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
Carpentry Specialist Volunteer: Assist our Director of Exhibits in the deep restoration of all Museum exhibits. As a volunteer, you will focus on restoring all wooden components, including chairs, shelves, trim, cabinets, and countertops. Most work will be conducted in our back workshop, though some work will be done on the Museum floor during open hours.
Weekday Shifts (Monday through Friday): Any 2 – 3 hour shift between 9 AM – 5 PM
Requirements: Good carpentry skills, and basic furniture assembly, sanding techniques, and applications of wood finishes.
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.

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.

Kohlights: We are seeking 7 volunteers each nigh for the dates/roles listed below to help us with our annual special event, Kohlights, A Mesmertastic Holiday Lightacular.

Dates: Choose any of these dates below:

Nov 25, 26, 27
Dec 2, 3, 4
Dec 9, 10, 11
Dec 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Dec 26, 27, 28, 29

Time: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Roles: We have the following Volunteer roles which you will be assigned as needed:

Kohlights Trail Guides (3/night): Help young guests with the interactive light displays, answer guest questions, and enjoy the show and smiles.
Kohlights Winter Characters (1/night) and Character Handlers (1/night): Make the kids smile as you appear in our costumes as either a Polar Bear, a Penguin, or a Snowman. The Handler assists the Character along the trail.
Kohlights Kiddie Train On/Off Boarders (2/night): Load and unload the patrons to the holiday kiddie train.

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).
A commitment of 5 – 10 hours per month

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