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 guests’ 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: Mondays – Fridays 9 – 11 AM,  Mondays – Fridays 11 AM – 1 PM, Tuesdays – Fridays 1 – 4 PM
  • Weekend shifts: Saturdays – Sundays 9 – 11 AM, Saturdays – Sundays 11 AM – 1 PM, Saturdays 1 – 4 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:  Tuesdays – Fridays 9 AM – 12 PM, Tuesdays – Fridays 1 – 3:30 PM
  • Weekend shifts:  Saturdays – Sundays 9 AM – 12 PM,  Saturdays – Sundays 1 – 3:30 PM

Skilled Handyperson/Maintenance Helper Volunteer

Assist with various general repairs (woodwork, fixtures), identify and help troubleshoot maintenance issues.

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

Electrician Volunteer

Assist with a variety of electrical projects, such as troubleshooting electrical issues, retrofit existing fluorescent light fixtures to LED, upgrading electrical systems in exhibit systems in exhibit spaces, recommend improvements for energy efficiency and child-safe designs.

  • Requirements: Professional experience in electrical work to help enhance our facility with ability to work independently.
  • Weekday shifts: Mondays 1 – 5 PM, or other flexible shifts depending on project

Painter Volunteer

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

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

Master Gardener Volunteer

Come spend some time outside in our beautiful 2-acre nature park, assisting with programming in our vegetable garden.

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

Special Events Volunteer

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.

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

 

Bring your Company Employees or Group for a Volunteer Service Day at Kohl Children’s Museum!

Your volunteer day will include:

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

Museum Requirements:

  • Maximum of 15-20 people per group / day
  • Names of each volunteer one week in advance
  • Monday through Thursday between 9:30 AM – 1 PM
  • Age 14 or older

Email Patty Timothy at ptimothy@kcmgc.org for more information or call (847) 832-6892.

Corporate/Company Apply Here