ABOUT THIS EVENT

Event Category

Education

Event Overview

Let's face it: young children are awfully cute, but they can be pretty self-absorbed. As with all skills, learning empathy takes practice—the more, the better.

One of the best ways to get kids thinking beyond themselves is through their relationships with animals. Kids everywhere love pets—both the real and stuffed varieties—and this deep connection often represents the first real opportunity to practice caretaking behaviors that nurture empathy and burgeoning social skills. Pets Unleashed channels this natural affinity for animals into an immersive environment designed to inspire open-ended, empathy-building play.

Little ones will be wide-eyed with wonder when they enter this fantastical pet paradise. Filled with climbable dwellings, caretaking props, wearable animal accessories, movable structures, and "pets" of all types and sizes, this exhibit provides a platform for boundless self-expression and imaginative play.

Kids can brush, feed, bath, bandage, and otherwise care for their "pets." Or they can be a pet and experience life from an animal's perspective. Whatever roles they choose, Pets Unleashed offers a pathway to developing compassion, empathy and respect, for others and themselves.

At Pet a Pet, you'll meet and greet a furry friend! Thanks to the Children's Museum's partnership with The Anti-Cruelty Society, you can interact with a real dog or guinea pig!

Important note: This program is free with the cost of admission to Chicago Children's Museum. Program availability is on a first come, first serve basis. Signing up through Dabble does not guarantee a seat. However, your registration here helps Chicago Children's Museum gauge interest and prepare for your arrival.

What to Bring

Just bring your love for animals!

Minimum age

All ages welcome

Prerequisites

This workshop is free, however museum admission required.

What's Provided

The animals will be here, ready to pet (gently).

Location