If you’re on the hunt for an experience that’s both unique and kid-approved, look no further than the Sloomoo Institute in Chicago.
Just a 90-minute drive from Milwaukee (traffic permitting), this slime-filled wonderland offers a tactile extravaganza unlike any other. Here’s the lowdown on our recent visit to ensure your trip is as smooth as, well, slime!
Planning Your Visit
Tickets: To guarantee your spot, snag your tickets online in advance, as entries are timed. If someone in your party can’t make it (this happened to us), the museum is accommodating, offering to reschedule or, as in our case, letting you craft an extra batch of custom slime.
Parking: The museum suggests using SpotHero to find nearby parking, and we found this tip spot-on. It saved us the hassle of searching for a spot in busy Chicago.
Arrival: At check-in, you’re given an IKEA-style bag for your coats and belongings. It’s a thoughtful touch that frees you up to fully engage with the exhibits—no hands necessary!
The Slime Experience
The adventure begins with a brief video on the Sloomoo Institute’s origins and ground rules. Then, it’s slime time!
Explore and Play: Step into a world where huge vats of slime await, each with its own unique texture, color, and smell. It’s an all-ages, hands-on experience that delights the senses.
Each vat offers a different experience—some slimes are thick and buttery, perfect for stretching and sculpting, while others are fluffy and light, creating a cloud-like sensation in your hands.
The colors are a feast for the eyes, ranging from neon brights to shimmering pastels. And the smells? They transform the experience into a multi-sensory journey, with fragrances that might remind you of a lemon grove, a fresh ocean breeze, or even your favorite dessert.
This hands-on exhibit is designed for all ages, ensuring that everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, finds joy and amazement in the simple act of playing with slime.
Interactive Fun: From crafting a slime sidekick to becoming a slime avatar on an interactive screen, the activities are as creative as they are engaging. Don’t miss the slime slingshot and the hilariously fun slime obstacle course.
Start by crafting your very own slime sidekick by completing an interactive quiz. (We got the “Poop” sidekick – twice!)
Don’t miss the interactive screen that into a living, moving slime avatar. Dance, wave, and laugh as your digital slime-self mimics your every move, creating a hilarious and memorable moment.
The slime slingshot pits are an absolute must. One of you stands behind the safety of plexiglas while the other launches a blob of slime as hard as they can at your face!
Finally, the slime obstacle course invites kids to kick off their shoes and walk through slime. Plus, there are some agility obstacles for kids to get their energy out.
Get Slimed: For those with premium tickets, the Sloomoo Institute offers the iconic sliming experience. It’s probably your one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be drenched in slime (with protective gear, of course).
Donning protective gear, you’ll step into the sliming zone, in front of any spectators who want to watch. You’ll first be sprayed with slime to get you used to the feeling, and then a cascade of gooey slime awaits to envelop you from head to toe.
This moment, often seen on TV and dreamed about by kids (and let’s be honest, adults too), becomes a reality, creating a story that will be told and retold for years to come.
Create Your Masterpiece: The grand finale of the visit is making your own custom slime at the slime lab. Choose your texture, scent, color, and charms to create a personalized slime souvenir.
Here, you’re the alchemist, choosing from an extensive array of textures, scents, colors, and charms to concoct your very own slime masterpiece.
Whether you prefer the satisfying stretch of butter slime, the soft fluffiness of cloud slime, or something entirely different, the choice is yours.
Select a scent that speaks to you, a color that captures your mood, and charms that add that personal touch. As you mix these elements together, you’re not just creating a slime; you’re creating a tangible memento from your Sloomoo Institute adventure.
Pro Tips for a Seamless Visit
- Allot Enough Time: Though the suggested visit time is around 90 minutes, we found ourselves fully immersed for about two hours. Plan accordingly!
- Dress Appropriately: If you’re opting for the sliming experience, wear clothes that can handle a little mess (just in case). The museum says you can get any slime out with vinegar and water, but we also found that Dawn dish soap and a horse hair brush does the trick.
Final Thoughts
The Sloomoo Institute is a celebration of creativity, sensory play, and family fun.
Whether you’re visiting Chicago just for the Slime Museum, or it’s just one stop on you itinerary, it’s sure to be a memorable adventure that will leave you and your little ones smiling (and maybe a bit slimy).
FAQ Section
What is the Sloomoo Institute?
It’s an interactive museum dedicated to all things slime, offering hands-on activities, educational exhibits, and a chance to create your own slime masterpiece.
How long is the visit?
Plan for about a 2-hour visit to fully enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
Are tickets refundable?
Tickets are non-refundable, but the museum offers flexibility in case of unexpected changes, such as rescheduling or opting for extra museum perks.
What should we bring?
Come as you are! Storage bags are provided for personal items, and premium experiences include protective gear for slime activities.
Is it suitable for all ages?
Absolutely! The Sloomoo Institute caters to slime enthusiasts of all ages, with interactive and creative activities that delight both young and old.
Any pro tips?
- Pre-buy tickets to secure your preferred time slot.
- Consider premium tickets for the full slimy experience.
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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.
