About Us

Our Mission

KidsWork Children's Museum is a cultural institution that brings children, families, and the community together to engage in fun, hands-on, interactive play so as to nurture life-long learning and discovery.

Our History

KidsWork was founded in 2007 by local parents, educators, and business leaders, and the museum originated in the Trolley Barn in downtown Frankfort. A board of directors comprised entirely of volunteers and an executive director led the museum through a successful 17 years, but as the museum's attendance continued to grow, it became clear that it was time for an evolution. After much consideration, a new partnership with the Village of New Lenox came to fruition in the spring of 2023. KidsWork moved to its new home in New Lenox in the fall of 2024, where it continues to offer a unique opportunity for children to learn through play at the only children's museum in Will County.

Our Space

Nestled at the entrance to the New Lenox Village Commons, KidsWork Children's Museum features 12,000 square feet of space on a single level, with an additional 4,200 square feet of outdoor exhibit space. Our exhibits are centered around ST.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) initiatives that focus on teaching innovation and critical thinking skills for use in real-world applications and fostering a life-long love of learning. Furthermore, every element of the museum experience has been designed to be inclusive of children of all abilities.

Our Community

KidsWork isn't just a place for fun and learning, it's a vibrant hub where every exhibit, activity, and program is designed to foster a sense of community. Here, children don't just learn about the world around them; they actively participate in shaping it by learning how they can all be hometown heroes.

Beyond that, KidsWork welcomes people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities to come together to play, learn, and grow. We strive to create a space where every child feels seen, heard, and empowered to embrace their unique identity.

Our commitment to community doesn't stop within our walls. We're proud to partner with area schools, libraries, and community organizations to extend the magic beyond the KidsWork doors. KidsWork strives to embody community in the broadest sense of the word.