Garoon Gateway to Science

An Innovative Approach to Hands-on Learning

As a provider of children’s education and services, JCC Chicago continues to excel in contemporary education by bringing the Garoon Gateway to Science to Lake County. This state-of-the-art outdoor science park in allows JCC Chicago to utilize their expertise in informal education and extend the a unique experiential learning approach to all Gateway visitors.

This unique park encourages children to investigate eight basic science principles: force, energy, sound, motion, waves, vision, biology and water. With 52 fun hands-on exhibits, Garoon is designed for children and adults to explore science with curiosity, creativity and, most of all, fun!

Garoon Gateway to Science is a private park. We are open to the public only during special events. On-site Early Childhood and Apachi Day Camp will have access as part of their program day as seasonally appropriate.

23280 North Old McHenry Rd.

Lake Zurich, IL 60047

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Explore the Gateway

The facility is comprised of outdoor exhibits in a park setting of eight “Courts.” They are organized into the subjects of Water, Energy, Waves, Forces, Vision, Sound, Motion, and Biology.

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Rentals

Garoon Gateway to Science and the surrounding facilities at Elaine Frank Apachi J Camp are available for private or corporate events.

For more information on booking event, please contact 847.726.0800.

Field Trips

Self-Guided Science

These exhibits encourage children to explore things at their own pace. All field trips include elements appropriate for the educational needs of everyone from 3 year-old to adult.

Self—Guided field trips Include

1½ hours to explore the interactive, hands–on exhibits
Option to use lunch room for ½ hour (must be reserved in advance) $50 additional charge

Fee

$10 per child Minimum of $100

Field Trip Guidelines

Registration — Advanced registration is required for all groups.
By Mail — Send the registration form with a check. Or call the office to register at 847.726.0800 and speak with a representative to assist you.
Chaperones — A minimum of 1 chaperone (age 18 & up) for every 10 children is required. Chaperones are free.
Special Needs — Please let us know at the time of booking if your group has any children with special needs, so we may accommodate you.
Lunch Facilities — Facilities for groups may be rented for $50 per classroom.

Philip Garoon

About Philip Garoon

Inspired by the Clore Garden of Science at the Weizmann Institute of science in Israel, Philip Garoon was motivated to build the Gateway in an effort to instill a love of science in all children. The JCC Garoon Gateway to Science was designed with the guidance of two of the world’s leading experts in the field of experimental science education, Dr. Moshe Rishpon, director of Israel’s Clore Garden, the world’s first outdoor science museum, and Dr. Alan Friedman, founding director of the New York Hall of Science, New York City’s largest hands-on science and technology center.

“We believe the world we live in today is a rapidly changing one, and our country can only remain great if it fosters in future generations an interest and curiosity in science and technology.” – Philip Garoon

Chicago native, Philip Garoon, is a prolific philanthropist for education – his philanthropic portfolio includes Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation, Spertus College, JCC Chicago, Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel), the CJE SeniorLife, and other cultural, educational, medical and research organizations. He is the founder and Chairman of Basic Wire & Cable Co.

Contact us about events, field trips and rentals.

Please call 847.726.0800 or email jsmith@jccchicago.org.