DuPage Children’s Museum celebrating kindness at Community Cares event
DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St. in Naperville, invites families to kick off the new year with kindness at Community Cares on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This hands-on event gives children and grown-ups the chance to discover that big hearts really do start small through playful projects that benefit neighbors across our community.
The museum is partnering with local organizations, including Naperville Public Library, Naper Settlement, SPARK-Fox Valley United Way, Illinois Tollway Tykes, Morton Arboretum, and The Backpack Project.
Together, they have designed activities that flip the usual make-and-take model into a make-and-give experience, showing children that helping others can be creative, social, and a whole lot of fun.
The museum also will collect unopened nonperishable foods and toiletries for West Suburban Community Pantry throughout the day.
Families can wander from station to station to lend a helping hand. Children can craft dog and cat toys for shelter animals, create do-it-yourself puzzles and valentines for seniors, assemble toiletry bags, pack seeds for pollinators, and more.
Young visitors can also make Kids Safety ID cards with the Illinois Tollway Tykes team.
These simple acts add up to powerful learning. Giving back helps children practice empathy, cooperation, and problem solving while building fine motor and early math skills like sorting and counting. Most of all, it shows kids that their ideas and efforts matter, no matter their age.
“Children are natural helpers when we give them the chance,” said Shamra Fallon, public programs manager. “Community Cares lets families experience the joy of doing something kind together. When a child packs seeds for pollinators or makes a card for a senior, they see that even small hands can make a big difference.”
The day will also feature lively music with Tiny Great Performances by Nanny Nikki at 11 and 11:45 a.m. The Grammy-nominated entertainer brings high energy sing-alongs, dancing, and playful movement that invite children and adults to join the fun.
Admission to DuPage Children's Museum is $22 for ages 1 or older, and $21 for seniors. It's free for museum members and children under one year. Get tickets at dupagechildrens.org/community-cares.
This is sponsored by Presenting Sponsor MOLEX. Tiny Great Performances are supported by the Ronald L. McDaniel Foundation and partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.
Parking is free and the building is wheelchair accessible. For information, visit dupagechildrens.org, follow the museum on Facebook and Instagram.
DuPage Children’s Museum is a nonprofit organization inspiring curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving through hands-on STEAM learning. For nearly 40 years, it has championed immersive, play-based experiences both inside the Museum and out in the community. Through authentic, community-embedded partnerships, the museum breaks down financial, cultural, and educational barriers — making high-quality learning accessible to all. With a commitment to equity and innovation, they ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive through extraordinary educational experiences.
For information, visit dupagechildrens.org or call (630) 637-8000.