Temporary train exhibit rolls into DuPage Children's Museum
When curious eyes gaze out the window of the DuPage Children's Museum in Naperville, they might catch a glimpse of a passing Metra or freight train, traveling along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Line to or from Chicago.
Soon, kids won't have to turn their attention outside the museum for a look at a train. A new pop-up exhibit called "DCM Express" arrives Saturday and will depart Thursday, June 14.
Celebrating its arrival will be Train Day events during museum hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at 301 N. Washington St.
The events will include the chance for little ones to create art with ink pads and train wheels, an up-close look at a model train, with its creators - Scouts from Venture Crew 57 - on hand to answer questions, and train-related additions to existing exhibits, such as Zip Tracks in the "Ramps & Rollers" exhibit and Bricks and Wheels in the "Unit Blocks" area. The museum will host train-themed story times at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday,
DuPage Children's Museum leaders say play with trains can engage kids in problem solving, creativity, imagination, dexterity, communication and fine motor skills. Parents playing along could try asking questions such as "Where is your train going?" or "What would happen if ...?"
"Take some time to observe your child," the museum's early learning specialist, Alix Tonsgard, said in a news release. "You might be amazed by what they are capable of - what they know, what they want to know more about - and from that, where you can support their learning."
Kids playing in the exhibit will get to lay tracks and drive trains, but they'll have to negotiate with other kids about whose train gets to go where and when, museum leaders say.
The temporary train exhibit adds to museum staples, such as AWEsome Energy, Creativity Connections, Make it Move and Art is Instrumental.
Tickets to the Train Day celebrations cost the same as regular museum admission: free for children younger than 1 and museum members, $10 for seniors and $12 for adults and children age 1 and older.