KidsWork Children's Museum Closes Aug. 11, Prepares For New Lenox Move

FRANKFORT, IL — Just a few days remain until KidsWork Children's Museum closes its doors in Frankfort, and prepares for its move to its new New Lenox location.

Last year, the museum announced it would be leaving Frankfort with a planned move to a newly built, 12,000-square-foot built at the entrance to the New Lenox Commons.

"I have mixed emotions about closing our Frankfort location. I’m immensely grateful for all the support our business community and organizations has given us throughout the years, especially our donors, Frankfort Chamber of Commerce, Village of Frankfort, and many of the downtown businesses," Executive Director Nicole Underwood told Patch. "More importantly, the Museum would’ve never have grown out of our current space without our wonderful members and visitors who have walked through our doors during the past 16 years, we have shared many good times in this place, I’m really going to miss working here."

The museum first opened in Frankfort in 2007 in the Trolley Barn off of White Street.

The grand opening for the museum in New Lenox is planned for October. Members can make a reservation to be the first to play at the new facility from Oct. 8 to Oct. 12, and the official grand opening will be Oct. 13.

Underwood said she is "beyond excited" for the new journey with the Village of New Lenox.

"They have welcomed us with open arms and have taken great care into ensuring the new building will be accessible and inclusive for all families throughout the region," Underwood said. "One of the best parts is it's only 5 miles west from our Frankfort location. It’s not a goodbye to our Frankfort community, we look forward to seeing many familiar faces at our new home in October."

The new building features new exhibits, and an outdoor interactive play and picnic area for families.

Tickets may be purchased online beginning in September, with purchase information to come. Check the Village of New Lenox or KidsWork Children's Museum websites for updates.