Finding enriching activities to do as a family can be challenging, but as a parent, it’s essential to show your children that learning can occur anywhere. While there are many skills to learn in a traditional classroom environment, pursuing learning opportunities in other settings is crucial to creating lifelong learners. Sometimes a simple trip to a museum or nature preserve is all you need to foster curiosity in your children. Here’s Crème de la Crème’s list of the top cool educational destinations around Romeoville, Illinois, where you and your family can explore and learn together.

DuPage Children’s Museum

A large group of volunteers standing in front of the DuPage Children's Museum.

COD Cares at the DuPage Children’s Museum 2014 48 by COD Newsroom is licensed with CC BY 2.0

The DuPage Children’s Museum is an enriching environment that helps children develop a love for learning at an early age. Your child’s naturally inquisitive spirit and innocent curiosity are harnessed in the colorful and welcoming atmosphere. This indoor learning experience is ideal when the Romeoville weather is a bit wet or when you feel like getting out of the sun. With 30 years of experience serving the community, the DuPage Children’s Museum knows how to marry fun and education in exciting ways for young explorers.

The hands-on exhibits provide many opportunities for interactive fun and serve as catalysts for children and parents to learn together and bond. Exhibits focus on science, art, and math and how these three subjects overlap. The Build It exhibit allows children to play with blocks, explore the world of engineering, and practice their problem-solving and critical thinking skills in a safe environment. AWEsome Energy is an immersive and interactive experience that teaches kids about air, water, and electricity. The Studio encourages creative expression and can help your child become an expert artist by using open-ended and multidisciplinary forms of art.

General admission for adults and children begins at $17. Children under the age of 1 enter for free, and senior citizens receive a discount. Be sure to preregister to ensure the museum has not reached capacity.

  • Location: 301 N. Washington St., Naperville.
  • Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 
  • Contact: 630-637-8000.

Cosley Zoo

The Cosley Zoo is the ideal destination for the animal lover in your family. The zoo sits on 5 acres of land and is home to over 50 species and 200 different animals. You’ll find wildlife and domestic animals for your little one to observe and learn about, see exhibits that immerse them in the natural habitat of the animals, and have up-close interactions with some species. Animals you can expect to see on your visit range from the white-tailed deer and red fox to the coyote and four-toed salamander. 

The zoo offers overnight programs, summer camp, and family programs. You can even host your child’s next birthday party there. General admission begins at $9, and zoo members and all children up to age 17 enter for free.

  • Location: 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton.
  • Hours: Hours vary throughout the year, so check the website for details.
  • Contact: 630-665-5534.

Isle a la Cache Museum

The Isle a la Cache Museum is a natural history museum located on the Isle a la Cache Preserve. It’s an ideal destination for lovers of the outdoors and children who enjoy exploring trees and vegetation. While at the museum, you can learn about the early settlers and the Native Americans who called this region home. See authentic Native American artifacts and learn about Potawatomi homes and local wildlife. You can enjoy fishing, canoeing, biking, hiking, and birding on the preserve. Prepare for the elements by checking the weather, bringing proper gear, and dressing in layers.

  • Location: 501 E. Romeo Road, Romeoville. 
  • Hours: The preserve is open from 8 a.m. to sunset daily. The visitor center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. It’s closed on Mondays.
  • Contact: 815-886-1467.

Illinois Aviation Museum

For aspiring pilots and hopeful aerospace engineers, the Illinois Aviation Museum is a must-see. This exciting museum is located on-site at the Clow International Airport. Check out the variety of historical aircraft, see some restored classics, and learn about the process of caring for these impressive machines. The museum has 17 aircraft on display for guests to visit. While you’re there, check out the T-33 on loan from the National Museum of Naval Aviation.

Kids can enjoy participating in the EAA Young Eagles program. This program provides kids ages 8 to 17 with the opportunity to fly for free with a group of volunteer pilots and ground crew. Flights are 9 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of each month. Register online the Wednesday before.

Save the date for the 2023 Cavalcade of Planes on June 3 and 4 for an excellent time. Admission is free.

  • Location: 130 S. Clow International Parkway, Bolingbrook.
  • Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Group tours are available by appointment on weekdays.
  • Contact: 630-771-1937.

And there you have it. Crème de la Crème of Romeoville has enjoyed sharing some extraordinary educational destinations around Romeoville with you. Whether you’re just visiting or live in the area, these places will entice your child’s imagination and offer something for everyone to learn about. What do you think of our list? Did we mention a location that seems like an excellent fit for your little one’s inquisitive mind?

While you decide on your family’s next inspirational outing, consider Crème de la Crème of Romeoville for your day care needs. We have an enriching environment that’s perfect for growing minds and bodies. Our learning and care facility is an ideal match for parents seeking to provide the best for their children. Whether your child is interested in learning Spanish, playing tennis, or enjoying a water park, we have options available. We offer daily care services, summer camp, and before- and after-school care. Call our friendly staff at 815-926-1096 to schedule a tour today.