are defined as dogs or miniature horses that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
Service animals must be under the handlers control at all times. They must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.
Service animal relief areas are located outdoors on any of the grassy areas of Polk Bros Park at the west end of Navy Pier.
Emotional Support/Comfort Animal Policy
Emotional support/comfort/therapy animals and pets are not permitted anywhere in the museum.
Personal Care Attendants Policy
Guests with severe disabilities may be accompanied by paid personal care attendants (PCA) at no additional cost during their visit to Chicago Children’s Museum. This applies to membership, complimentary admission and group sales.
Guests with severe disabilities who wish to purchase advance tickets should email us at customersupport@chicagochildrensmuseum.org to request complimentary companion tickets for their paid PCA.
Questions
If you have other questions or would like information about additional accommodation, please contact Chicago Children’s Museum by phone at (312) 321-6551 or email at customersupport@chicagochildrensmuseum.org.
Play for All Events
Chicago Children's Museum's Play for All initiative creates a community where play and learning connect for visitors of all abilities. Play for All invites children and families with disabilities to come and experience CCM's inclusive, multisensory exhibits and programs. The museum will open at 10 am for pre-registered children and families with disabilities and CCM members, before opening to the public at 11 am.
Who
The first 250 children and families with disabilities who register will receive free admission. Pre-registration is required for free admission.
When
June 1, 2024
August 3, 2024