Kohl's Children's Museum Pop-Up, a Safe Environment for Kids to Freely Play, Starts 2-Month Run in Waukegan

Leilah Gray found freedom to create through art and engineering at the Kohl Children's Museum's Pop-Up facility in Waukegan.

Leilah Gray, a creative fourth grader, has found a sense of freedom in her artistic pursuits at the Kohl Children's Museum's Pop-Up facility in Waukegan. Unlike at school, where she often feels restricted by her teachers' instructions, Leilah enjoys the opportunity to build and create structures with large foam blocks and other materials without any limitations.

The museum's community engagement manager, Mariel Gutierrez-Spagnoli, believes that providing children with the freedom to explore and use their imagination is crucial for their development. By encouraging them to try new things and play in a safe environment, children can learn and grow in a meaningful way. Creative art, in particular, offers a unique avenue for this kind of exploration.

The Kohl Children's Museum Pop-Up is currently open at the College of Lake County's Lakeshore campus in Waukegan for a two-month run. It offers children the chance to engage in various activities, such as exploring nature, science, and even sitting down to read. The exhibit will later move to the Round Lake Civic Center and the Shiloh Center in Zion, ensuring that more children have access to these enriching experiences.

One of the museum's goals is to eliminate financial barriers for families in the area. While there is an entrance fee to visit the museum's Glenview home, entry to the pop-up locations in Waukegan, Zion, and Round Lake is free. Gutierrez-Spagnoli believes that this accessibility allows children to believe that anything is possible and encourages them to fully embrace their childhood.

Zeidy Morataya, a college student, was inspired to bring her son and niece to the pop-up after witnessing the museum personnel preparing the space. She recognized the value of play and learning in such an environment and wanted her children to experience it firsthand. Hansell Barcos, a second grader, was particularly engaged in building with the foam blocks and even painted in another area of the museum. His enthusiasm for the activities was evident as he proudly declared that he was building a throne for himself and his cousin.

The pop-up features large foam building blocks and small, color-coded wood blocks that allow children to engage in juvenile engineering and create structures. Gutierrez-Spagnoli emphasizes that these features promote success and even enable children to build their own version of the Willis Tower. Additionally, the pop-up highlights the importance of STEM education by incorporating elements of science, technology, engineering, and math. However, Gutierrez-Spagnoli also recognizes the significance of art in children's development, transforming the area into a STEAM-focused space.

The pop-up also includes a "Book Nook" with reading materials in both English and Spanish, as well as a natural table with shells and fossils. Another exhibit provides an interactive learning experience about butterflies and dragonflies. These diverse activities cater to different interests and learning styles, ensuring that every child can find something that engages and excites them.

Jesus Ruiz, the dean of the College of Lake County's Waukegan campus, expresses his delight in partnering with the museum. The college previously hosted the pop-up in 2019 and is thrilled to have it back. Ruiz believes that the presence of the museum not only benefits the children but also allows the college to showcase its offerings and connect with the community.

Overall, the Kohl Children's Museum Pop-Up in Waukegan provides a unique and inclusive space for children to explore, create, and learn. By removing barriers and encouraging freedom of expression, the museum fosters a sense of imagination and curiosity in children, allowing them to develop their minds and embrace the joy of childhood.

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