RESERVE YOUR TIME TO VISIT CHOM!

CHOM is now open on a limited basis. Our days and hours open will shift based on availability of staff and volunteers and in relation to the most current COVID-19 mitigation guidelines.

Families or Pods of up to 6 total persons may register to visit CHOM at the available times listed on this sign-up manager. Please cancel your slot if you do not expect to make your reservation time. Please arrive on-time as we have set up these time slots to accommodate social distancing between families.  Any field trip groups that wish to visit any other day must contact us at to make those arrangements.

In order to re-open the Children’s Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois, it is imperative that we adapt to the current and ongoing situation of the Covid-19 pandemic. Below explains our new procedures intended to keep everyone healthy and safe. Please read through each section to learn more about what CHOM is doing to help keep your family safe and what our expectations are for our guests.

1. ONLINE REGISTRATION

By registering online, as a member or as a paying visitor, we create a contactless entry for your family group and protect our volunteers and staff. Every visitor MUST register their family or pod online prior to their visit and check in upon arrival. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you need help to register online, please email .

2. TIMED VISITS & FAMILY DISTANCING

Your visit to CHOM will be a very different experience from what you remember prior to the early 2020 closure. Each family can register to visit with a maximum combined total of 6 adults & children. You will be required to spend 15 minutes in each exhibit and follow the exhibit circuit in order. A timer will be provided to each family for kids to be involved in the timing process. There will be a 15 minute lag between families to provide for social distancing, so it is imperative that families stick to the 15 minutes per exhibit.

3. TEMPERATURE CHECKS AT EACH VISIT

We ask that families arrive a few minutes early and please consider visiting the Mall restroom first. (We insist that no person or group leave the exhibit circuit except for emergency). Prior to entry, each family member will have an infrared temperature check. Please CANCEL your visit to CHOM if anyone in your group is sick.

4. HAND-SANITIZER STATIONS

Prior to entering CHOM, hand sanitizer is available for everyone to use. Hand sanitizer is also available throughout the exhibit circuit.

5. FACE MASK REQUIREMENTS

All visitors, volunteers and staff to CHOM are required to properly wear a face mask at all times. If you do not have a face mask, CHOM will be happy to provide a disposable mask for your use. Masks are available for adults & children.

6. SANITIZED EXHIBITS & TOYS

Every group enjoys the use of recently disinfected toys and surfaces while playing at each exhibit. Once you finish playing at an exhibit, all toys are removed and surfaces disinfected and a new basket of toys is immediately made available for the next family in that exhibit.

7. SANITIZING PROCEDURES

CHOM regularly utilizes disinfecting equipment to properly disinfect the entire facility. Our commitment is to provide a safe, disinfected environment in which your family can feel safe.

8. AIR PURIFIERS

While visiting CHOM, you will notice portable air purifiers near exhibits. The IQAir HealthPro series of air purifiers involves a filtering process capable of capturing very small particles, helping to reduce the risk of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

Science is still learning a great deal about the coronavirus, its transmission and methods of prevention. No set of precautions is perfect, but we believe we have implemented procedures that greatly reduce the risk to our guests, volunteers and staff. Thank you for your continued interest and support of CHOM, especially during this very challenging time that has affected everyone.

9. ENTRY FEES

Members – no additional charge to reserve your time slot. If you were a member in good standing prior to March 30, 2020, your membership is extended to the same expiration date in 2021. For example, if your expiration date was June 1, 2020, your membership will continue to June 1, 2021.

Nonmembers – $6 per person or request a Family Membership good for 12 months ($80). An invoice will be emailed to you for advance payment prior to your time slot.

10. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COVID-19 RISKS & RESERVATION SIGN-UP

By signing up and reserving your timeslot at CHOM, you are affirming the following:

I acknowledge that I understand the risks related to COVID-19 and other communicable diseases and understand that the risk of contracting COVID-19 may be increased by visiting CHOM. I voluntarily assume the risk for the family group I am registering. I hereby release, covenant not to sue, and agree to hold harmless the Children’s Hands On Museum of Northwest Illinois, Board of Directors, employees, agents, insurers, and representatives for any and all claims, liabilities, harm, damages, costs, or expenses related to any injury or illness, including the contraction of COVID-19, arising out our visit to CHOM.

Sign Up!