Bubble Bliss: Wonder Works Draws Crowds with Affordable Outdoor Fun

The Wonder Works Children's Museum in Oak Park, Illinois, has found a winning formula for its annual Bubble Works event. By significantly reducing ticket prices, the museum was able to attract over 1,000 attendees, the largest turnout in the event's three-year history. This move aligns with the museum's mission to provide play-based opportunities to as many children as possible, making the joy of bubble-making accessible to families of all backgrounds.

Unleashing the Power of Bubbles: Wonder Works Embraces Affordability and Creativity

Bubble Works: A Celebration of Affordable Fun

The decision to lower ticket prices for Bubble Works was a strategic one, driven by the museum's desire to serve a wider audience. In 2023, the event saw a significant increase in attendance, with 650 people attending compared to the previous year's 1,000. This year, the museum slashed prices to for non-members and for members, a move that Vanessa Druckman, the marketing and communications manager, says was a "big change" that allowed "more children to be able to play."

Expanding the Bubble Experience

Beyond the reduced ticket prices, the 2024 Bubble Works event featured several new additions that enhanced the overall experience. The museum welcomed food trucks, including the Boba Truck and the Spoke Cafe cart, providing attendees with a diverse array of refreshments to enjoy while immersed in the bubble-filled festivities.

Bubble Innovators and STEM Exploration

The event also showcased the talents of Glowby the Bubbler, a bubble expert who performed four times each day, demonstrating his innovative bubble nets, wands, and even a "bubble snowthrower." Additionally, the museum incorporated STEM-focused activities, allowing children to experiment with bubble solutions, create three-dimensional bubble shapes, and learn about the science behind these captivating spheres.

Fostering Creative Play and Sensory Experiences

Bubble Works went beyond just bubble-making, offering a range of creative play opportunities. Children could mix their own custom-scented and colored bubble solutions, make bejeweled bubble wands, and even create bubble beards using cut-up pool noodles and cheesecloth. The event's centerpiece was a large bubble playground, complete with a 15-foot-by-15-foot foam pit that children could immerse themselves in, sparking their imaginations and encouraging free-flowing play.

Expanding the Wonder Works Footprint

The Bubble Works event serves as an extension of the Wonder Works Children's Museum, allowing the institution to extend its reach and provide even more opportunities for play-based learning. Vanessa Druckman emphasizes the importance of this outdoor festival, stating that it "enables us to make Wonder Works Children's Museum a little bit bigger" and gives children "permission to play however they want."

Membership Benefits and Community Partnerships

The museum's commitment to accessibility extends beyond the Bubble Works event. Wonder Works offers a range of membership options, including a new summer membership that provides 365 days of play. Additionally, the museum has been selected as a beneficiary of Bonnie Brae's 9/11 LemonAid charity lemonade stand, further strengthening its ties with the local community.As the Wonder Works Children's Museum continues to evolve and expand its offerings, the Bubble Works event stands as a shining example of the museum's dedication to providing affordable, engaging, and enriching experiences for children and families in the Oak Park and surrounding communities.