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

Kohlights (Nov 26 – Dec 31)

Where: Kohl Children’s Museum – outside in our Habitat Park

When: Choose any of these dates below :

Nov 26,27,28
Dec 3,4,5
Dec 10,11,12
Dec 17,18,19,20,21,22,23
Dec 26,27,28,29,30,31

Time: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM

What: We have two volunteer roles:

Kohlights Trail Guides (6/nite) – help young guests with the interactive light displays , answer guest questions, or help with on boarding or unloading the train, and enjoy the show and smiles.
Kohlights Winter Characters (2/nite) and Character Handlers (2/nite) – make the kids smile as you appear at our annual Kohlights event as a Polar Bear, a Penguin, or a Snowman. The Handler assists the character along the trail.

Requirements:

Proof of Covid 19 Vaccination is a mandatory policy at the Museum
Face coverings are recommended outside the Museum, and mandatory inside the Museum, so bring your face covering.
Please wear warm clothes as you will be outside the whole time in Habitat Park
Indicate on application – you are interested in Kohlights 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 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
Proof of COVID 19 vaccine required (subject to reasonable accommodation for individuals with medical conditions or religious beliefs that prevent getting vaccinated)

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