CHOM News
Where Learning & Play Go Hand In Hand.
CHOM Reopens: Helping Families Stay Safe
CHOM REOPENS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6 | RESERVATIONS REQUIRED We are excited to announce that we are now accepting reservations for families to come back to CHOM! Due to the pandemic, we have limited hours and are asking our members and guests to reserve their time online...
Support CHOM’s New Year Grand-Reopening!
2020 began as a year of excitement and anticipated growth. In March, we were about to celebrate our 1st year anniversary at our Lincoln Mall location when the coronavirus shut down occurred. Like so many Children’s museums around the country, we were forced to close...
Ready? Set?…..Learning through Play Resumes Soon!
In our lifetime, few of us imagined we'd experience anything like what is happening today. But like each of you, CHOM is optimistic about the future and about life resuming outside of our homes in the coming weeks. We are getting ready to GO and we hope you are as...
Children’s Museum Temporarily Closed
The Children’s Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois is temporarily closed to the public in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While we know of no confirmed cases with museum staff, volunteers or guests, the museum is closing out of an abundance of caution, in...
Children’s Hands-On Museum Celebrates 1 Year in Lincoln Mall, Open Monday through Sunday During Spring Break
Monday, March 23rd is Free Family Day from 10 am – 12 pm. From 11 – 12:30 that day, CHOM will celebrate its first birthday at Lincoln Mall with a free lunch and birthday cake. Sponsors for this event include Big O’s On the Hollow, Flair Boutique, Forreston State Bank and The Clothes Bin.
For Immediate Release: Tickets Available for Children’s Hands-On Museum Frosty Ball Fundraising Gala Scheduled for February 8
“CHOM’s Frosty Ball fundraising gala helps support the museum’s exhibits, programs, and other services” said Jessi Larson, CHOM board president. “We regularly hear from parents and grandparents how grateful they are that CHOM is available. With the support of our community, we can continue to make available these learning through play opportunities for children.”
Kids Craft Ornament for FHN Community Festival of Trees
Bring the kids to CHOM during our regular hours between November 21 and November 24. Each child will be provided all the supplies needed to make a Christmas tree ornament to be placed on the CHOM Christmas Tree for the FHN Festival of Trees. If you have questions...
Brrrr? or Booo! Halloween at CHOM
Check out CHOM for Halloween! Bring the kids in costume (or not!) and have some fund with the scavenger hunt and pick up some treats before it’s time to go home! Open 2 – 6 PM (normal hours!) on Thursday. Click the link for more information. Standard admission fees apply for non-members.
CHOM appoints Sarah Flashing as the museum’s new executive director
The Children’s Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois (CHOM) appoints Sarah Flashing as the museum’s new executive director.
OktoberFunFest: October 12 at CHOM
Uncle Mike from Pint Size Polkas helps families at CHOM celebrate the fantastic European tradition of Oktoberfest. Learn a little bit of the German language, a craft, and learn about the history of polka music. Join us for this fun musical program that's fun for all...
“Hands-On” Tree Fundraiser | Sept 21, 2019
Visit CHOM from 10 am til 2 pm on September 21 to “LEAVE” your mark on our CHOM tree! Join the fun! Bring your whole family to place your hand print on our CHOM Tree. Make a donation and enjoy refreshments and add to the new fall colors of CHOM! Take home your child’s handprint ready for framing!
Recommended donation: $10 per person / $50 per family.
CHOM Joins ‘Museums for All’ Nationwide Initiative
The Children’s Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois (CHOM) has joined Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), to encourage people of all...
Volunteer of the Month: Mary Ware
Special thanks to Mary Ware for her hard work and commitment to the mission of the Children’s Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois. Thank you to Culver’s of Freeport for their recognition of the work of CHOM and sponsoring this program each month to say thank you to our volunteers!
Family Free Day | Aug 17, 2019
If you've never visited CHOM or just wondering what we're about, come out on Saturday, August 17 and enjoy free entry into the museum. Before you leave, consider an annual family membership. Donations are always welcome! We are open 10 AM - 2 PM.
Press Release: New Sensory Exhibit to Help Children with Disabilities Opens July 26th at the Children’s Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois
For Immediate Release Contact: Sarah Flashing Email: [email protected] Freeport, Illinois – July 16, 2019 – A new Sensory Room exhibit will open on Friday, July 26, following a ribbon cutting ceremony facilitated by the Greater Freeport Partnership at noon. “All...
Press Release: Children’s Hands On Museum of Northwest Illinois Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11
For Immediate Release Contact: Sarah Flashing Email: [email protected] Children's Hands On Museum of Northwest Illinois Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11 Freeport, Illinois – July 15, 2019 – This week the world marks the 50th anniversary of the...
Grand Opening of New Sensory Exhibit at CHOM: Friday, July 26 at 12 PM
CHOM is dedicated to making sure individuals with disabilities are not overlooked when visiting. Our goal is to provide a place where all individuals feel welcome. We have consulted with therapists and identified what is needed for the inclusion of all children to...
Volunteer of the Month: Lenora Luecke
Special thanks to Lenora Luecke for her hard work and commitment to the mission of the Children’s Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois. Thank you to Culver’s of Freeport for their recognition of the work of CHOM and sponsoring this program each month to say thank you to our volunteers!