Volunteer

Become a part of one of the nation’s best children’s museums by assisting us with your volunteer time and service. Since 1985, Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago, a not-for-profit, educational facility, has been dedicated to “hands-on” learning and fostering innovative ways to nurture a love of learning in young children through play, exploration, and discovery. Kohl is one of the few museums in the country that has always focused on early childhood education – the fundamental, critically important learning that occurs from birth to age eight.

Ways to Volunteer:

Floor Guide Volunteer: Be one of the friendly faces that help enhance guest’s experiences, and learning through playful interactions in our Museum exhibits. Assist the Museum staff by ensuring a safe and clean environment on the Museum floor. Keep an eye out for lost children and keep exhibits organized so that all patrons can enjoy the interactive exhibits.
Weekday Shifts (ex Mondays): 9 – 11 AM, 11 AM – 1 PM, 1 – 3 PM, 3 – 5 PM
Weekend Shifts (Saturday or Sunday): 9 – 11 AM, 11 AM – 1 PM, 1 – 3 PM, and 3 -5 PM
Art Adventures Volunteer: Mentor “future” artists in our Art Studio by helping children with their engaging projects, setting up new activities, and prepping materials for their projects. Seeking individuals with past experience working with young children in the arts.
Weekday Shifts (ex Mondays): 9 AM – 12 noon or 1 PM – 3 PM
Weekend Shifts (Saturday or Sunday): 9 AM – 12 noon or 1 PM – 3 PM
Painter Volunteer: Assist our Facilities staff with painting within the Museum.
Requirements: Good painting skills, and some previous painting experience.
Weekday Shift: Mondays 1 – 5 PM, any 2-3 hour shift
Master Gardener Volunteer: Master Gardeners apply! Come spend some time outside in our beautiful 2-acre nature park assisting with programming in our vegetable garden.
Tuesday to Sunday, Shifts Between 10 AM to 4 PM every week.
Baby and Me Facilitator Volunteer: Will welcome, interact with and answer questions from parents/caregivers and their infants who attend this program in the Museum. This program will provide a safe place to meet other parents/caregivers of young infants, ask questions about development and health, and have bonding time with their babies.
Requirements: Professional background in pediatric nursing, infant development, or similar. Experience working with infants and parents/caregivers. Attend our volunteer training, and our Supervisor will interview candidates and answer questions you might have on this new role.
Weekday Shift: Mondays 9 AM – 11 AM

Special Events Volunteers:

Be a part of a special event helping us with the different fundraising events during the year. These special events are date specific.

Sun, July 6 & 13, 1:45 – 5 PM: Summer Family Festival: Character handlers, art assistants, kiddie train loaders, and photographer needed.

Volunteer Application

Thank you for choosing Kohl Children’s Museum as a place to volunteer. Please click “Apply Now,” below, to complete the application. After completing the application, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you.

All applicants are required to attend an interview and training orientation as part of the application process.
The minimum age to volunteer is 14 years old.
A background check is required as part of the application process for all volunteers.
Parent or Guardian consent is required for all youth volunteers (14-17 years old).
A commitment of 5 – 10 hours per month or total of 30 hours

Volunteer Benefits

Learn and develop new skills
Meet and build a community of friends who share the love of learning
Gain experience working with children at special events, or work “behind the scenes”
Gain personal satisfaction giving back to the community
Develop or enhance professional skills for the future
Receive invitations to staff celebrations and other special events
Discounts at the Museum restaurant.

Apply Now