Wonder Works, A Children's Museum in Oak Park

Wonder Works provides a hands-on learning environment intended to strenghten the social, emotional and intellectual development of children up to age eight. The 6400 sq ft museum includes exhibits, educational programming and a children's party room. With five "experience zones" plus an outdoor organic garden, Wonder Works gives kids plenty to explore. In North Avenue Art Works, kids can draw, paint and make crafts. In Farm to Market, children "harvest" fruits and vegetables, transport them and set up a shop to sell or barter. And in Lights, Camera, Action!, kids can dress up and perform a song, dance or play. Given that researchers believe 80 percent of a child's brain development takes place by age five, Wonder Works is a particularly important component of early childhood learning.