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If you’re on the hunt for a unique, kid-approved indoor experience, the Sloomoo Institute slime museum in Chicago is a sensory wonderland unlike anything else. Just a 90-minute drive from Milwaukee (traffic permitting), this colorful, tactile space is filled with hands-on exhibits, creative slime labs, and unforgettable moments your kids will be talking about for days.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit — including ticket tips, must-try activities, the sliming experience, and our honest takeaways from exploring this wonderfully weird museum.
👉 Planning a bigger trip? Don’t miss our guide to the Best Things To Do in Chicago With Kids — it’s the most helpful starting point for families exploring the city.
Quick List: What To Expect at the Sloomoo Institute
- Huge vats of slime in different textures, colors, and scents
- Sensory stations designed for all ages
- Slime slingshot experience
- Slime obstacle course (yes — you walk through slime!)
- Interactive screens that turn you into a slime avatar
- Craft-your-own slime sidekick quiz
- Premium “Get Slimed” add-on
- A full slime lab where kids make their own custom slime
- Flexible ticketing if someone in your group can’t attend
Sloomoo Institute Tickets, Hours & Parking
Tickets
Buy timed-entry tickets online in advance to secure your preferred slot.
If someone in your party can’t make it (this happened to us!), the museum is very accommodating — they offered to reschedule or let us make an extra batch of custom slime.
Parking
The museum recommends SpotHero, and we found this tip extremely helpful. It saved us the stress of hunting for parking in busy Chicago. There’s even a parking lot right next door.
Arrival
At check-in, staff hand you an IKEA-style bag to carry coats and belongings.
It frees you up to play hands-on without juggling personal items — small detail, huge difference.
Inside the Sloomoo Experience
The visit begins with a short introductory video about the Sloomoo Institute’s origins and the rules of slime engagement. Then, it’s time to dive into the world of slime.
Explore & Play: Giant Slime Vats
This is where the sensory fun truly begins.
Each giant vat of slime offers its own personality:
- Thick and buttery
- Fluffy and cloud-like
- Smooth and stretchy
- Neon or pastel colored
- Citrus-scented, ocean-inspired, dessert-themed scents
Kids — and adults — can scoop, stretch, poke, twist, smell, and squish their way through each texture. It’s an all-ages, hands-on experience that taps into pure sensory joy.
Want more Chicago fun? See our complete Chicago family itinerary for more surprises.
More Interactive Fun
Craft a Slime Sidekick
Kids take a playful interactive quiz that assigns them a “slime sidekick.”
(Our kids got “Poop” — twice!)
Become a Slime Avatar
A massive interactive screen transforms your body into a living, dancing slime creature.
Wave, jump, wiggle — the slime version of you mirrors every move.
Slime Slingshot
One person stands behind plexiglass while another flings slime at their face.
It’s ridiculous and hilarious in the best possible way.
Slime Obstacle Course
Kids take off their shoes and walk through slime.
There are also agility obstacles perfect for burning off energy.
The Sliming Experience (Premium Tickets)
For those feeling brave, the sliming experience is unforgettable.
You’ll step into the sliming zone wearing protective gear while family and friends watch.
First, you’re sprayed lightly so you know what to expect…
…and then a cascade of goo pours over you from above.
It’s the classic TV moment kids dream about — and a surprisingly joyful memory for adults, too.
Create Your Own Slime at the Slime Lab
The finale of the visit is the slime lab, where kids make their own slime to take home.
Choose your:
- Texture
- Scent
- Color
- Charms
it’s a chance for kids to become little slime alchemists and leave with a customized creation that reflects their personality.
Pro Tips for a Seamless Visit
- Allow about two hours to explore at a comfortable pace
- Wear clothes that can handle a little mess (just in case)
- The museum says slime comes out with vinegar + water
- You also found that Dawn dish soap + a horsehair brush works well
- Buy tickets ahead so you get your preferred time slot
Final Thoughts
The Sloomoo Institute is a celebration of sensory play, creativity, and pure kid joy. Whether you’re visiting Chicago just for this slime museum or adding it to an existing itinerary, it’s a memorable experience for families.
Expect laughter, surprises, weirdness, and maybe a little slime in your hair — all part of the fun.
💡 Love offbeat attractions? Sloomoo is also featured in our roundup of Quirky Chicago Museums Your Kids Will Love.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Slime Museum in Chicago
An interactive museum dedicated to slime, offering hands-on exhibits, creative play spaces, and a slime lab where you make your own slime.
Plan for about two hours.
Tickets are non-refundable, but the museum offers flexibility if someone unexpectedly can’t attend.
Nothing special — storage bags are provided, and the premium sliming experience includes protective gear.
Yes! Slime lovers from toddlers to grandparents can enjoy the activities.
Buy tickets in advance, consider the premium sliming add-on, and dress for potential mess.
More Chicago Family Guides
- The Super-Easy Guide to Making Homemade Slime
- Exploring Legoland in Schaumburg: A Parent’s Guide
- 360 Chicago vs Skydeck: Which is better for kids?
- 35 Best Things to do With Kids in the Chicago Suburbs
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
