Pre-admission tours

Pre-admission tours help prepare a child and his or her family prior to the procedure or surgery and is coordinated by the KohlÍs Child Life Program.

During the program, Child Life specialists use photos, discussion and medical equipment to demonstrate what children can expect to see, hear and feel when admitted to the hospital. Children and their parents are encouraged to ask questions and participate in a medical play session with real hospital equipment. In addition, each child receives a bag of supplies including an anesthesia mask, a surgical hat and surgical mask to provide him or her with tools to continue to play and rehearse at home. Research shows that children who are able to see and learn about what they will experience prior to their procedure demonstrate less anxiety during their hospital stays.

There are currently three different pre-admission programs for which families may register:

• Toddler tour: This program is available on alternating Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. It is designed for families with children under the age of 3 and provides information to adult caretakers about what to expect during a surgical stay.
• Pre-school/school-age tour: This interactive tour is held each Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. It is available for children ages 3 to 11 and their families. Brothers and sisters are encouraged to attend. Children view photos of different surgical areas within Children's Hospital, participate in a hands-on medical play session and take a walking tour through day surgery, the holding area and the surgery family waiting room.
• Adolescents: An individual tour can be arranged by request for patients 12 years old and older.

Families are encouraged to attend a tour the week prior to their child's surgery. For more information, including a specific schedule of tour dates, call the Kohl's Child Life Program at (414) 266-3495.

View our virtual pre-admission tour.

View our online virtual tours.

Kohl's Child Life Program
Preparing children for procedures
Relaxation during procedures
Therapeutic play
Support for the whole family
Internship opportunities