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.

Roles


    Be one of the friendly faces that enhance guests’ experiences and playful interactions throughout Museum exhibits. Assist staff by ensuring a safe and clean environment on the Museum floor. Keep an eye out for children separated from their adults and reset exhibit elements for guests to enjoy again and again.

  • Weekday shifts: Mondays–Fridays 9–11 AM, Mondays–Fridays 11 AM–1 PM, and Tuesdays–Fridays 1–4 PM
  • Weekend shifts: Saturdays–Sundays 9–11 AM, Saturdays–Sundays 11 AM–1 PM, and Saturdays 1–4 PM

    Mentor young artists at Art Adventures by helping them with engaging projects, setting up new activities, and prepping materials.

  • Preferred: experience with young children in the arts
  • Weekday shifts: Tuesdays–Fridays 9 AM–12 PM and Tuesdays–Fridays 1–3:30 PM
  • Weekend shifts: Saturdays–Sundays 9 AM–12 PM and Saturdays–Sundays 1–3:30 PM

    Teach young horticulturists at Garden Buddies about caring for a vegetable garden and assisting with planting activities—all while spending time in our 2-acre, outdoor exhibit, Habitat Park.

  • Weekly shifts: Tuesdays–Fridays between 10 AM–4 PM

    Read short stories from our monthly picture book selections and engage young thespians with follow-up activities in Spotlight Studio or on the Museum floor.

  • Preferred: experience in theater, storytelling, or read-alouds
  • Weekday shifts: Tuesdays and Fridays 3–3:30 PM

    Create and preform short story performances from existing folktales or original works in Spotlight Studio or on the Museum floor.

  • Preferred: experience in theater, storytelling, or performance
  • Weekday shifts: Tuesdays and Fridays 3–3:30 PM

    Assist with various general repairs such as woodwork and fixtures, and identify maintenance issues to troubleshoot.

  • Requirements: experience in repair work (professional or hobbyist), basic tools, and ability to work independently
  • Weekday shifts: Mondays 1–5 PM or other flexible shifts depending on project

    Assist with a variety of electrical projects such as retrofitting existing fluorescent light fixtures to LED and upgrading electrical systems part of exhibits. Recommend improvements for energy efficiency and child-safe designs.

  • Requirements: professional experience in electrical work and ability to work independently
  • Weekday shifts: Mondays 1–5 PM or other flexible shifts depending on project

    Assist with a variety of painting projects such as painting walls, exhibits, and routine touch-ups.

  • Requirements: professional experience in painting (residential or commercial) and ability to work independently
  • Weekday shift: Mondays 1–5 PM or other flexible shifts depending on project

    Be a part of a special event, helping us with the different fundraising events during the year.

  • Shifts: date and time-specific to each special event

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

Bring your company or group to volunteer! Your service day will include:

  • Volunteer schedule
  • Welcome presentation, with orientation/training on your roles
  • Volunteer package
  • Tour of the Museum
  • Group photo
  • Lots of fun

Apply Now

Contact

For more information or questions, please email our Volunteer Coordinator or call (847) 832-6892.