It's really moving to see this kind of support for the museum from the Oak Lawn community and the area.

I think this Children's Museum will meet a need that museums like the Field Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry do not meet and that's a lot of interaction.

There is also an area with an inclined track where kids can build a kite then fly it around the room. The kids then take the kite home. We have a water table in the shape of a leaf where several kids can gather around with water toys and explore.

I had worked as an employee for the Boy Scouts as district director for almost six years. Working for an organization that does things for kids was very rewarding for me and I wanted to get back into doing something for children. This seemed like an amazing opportunity.

Kids can get bored just looking at things. But if they can touch it, throw it, pull it or push it, they really enjoy it. I should know this. I have two children (Tyler, 10, and Alyssa, 4). Right now our target-age group is up to probably 7-year-olds. But we get kids 8, 9, 10 and 11 who have a really good time with it. I want kids to walk out of here saying they've had a really good time. For me, it's really rewarding to see smiles.

Not only is this a real neat item, but it gives the staff a test run before we actually open to the public.