Chicago Children’s Museum and Target Announce "Target(r) Free First Mondays"; Free Admission for Kids the First Monday of Every Month

CHICAGO, June 27 -- Chicago Children’s Museum today announced that beginning Monday, July 4, 2005, Target will present Target Free First Mondays, when children ages 15 years and younger receive free museum admission the first Monday of every month. Target Free First Mondays will feature a variety of literacy-based, CCM-original activities designed to spark an early love of reading and reinforce interactive family-centered learning.

“CCM is proud that Target has recognized the significant impact CCM makes as the leading informal learning resource in Chicago,” offered Chicago Children’s Museum President and CEO Peter England. “Target Free First Mondays will enable us to highlight new and existing programs that support literacy education for children of all ages.”

“Target believes in making educational and arts programming available to as many audiences as possible,” said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. “Target Free First Mondays provides a wonderful opportunity for families to visit the Chicago Children’s Museum and experience the joy of learning together through CCM’s educational programs and resources.”

Target Free First Mondays will feature a wide array of continuously changing activities, such as Japanese bookmaking, guest storytellers and guessing game activities like Alphapalooza where CCM floor staff become a letter of the alphabet providing clues to their identities. Special guest authors and Target volunteers will be invited to read books in parent-targeted arenas, including CCM’s new exhibit Now You’re Talking! In July, the Chalkboard Symphony Band will showcase rock and roll renditions of favorite children’s books, and already scheduled for August is poetry writing with Joris Soeding in Poetry After Dark.

For additional information on programs and activities for Target Free First Mondays, visit http://www.ChiChildrensMuseum.org or call 312.527.1000.

About Target

Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,330 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today’s best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at Target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target (NYSE:TGT) gives back more than $2 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.

CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Chicago Children’s Museum (CCM) is a non-profit organization committed to creating a community where play and learning connect. With over fifteen interactive exhibits and new activities daily, every visit is unique for parents, caregivers, educators and children from toddlers-to-10 year olds. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Admission is $7 per person; $6 for seniors and free for museum members and children under 1 year old. On Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., admission is free during Kraft Free Family Night. CCM is located at Navy Pier, Chicago’s number one attraction at 700 East Grand Avenue.

Contact Information

Leah Weatherspoon

Media Contact

Chicago Children’s Museum

Contact via E-mail