Exploring art and history with your children is a fantastic way to encourage curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning. Warrenville, IL, offers a variety of cultural experiences that are perfect for families. From hands-on art activities to fascinating exhibits on local and national history, these museums provide enriching and fun experiences for kids of all ages. Let’s dive into the best art and history museums in Warrenville and nearby areas that are worth visiting with your family.

Children Raising Their Hands

Warrenville Historical Museum and Art Gallery

Start your cultural adventure at the Warrenville Historical Museum and Art Gallery. Located in a historic building that was once a church, this museum offers a glimpse into Warrenville’s rich past. The exhibits showcase artifacts, photographs, and stories that bring local history to life.

  • Fun Fact: The museum is housed in a building designed by Warren Tavern’s founder, Colonel Julius Warren, in the 19th century.
  • Kid-Friendly Features: Interactive exhibits let children explore Warrenville’s history through hands-on activities like artifact puzzles and historical scavenger hunts.
  • Special Events: The museum frequently hosts events such as “History in the Park,” where reenactors and storytellers bring the past alive for visitors of all ages.

DuPage Children’s Museum

Just a short drive from Warrenville, the DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville is a favorite for families. While not exclusively an art or history museum, its exhibits encourage creativity and exploration, making it a wonderful spot for children to engage with cultural themes through play.

  • Exhibits to Explore: The “Art Is Everywhere” exhibit lets kids experiment with different art techniques, while the “Math Connections” area subtly integrates historical context into interactive learning.
  • Fun Fact: The museum’s founders started with a traveling exhibit in the 1980s before establishing the permanent location!
  • Workshops and Classes: Families can also participate in weekend art workshops where kids create their own masterpieces to take home.

Learn more about the DuPage Children’s Museum here.

Naper Settlement

Take a step back in time at Naper Settlement, a living history museum in nearby Naperville. With historic buildings, reenactors in period clothing, and plenty of kid-friendly programming, this museum offers an immersive experience of 19th-century life.

  • Don’t Miss: The Blacksmith Shop and the Print Shop are always popular with kids, showcasing historical crafts and trades.
  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Hands-on exhibits like the “Discovery Station” and seasonal events like the “Weed Ladies” floral exhibit keep children engaged.
  • Special Tours: Themed tours, like “Women in History” or “Frontier Living,” provide new perspectives for curious minds.
  • Fun Fact: Naper Settlement’s grounds include over 30 historic structures, including a one-room schoolhouse and a Victorian mansion.

Plan your visit by checking out their website here.

Cantigny Park

Located in Wheaton, Cantigny Park is a fantastic destination that combines art, history, and nature. The park features two museums, the Robert R. McCormick Museum and the First Division Museum, along with beautifully landscaped gardens and picnic areas.

  • Highlights for Families: The First Division Museum offers an engaging look at military history, with exhibits designed to appeal to kids, like climbing into real tanks! Meanwhile, the McCormick Museum focuses on art and the history of the iconic Chicago Tribune family.
  • Seasonal Programs: Look out for the park’s summer concert series and art-in-the-park days that add an extra layer of family fun.
  • Fun Fact: Cantigny Park was the estate of Robert R. McCormick, who named it after the site of a famous World War I battle where he served.

Learn more about Cantigny Park here.

Elmhurst Art Museum

If you want to inspire your child’s inner artist, head to the Elmhurst Art Museum—this contemporary art museum offers rotating exhibits, including everything from painting and sculpture to digital media.

  • Kid-Friendly Workshops: The museum’s family programs and workshops let kids experiment with art techniques and materials.
  • Permanent Features: The museum’s sculpture garden and interactive installations make it a great destination year-round.
  • Fun Fact: The museum’s campus includes the McCormick House, one of only three homes in the United States designed by the famous architect Mies van der Rohe.

Explore current exhibits and plan your visit here.

The Morton Arboretum’s Art Installations

Though primarily a natural attraction, The Morton Arboretum in Lisle often features stunning art installations throughout its grounds. These large-scale works of art blend seamlessly with the environment and make for a unique cultural experience.

  • Family Activities: Take a guided tour of the exhibits or pick up an art-themed scavenger hunt to keep kids engaged.
  • Educational Programs: Seasonal workshops for children combine nature and art, offering hands-on opportunities to create eco-friendly crafts.
  • Fun Fact: Past exhibits have included “Human+Nature,” featuring 15- to 30-foot-tall sculptures made from natural materials.

Check out current exhibits here.

A Grand Finale to Your Family’s Cultural Journey

Warrenville, IL, and its surrounding areas offer an array of cultural experiences perfect for families. Whether your child loves painting, history, or interactive exhibits, these destinations provide opportunities to learn, explore, and have fun. Each museum and park offers its unique charm and opportunities for families to connect through shared discovery.

Ready to plan your cultural adventure? Visit these incredible museums and attractions to spark your child’s imagination and enrich their understanding of art and history. And don’t forget to schedule a tour at your nearest Crème de la Crème School to learn more about our commitment to inspiring creativity and curiosity in children every day!

Children Raising Their Hands by Yan Krukau is licensed with Pexels License.