Weekly and biweekly programs

These inpatient programs are available on a weekly or biweekly basis at Children's Memorial Hospital. Please see schedules upon arrival at the hospital.

Animal Assisted Therapy

Animal Assisted Therapy benefits the overall physical and emotional well being of patients and families at Children's Memorial. Each week, specially trained dogs provide entertainment and comfort to children at their bedside as well as in the Brown Family Life Center . Children are able to feed, brush, pet and walk the dogs when they arrive with their owners and trained volunteers. All dogs go through rigorous training and come to the hospital through Rainbow Dogs, an Animal Assisted Therapy Program in Chicago.

If you and your dog are interested in Animal Assisted Therapy, please contact Rainbow Dogs directly at 773.283.1129.

Garden Play Program

By providing patients with the opportunity to nurture a plant or create a project with natural materials, garden play allows for the joy and relaxation that comes from gardening. The program is held twice a month on Fridays in the Brown Family Life Center. Call 773.880.4000, ext. 58951 for the schedule.

Project White Hat

For more than thirty years, Project White Hat has been a collaboration between the sailors at the Great Lakes Naval Station and the hospital. After a briefing by Child Life staff members, sailors visit and play with patients at the bedside and in the Brown Family Life Center.