Child Life Zone

photo-medcntrchildlifezone

Yay for a place inside Cook Children's where little kids, big kids and teens can go to just be kids. The Child Life Zone (CLZ) is a state-of-the-art environment that offers a different kind of "medicine." At the CLZ, we think games, art, music, creativity and imagination are great therapy and deliver a big dose of fun to help kids feel better.

Why the CLZ?

Sometimes laughter is the best medicine. So is hanging out with your peers, expressing yourself creatively through art, music and writing, and there’s a lot to be said for recreation therapy. The CLZ makes all of this possible and more—all in a treatment-free zone for Cook Children's patients. The only thing that happens here is fun, expression, creativity and belonging. It’s a place where a little bit of normalcy takes hold, and hopes and dreams unfold.

Funded by the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation and the Troy Aikman Foundation, along with gifts from our very generous donors, the CLZ is a state-of-the-art space designed to meet the special needs of the kids here at Cook Children's who are dealing with serious, and often long-term, illnesses. The CLZ is open daily and special activities, programs, performances and guest appearances are always happening here.

A treatment-free zone

Welcome to the Child Life Zone, the one place at Cook Children's where patients can go to just be kids, even if only for a little while. The CLZ is a safe area within the medical center where children are free from the anxiety of needles and procedures as neither of these things are allowed within its walls. As part of Child Life services, all the staff here are part of the Cook Children's care team. And, because the CLZ is in the medical center, the medical team is always nearby.

Who gets to visit the CLZ?

The CLZ was created specifically for patients at Cook Children's by patients at Cook Children's. The center is open to patients who are medically cleared by their doctor to participate in CLZ activities and outpatients who are on-campus to see specialists and may be between tests or waiting on results. Moms, dads, brothers and sisters of patients are also welcome and there are many activities that families can enjoy together.

What if a patient isn't able to visit the CLZ?

Tune in daily to CLZ-TV programming. Even when patients are confined to their room for some reason, they still have opportunities to interact, play games, make art and even win prizes via CLZ-TV. CLZ-TV delivers game shows, quizzes, creative arts and crafts, yoga and more, right to the room. There are even some interactive shows where patients can call in from their room phone. And, iPads^® make it possible for patients to be show participants without ever leaving their hospital bed.

The recording studio

Try out the drums, guitar, piano and singing. Work with studio staff on recording and songwriting.

The broadcast studio

At CLZ-TV, imagination takes the spotlight. In the studio, you can play live game shows, create crafts during activity time, star in your own show and more! Tune in
24/7 on channel 2.

Zone Central

Visit Zone Central where you can do arts and crafts, play board games and observe the live studio broadcasts.

Sensory nook

A place designated for children who may need a soothing, calming environment.

Flip Side

Check out our game room that includes a pool table, air hockey, video games and more.

Bomar Library

Browse our collection of books for all ages. Patients may check out books to bring to their room during their stay.

Matustik Family Health Library

Here to help families navigate their child’s health care journey, our library is led by a full-time librarian, offers essential resources including computer access, printing, book borrowing, and a serene space for reading and relaxation.

Family Business Center

Located just inside the CLZ, this small center has a computer and access to printing, copying, faxing and shredding for patient families.

For families needing to mail letters, stamps are available for purchase in the Enchanted Castle Gift Shop located near the main entrance across from the visitors welcome desk.

Activities and events

There's always something happening in the CLZ. Schedules are printed weekly and announcements are made over the PA system. Of course, you can always stop by the CLZ and check to see what's happening or ask about specific activities and events, and pick up a current schedule.

Bingo – Join in the fun. All ages can play BINGO in our Zone Central and win prizes! Check with the CLZ for days and times.
Drumming circle – Join our music volunteer, Eddy, for percussion fun! Participants play a variety of instruments: drums, bells, tambourines, triangle and maracas. A great opportunity to make some noise and learn about rhythm. Check with the CLZ for days and times.
Recording studio exploration – Open every day 3-4:30 p.m. for music exploration on a wide variety of musical instruments, assisted by a staff member or musically inclined volunteer.Â We have a full electric/digital drum set, electric guitars, acoustic guitars, mandolin, cello, violins, harmonica, keyboard, fiddle, banjo, ukuleles, maracas, tongue drum, bongo drums and a sound booth for recording patients and their very own music.
R.E.A.D. Dogs – Therapy dogs visit the Child Life Zone and the Bomar Library for a fun reading experience. Schedules are available in the CLZ.
Medical art – Patients and families will enjoy creating amazing arts and crafts using medical supplies. Medical art schedules are available in the CLZ.
Group activities – A variety of arts and crafts projects. These activities are staffed by a member of our Child Life Department or a volunteer. They to patients and siblings of all ages. Group activities are held during the day, Monday-Friday and there are also evening and weekend group activities!
Cooking activities – Creativity is great therapy and what's more creative than the culinary arts? Here, kids get to learn how to whip up great food while developing confidence, both in the kitchen and in life. For an extra measure of fun, celebrity chefs often stop by to share their expertise. The CLZ kitchen is also home to our CLZ TV cooking shows, with a great menu of programs hosted by our kids and local chefs.
Monthly birthday parties – Every month we host a birthday party for all of our families at Cook Children's! There's cake, goodie bags, games, fun and a special prize for those patients or siblings who celebrate their birthday in the specific month!
CLZ/Light Court Concert Series – Local or upcoming music artists perform a variety of music genres for our families and staff in either the Child Life Zone or the Light Court (the lounge area located at the entry to the food court). These concerts give our patients and families a break and help to support our local musicians!
Art and music infused workshops – CARPE (Creative Artist in Residence Programme) hosts these workshops during which our patients and their families can decorate an instrument (Native-American flute, ukulele, harmonica, etc.) with beads, feathers, paint, glitter and other art supplies. At the end of the workshop, participants get to take their artful instruments with them.