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:

Education Program Volunteer: Throughout the week our education team has a variety of drop-in activities related to different academic subjects. As a volunteer, you will help our Educators set up the activity, interact with families, collect feedback surveys, and clean up. An Early Childhood Education is a plus, but not necessary.
Weekday Shifts: 2 – 4 PM
· Kitchen Creations: Every other Tuesday (starts July 2 – Sept 24)- FILLED
· Tinkering Tuesday: Every other Tuesday (starts July 9) – FILLED
· Science Sleuths: Every other Wednesday (starts July 3) – 1 OPENING
· Toying with Tech: Every other Thursday (starts July 11) – FILLED
· Math Counts: Every other Friday (starts July 5) – 2 OPENINGS

Spanish Translator Volunteer: Are you able to translate in Spanish? We are looking for a volunteer to help us with translation at our various Focused Field Trips (FFT) and at our Early Childhood Connections events. You would work alongside our Educators during these school trips to help translate for those that are Spanish speaking. Skills needed would be to translate English to Spanish and or Spanish to English; both written and verbal.
Weekday Shifts Only: Between 9 AM to 5 PM

Floor Guide Volunteer: Be one of the friendly faces that help enhance guest’s experiences, and learning through interaction 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: 9:30 AM – 12 noon or 12 noon – 3 PM
Saturday Shifts: 9 AM – 12 noon, 11 AM – 2 PM, 12 noon – 3 PM, and 2 – 5 PM
Sunday Shifts: 12 noon – 3 PM, 12 noon – 5 PM, or 2 – 5 PM

Birthday Party Greeter Volunteer: Work alongside Museum staff to ensure every child’s birthday is celebrated successfully! You will be sitting at our Birthday Party Table greeting the excited children and their families providing excellent customer service while checking in the guests, providing hand stamps, and answering any important question about party guidelines and or the Museum.
Saturday Shifts: 9 AM – 12 noon or 12 noon – 3 PM
Sunday Shifts: 12 noon – 3 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: 10 AM – 12 noon or 1 – 4 PM
Saturday Shifts: 10 AM – 12 noon or 1 – 4 PM
Sunday Shift: 1 – 4 PM

Master Gardener Volunteer: Master Gardeners apply! Come spend some time outside in our beautiful 2-acre nature park!
Weekday & Saturday Shifts: Between 10 AM to 5 PM
Sunday Shifts: Between Noon to 5 PM

Special Events Volunteer: Be a part of a special event helping us with the different fundraising events during the year. Check back for event updates.

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.

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 adult volunteers (18 years of age).
Parent or Guardian consent is required for all youth volunteers (14-17 years old).

Apply Now