Classes for Kids

Elgin Public Museum offers a variety of independent education classes for children of all ages.

Classes and Programs require advance registration and payment of fees at least one week in advance of the program date. Checks and credit cards are accepted. If you miss the registration deadline, please call the Museum office at 847-741-6655 to see if space is still available. Click on the link below to download the Registration Form. You can mail, fax, or drop off your registration form and fees at the Elgin Public Museum in person during visiting hours. If you're a current Museum Member, be sure to take advantage of your Member discount when you register!

>> Click here to download the Registration Form.

Adventures in the Zoo

Join the Elgin Public Museum staff for a free drop-in program at the Lords Park Zoo on summer Saturdays from 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Each week we’ll have a fun time exploring themes from science and nature with hands-on activities and crafts. Check Calendar of Events for dates and topics. Remember all Adventures in the Zoo programs are free of charge and are located in Lords Park Zoo from Noon to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Please note that in the case of extreme heat or rain the program will be canceled.

P.A.W.S. - Preschool Awareness World Series 2008

Saturday, Apr 12th
Mammal Mania – The Bison
11:00 am – 12:30 pm, Fee: $10.00

Children ages 3-7 years and their caregivers are welcome to attend our continuing P.A.W.S program for spring – Mammal Mania! Bison live right here in Lords Park. Join us at The Elgin Public Museum to learn about the fascinating world of the bison. This third program in the Mammal Mania series will focus on a mammal that was part of our early history. Children will hear stories, play games and make crafts that include a variety of favorite mammals. Registration is necessary and should be completed by April 6th.

Saturday, May 15th
Insect Invasion - Butterflies
11:00 am – 12:30 pm, Fee: $10.00

Children ages 3 –7 and their caregivers are welcome to P.A.W.S at the Elgin Public Museum in Lords Park the second Saturday of each month. This month we start a new mini-series called Insect Invasion. Children fascinated by insects are welcome to explore their world on May 10, June 14 and July 12 at the Museum. This program will be interactive and outdoors. Children will catch, observe and release insects in the park and also have a chance to hear stories, make crafts and play games relating to the world of insects. Have children dressed for the outdoors. Don’t miss this new P.A.W.S series. Please save your spot and register by May 2nd.

Saturday, June 14th
Insect Invasion - Bumblebees
11:00 am – 12:30 pm, Fee: $10.00

Children ages 3-7 and their caregivers are welcome to P.A.W.S. at the Elgin Public Museum in Lords Park the second Saturday of each month. This interactive program, both inside and outdoors, will probe the secret lives of insects – bugs of all kinds. Through stories, music, crafts and observation; children will learn about the Bumble Bee in June. Registration is required and should be completed by June 8.

Saturday, July 12th
Insect Invasion – Lady Bugs
11:00 am – 12:30 pm, Fee: $10.00

Complete our “bug study” with learning about the Lady Bug – a known good luck charm in many cultures. Do you have one in your pocket? What really is it? Learn about its secret wings. Children ages 3-7 and their caregivers will go on a bug hunt, catching and releasing insects found in Lords Park. Activities will include viewing specimens, a story, craft, and will be held in the Elgin Public Museum and outdoors. Registration is required and should be completed by July 6.

Saturday, Aug 9th
Bird Barrage – The Duck
11:00 am – 12:30 pm, Fee: $10.00

Join the museum staff for a new series of study for children 3-7 and their caregivers. “Bird Barrage” will include Duck on August 9th, Cardinal on September 13th and Owl on October 11th. Mallard Ducks and friends swim freely about in the lagoon in Lords Park. Learn why they are such good swimmers and why their tails are always in the air. Registration is required and should be completed by August 3.

Saturday, Sept 13th
Bird Barrage – The Cardinal
11:00 am – 12:30 pm, Fee: $10.00

Saturday, Oct 11th
Bird Barrage – The Owl
11:00 am – 12:30 pm, Fee: $10.00

Jr. Farmer's Camp, Ages 5-7 years
Jr.Naturalist Camp, Ages 8-10 years

Tues., July 22nd through Friday, July 25 (4 day camp)
9:00 a.m. – Noon, Fee: $100 (EPM members $80)

Children ages 5 –7 years are welcome to join the Elgin Public Museum and Lords Park Zoo staff for our annual and ever popular “Jr. Farmers Camp.” Farms and farm animals are not as commonly seen as they once were. Come and learn about pigs, goats, sheep, cows, chickens and donkeys through hands-on activities and visual experiences. Learn about how they live, what they eat and their importance to people today.

Children ages 8 – 10 years can become young naturalists at the new Jr. Naturalists Camp. Staff will lead children into the woods, creek and the Lords Park Zoo in search of birds, insects, mammals and rocks. Each day will be a different naturalist topic. Students will not only learn how to identify insects and mammals but they will experience hands-on scientific methods such as surveying willow creek for invertebrates.

Junior Farmers and Junior Naturalists will receive special instructions for this camp upon registration. Camp will be held rain or shine and will take place in the Museum, Farm Zoo and outdoors in Lords Park. This camp fills up quickly, so early registration is encouraged.

Registration and fee payment is required and should be completed by July 13th.

Forms

Click here to download the Elgin Public Museum Medical Emergency Release Form.