Sibling Support (Sibling Clubhouse)

Little sister and big brother sitting on a couch

We know it's not just children with illnesses or injuries that need the special attention and expert care Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides.

That's why we started the Sibling Clubhouse: a special place for preschool and school-aged children to play and learn while their siblings are in the hospital. 

Over long hospital stays and numerous doctors' visits, the Clubhouse can help relieve your children’s stress and anxiety. Not to mention your own.

Our staff plans developmentally appropriate activities for children ages 3 and older. And kids can ask questions about their siblings' illnesses – and get answers they'll understand.

Hours of Operation:
Weekdays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.,
Hours exclude holidays.

Location:
The Clubhouse is located on the green path near the Magic Forest.

Specialized Care for Specialized Needs 

The siblings of sick and injured children may feel many different emotions. Feelings range from anxiety, guilt, anger, jealousy and embarrassment, to loneliness, worry, grief, sadness and resentment. Kids express these feelings in different ways.

The Clubhouse offers a safe and supportive environment for kids to make sense of their feelings. Our staff of Sibling Liaisons and highly trained volunteers will keep your children busy with fun activities that also help them cope with their emotions.

Over long hospital stays and numerous doctors' visits, the Clubhouse can help relieve your children’s stress and anxiety. Not to mention your own. 

  • The Clubhouse is a free service provided to our patients' families.
  • Siblings of children receiving inpatient or outpatient services at Children's central main campus are invited to visit the Clubhouse.
  • Children are welcome to stay up to an hour and half at a time.

The Clubhouse Rules

  • You must sign in your child at the Clubhouse upon arrival and complete a brief health checklist.
  • You must show a driver's license or government issued ID to check in and check out a sibling for each Clubhouse visit. Hospital badges with a picture are permitted as well.
  • You'll get a Clubhouse pager to communicate with our staff and to ensure that your child is safely reunited with you.
  • You must remain on Children's Hospital central main campus while your children are in the Clubhouse.
  • Siblings can stay in the Clubhouse up to 1.5 hours, and can visit twice per day, for a maximum of 3 hours each day. Siblings are required to take a 30 minute break after 1.5 hours.
  • You'll need to pick up your children for breaks and meals, and children may return to the Clubhouse after breaks.
  • No food or drink is available in the Clubhouse.
  • The Clubhouse can hold a maximum of 15 children at a time.
  • If the Clubhouse is full, families are encouraged to return with their children as space opens up throughout the day.

Sorry – reservations aren't accepted.

The Clubhouse places a priority on providing quality services for our patients' siblings because at Nationwide Children's, we believe care doesn't stop with the patient. It extends to the entire family.

To find out more about the Clubhouse or other family-centered programs, please call (614) 722-KIDS.

Volunteering at Nationwide Children's

If you would like information on how to become a volunteer for the Clubhouse, or any other part of the hospital, please visit our Volunteering page.