In the suburbs of Chicago is nestled the DuPage Children's Museum, where kids learn through what they do best—playing. Here, touching the exhibits isn't just encouraged, it's practically required.

Build It and the Moser Construction House

These tools aren't for play; in this unfinished house, kids wield real tools—which museum staffers believe helps to build confidence, as well as eye-hand coordination, motor skills, and creativity. Both older and younger children can be challenged here, whether it's to add on to the home's interior structure or to add shingles to the roof.

What to explore: the interior has unfinished walls, pipes needing connecting, and ductwork to explore; kids can also examine the roof, accessible via a loft

Safety first: all visitors should use the provided safety goggles

Tools to use: hammers, screwdrivers, manual drills, real saws, vice grips, sanders, nails, and screws

Size of wood pieces: 5-inch rectangles cut from two-by-fours

What to build: whatever you want!

Supported skills: creative thinking, problem solving, coordination, and cognition

If You're Not Ready to Give Your Child a Hammer

Head over to AWEsome Energy, where kids engage in hands-on learning about the energy capabilities of air, water, and electricity—possibly getting a little (or a lot) damp in the process.

If Your Kid Wants to Make More Stuff

Head over to The Studio, where kids can draw together math, science, and art to create something you'll be happy to hang on your fridge.

Click here to find deals on admission to Dupage Children's Museum

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