Children's Museums: A Hands on Learning Adventure
by Amanda Formaro
Once
you've plucked an apple from its tree, there's no putting it back on. Or
is there? Like hundreds of other youngsters that will pass through children's
museums daily, 2-year-old Dominic discovered that almost anything is possible.
From Velcro trees, to make shift recycling centers, complete with magnetic
cranes for separating aluminum from tin, there are learning opportunities
around every corner.
If you haven't visited a children's museum in the past, you may want to mark
it on your calendar as a "don't miss" event. Open year round in most cases,
these child friendly environments are entertaining as well as educational.
At the Betty Brinn Children's Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, children can
walk through the human digestive system, listen to the sounds of each process,
climb through the ventricles of the heart, and experience the vacuum effect
produced in the human lung. When finished there, children can call 911 and
act out emergencies by following the kid friendly guides posted near each
phone. Then climb aboard the ambulance, steer the wheel and flash the lights,
be sure to get your patient there in one piece!
Other exhibits include fun with learning, such as the arts and crafts area
where you can design your own puppet, or the fun house mirrors that stretch
your head and other body parts out of proportion. And who could resist playing
with brightly colored clear Legos on a lighted table? Discover giant bubble
makers, operate trains and blow the whistle, and drive the bus full of passengers
to their destination. Dress up as a nurse, a police officer, or perhaps even
a baker.
Learn your colors by matching the fruits and flowers to their color coordinated
bins. Discover the sounds that different instruments make by beating a drum
or ringing a bell. Hands on computers will also captivate children with topics
ranging from musical sounds from every instrument imaginable, to the Magic
School Bus adaptation of a volcanic eruption.
Children's museums are not geared only to the preschool and toddler set,
there is plenty for the elementary and middle school aged child as well.
Learn about velocity, friction, gravity, and sound decibels. Operate video
cameras, be the star of the show, or play with the different sound effects
heard in your favorite television programs. Other locations, such as the
Chicago Children's Museum in Chicago, Illinois, have an interactive waterway
where children can learn about currents and water travel. This exhibit comes
complete with raincoats!
Wherever you live, there is more than likely a children's museum within
reasonable traveling distance. If you are interested in finding a children's
museum near you, consult your local yellow pages or try one of the locations
listed below (U.S. and Canada).
2121 Children's Museum Drive
Denver, CO 80211
General Info: (303) 433-7444
Group Reservations: (303) 561-3370
Theme/Goal: Learn through play. Their museum highlight is the "playscape"
which encompasses physical activity and science exploration. Age appropriate
programs are offered in house as well as by field visits.
"The Children's Museum of Denver promotes the value of childhood by using
the arts and sciences to educate, support and nurture children. The Museum
focuses on children newborn through age eight and the adults who care for
them. As a leader in child development, the Museum uses interactive exhibits
and engaging programming to create hands-on learning opportunities."
929 E. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
General Info: 414-390-KIDS
Exhibits include; My Body Works - Explore the workings of the
human body. Crawl through a giant human heart. Weave a scab on the great
wall of skin. Hear how food is digested in the Digestion Tunnel. A Trading
Place - Role play jobs in the community and learn about economics and commerce.
Pick apples from our orchard. Serve dinner at the Cafe Eat. Count money in
the bank vault. WBB-TV - Ready, set, action! Get into the picture in the
chroma-key studio. Experiment with electronic pictures and sounds. Direct
camera switching. Sound All Around - Travel through the human ear, just like
a sound wave. Explore exotic musical instruments. Play a keyboard. Learn
how animals hear. Write a secret message using sign language. Play Port -
For toddlers only, ages three and under. Explore a large barge. Play with
sand and water. Watch all the live action outside on Lake Michigan. Toys
By Us - Every child is an artist. Use paper, yarn, buttons, cardboard, markers,
crayons and more to create something completely unique. Projects may vary,
but you'll always proudly claim, "I made it myself".
100 State Street
Madison, WI 53703
phone: (608) 256-6445
fax: (608) 256-3226
Very hands on. For example, the Construction Zone exhibit allows children
to control the cab, boom and bucket of a 500 lb. working crane, and they
can create their own buildings by experimenting with different construction
materials and technologies. Other exhibits include First Feats: Celebrating
The Early Years (open-ended activities and programs for ages birth to 5 years),
Time Warp: Wisconsin Forward and Back, Shadow Room (children can freeze their
shadow on a phosphorescent wall), Let's Grow! (children can plant and harvest
crops), Cows, Curds and Their Wheys ("Milk our cows or design your own barn
at a drafting table. The Toddler Barnyard provides a special play area for
children ages 3 and under.")
