The Hawver and Lacy Families Nature’s Playspace, the latest exhibit at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (PNNM), is an interactive experience that connects young guests to nature in new ways. Children splash, climb, and crawl their way through this brand-new play area.

Bathed in natural light, this sprawling space brings the best of the outdoors indoors. Children up to age seven can explore a variety of nature-themed sections and stimulate their senses with over twenty-five fun and engaging interactives. Learning about wetlands through a state-of-the-art water feature and an oversized beaver lodge, climbing into a larger-than-life bird’s nest and treehouse, and exploring the prairie are just a few of the experiences that introduce young children to the native flora and fauna of the Chicagoland region. Families with young children will be able to make deep connections to nature while encouraging child-led play!

With Nature’s Playspace, the Museum aims to build on its legacy of hands-on science education, scientific research, and citizen science. This exhibit also provides a safe and dedicated area at PNNM for early childhood visitors and their parents.