The Joliet Area Historical Museum recently celebrated its inaugural Kids Valentine’s Day party, marking a new initiative to engage local children through holiday-themed events. Held on February 8, 2025, this festive gathering took place in the museum's basement meeting room, offering an afternoon filled with games, dancing, and crafts. Families were invited to participate in various activities centered around the theme of love and friendship. The event is part of the museum's broader effort to cater more frequently to younger audiences, expanding beyond its traditional adult-focused programs.

In an effort to attract more young visitors, the Joliet Area Historical Museum has introduced a series of holiday-themed events for children. Kelly Klobucher, the organizer of these activities, emphasized the importance of creating engaging experiences for kids. “We realized that we needed to diversify our programming to include more child-friendly events,” she explained. The first event in this series was a New Year’s Eve celebration featuring a noon countdown and balloon drop. Following the success of this event, the museum organized the Valentine’s Day party, which included making valentines and foam decorations. A DJ provided music and led the children in popular party games such as "Simon Says" and musical chairs. The atmosphere was lively, with children participating enthusiastically in every activity.

The Valentine’s Day party also featured spontaneous moments of fun, such as an impromptu conga line started by some of the girls. Museum staff members like Emily Rose and Regina Zavala contributed to the festivities by assisting with crafts and organizing games. Regina shared her excitement about seeing the children enjoy themselves in an educational setting. “It’s wonderful to see how much fun they have while learning,” she remarked. Parents like Robert Sullivan and Krysten McGee appreciated the opportunity to bring their children to these events. Krysten, who attended with her son Tadhg, noted that she had fond memories of previous Halloween parties at the museum and was delighted to introduce her younger child to similar experiences.

The museum continues its commitment to family-friendly programming with plans for more holiday events throughout the year. An upcoming St. Patrick’s Day celebration is already in the works for March. Additionally, the museum will offer a free attendance day on Presidents Day, complete with trivia stations designed specifically for children. These initiatives reflect the museum's dedication to fostering both education and entertainment for all ages, ensuring that each visit is both enjoyable and enriching.