Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier

Individuals

To be considered to become an active museum volunteer, check out our opportunities below and complete a volunteer application.

Administrative
Work "behind the scenes" in CCM’s administrative offices, in any area from marketing to human resources.
When: Weekdays from 9am to 5pm some evening hours are available.
Ideal for: Those seeking consistent or occasional weekday opportunities, who possess or want to improve their administrative skills, and are available on an as-needed basis. 

All in One
Don’t want to limit yourself? Become an All-In-One volunteer and have access to all available opportunities listed, from Guest Connections to Community programs.
When: Daily, 10am-5pm and Thursdays and Saturdays, 5-8pm
Ideal for: Volunteers looking for variety and consistent weekday and/or weekend opportunities, who are flexible and willing to commit to at least four times per month. This opportunity is for people open to all positions..

Arts Learning
Work alongside CCM’s arts educators when you lend your artistic talents to art-based, public programs in CCM’s Kraft Artabounds Studio.
When: Thursdays, 5-8pm, weekdays and weekends, 1-5pm
Ideal for: Creative art enthusiasts looking for a consistent weekday/weekend or evening opportunity, who are comfortable interacting with visitors, and are willing to volunteer at least twice per month.

Community Connections
Assist our staff with fun, hands-on activities at community events, both on and off-site.
When: Throughout the year
Ideal for: Bi-lingual volunteers, those looking for occasional opportunities, who enjoy city festivals and fairs, and interacting with the public.

Early Learning Administration
Early Learning Administration Help keep CCM’s Early Learning division running smoothly in a behind-the-scenes position that includes organizing storage, ordering supplies, maintaining a library database, prepping activity materials, and other projects.
When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 9am-5pm; and Thursdays, 11am-8pm
Ideal for: Organized people looking for a consistent opportunity, who enjoy the not-so-glamorous but very important administrative tasks, and are willing to volunteer at least twice per month.

Early Learning Programs
Work alongside Pritzker Playspace staff to facilitate early learning programs, help create a rich learning environment, greet guests, and gain intimate, hands-on experience with our youngest visitors.
When: Thursdays, 5-8pm, weekdays and weekends, 10am-4pm
Ideal for: Playful people with an early education background or interest, who enjoy facilitating activities for younger children and their caregivers, are looking for a consistent opportunity, and are willing to volunteer at least twice per month.

Family Programs
A typical one-hour program might require twenty hours of preparation! Sew, cut, paste, organize, and lend your talents to creating innovative programs for children and their families.
When: As needed
Ideal for: “Crafty” individuals who want hands-on involvement in programming but may be short on time or not want to work directly with the public, are willing to volunteer once a month or on an as-needed basis.

Group Volunteers
Volunteer with a group for one-time project or event. Opportunities consist of behind-the-scenes projects, such as mailings, goody bag stuffing, program preparation, and more OR have your group volunteer during a special event at CCM. The average group size is 10.
When: As needed
Ideal for: Volunteers seeking one-time group projects or service learning hours.

Guest Connections
Work along side our floor staff and represent the “face” of the museum by assisting in CCM’s rich exhibits while you interact with families and play hands-on with children. Shifts and tasks are flexible.
When: Daily, during museum hours Volunteer shifts are flexible as your assistance is welcome daily.
Ideal for: Fun, outgoing volunteers who like variety, are looking for consistent weekday, weekend or evening hours, and are willing to volunteer at least 2-4 times per month.

Kraft Free Family Night
Assist the Community Connections staff on Thursday evenings with cultural events, community resources fairs and many other celebrations on the night where guests have free admission into the museum.
When: Thursdays, 5-8pm
Ideal for: Volunteers looking for evening opportunities, who enjoy meeting new people, want special event experience and are willing to volunteer at least once per month.

Special Events
Make a difference to CCM by helping with set-up/clean-up, registration, raffles, art activities, and more at member events, exhibit openings, cultural events, holiday themed events, or the annual Be a Kid Again Gala.
When: As needed
Ideal for: Outgoing, flexible people seeking occasional weekend or evening opportunities, who are willing to assist in all capacities, enjoy meeting new people, and have (or want) special event experience.

Student Workshops
Help unleash the creative potential of children by assisting educators with hands-on projects in the student workshop of your choice, either at the museum or in classrooms.
When: Selected weekdays (depending on workshop), 9am-noon
Ideal for: Flexible individuals with a love of learning, who are available in the morning hours during the week and that are comfortable helping facilitate to a classroom sized group of children.