"Madison Children's Museum is a private, not for profit museum featuring
hands-on exhibits and programs for children birth through ten years old.
Take a trip to an 1898 schoolhouse in the Museum's time machine, capture
your shadow without the help of Peter Pan and plant vegetables in our garden.
In addition to our award-winning exhibits, special programs give you the
opportunity to test the laws of science, paint, sculpt and take part in
celebrations from around the globe."
300 Congress Street
Boston, MA 02210
General Info: (617) 426-8855
Very hands on! The museum offers an ever changing calendar of new exhibits
and events. They offer live animal shows during school vacations. They have
re-opened The Smith Family PlaySpace (designed to spark exploration and
creativity in children ages 0-3 years), and their most popular exhibit is
Arthur's World where children can see what they would look like on TV with
Arthur and his friends, explore Mr. Ratburn's classroom, the Elmwood library,
the Read Family kitchen, and even sleepover tents in Arthur's backyard. Other
exhibits include; Giant's Desktop, Halls of Toys, Pueblos, Supermercado,
Weaving, Boats Afloat, Grandparent's House, Japanese House, KidStage, Science
Playground, Under the Dock and We're Still Here.
"The Children's Museum pioneered the concept of interactive exhibitions used
widely in museums today. Designed and built in-house, exhibits from The
Children's Museum of Boston have been replicated at prestigious institutions
throughout the world. Exhibits focus on early childhood development and have
four themes: arts, culture, science and technology. Four to six new exhibits
are installed annually."
106 11th Ave SW
Olympia, WA 98507
General Info: (360) 956-0818
Hands on. Current exhibits include; Body Basics where children can join Ms.
Frizzle and The Magic Schoolbus Kids to explore the human body, and Backyard
Wilderness where children can learn how to create a home for wildlife int
heir own backyards. There is even a special place for toddlers to explore.
440 West Short Street
Lexington, Kentucky 40507
General Info: (859) 258-3256
Very hands on! There are over 90 hands-on exhibits, the newest being
"Brainzilla", a giant interactive brain. They also offer toddler and preschool
workshops.
212 West 83rd Street
Manhattan, NY
General Info: (212) 721-1234
Five floors of exhibits that use science, nature and art "to teach children
about the creative process." Many of hands on activities.
For children aged 2-10 years.
Children can produce their own television shows for CMOM-TV in the Time Warner
Media Center. Other exhibits include; Body Odyssey which contains rooms
representing different parts of the body (child walk through), and Seuss!
based on the Dr. Seuss children's books. The Children's
Museum
305 Harrison Street
Seattle WA 98109
General Info: (206) 441-1768
Hands on for any age. Exhibits to be found in The Kenneth and Marleen Alhadeff
Exhibit Center include; Mountain Forest (climb a mountain and learn about
Washington's forests, even see a waterfall and hike through a cave), Discovery
Bay (a trip undersea for children under 2 ½ years), Cog City (cause
and effect exhibit), Global Village (around the world adventure), Keys To
Your Health, Time Trek, and Neighborhood (all about transportation and
careers).
Indian Springs Marketplace
4601 State Avenue
Kansas City, KC 66102
General Info: (913) 287 - 8888
"A Magical Learning Journey Where The Children Are The Stars"
"Hands-on
activities offer fun learning experiences--please touch! Jumpstart a child's
love for learning. Come explore a museum that invites them to "Touch everything!"
Exhibits are designed to stimulate the imagination and creativity of children
ages two through eight and encourage all-age family interaction." New exhibit
coming in May 2001: Bridges. Other exhibits include an Egyptian Tomb, 3-D
Sculpture and Recycled Materials Center. They offer many discovery programs.
Note: "Special exploration programs are offered daily at 10:30 a.m. during
Spring Break. Each program is approximately 1/2 hour long, and is designed
for all ages. These programs are FREE with the price of admission. Reservations
are requested by the previous day."
Union Station
1400 W, Markhan #200
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
General Info: (501) 374-6655
Hands on exhibits for ages birth through teens. Exhibits include; Brik Building,
H2O Know (bubbles, bubbles, bubbles), Face Value (face painting), Farmer's
Market (learn how to trade and barter), Tree House (crawl, climb, slide and
play for children 4 years and under). They also offer a series of challenging
cultural exhibits.
599 Industrial Avenue
Paramus, New Jersey
General Info: (201) 262-5151
Very hands on, appears to be mostly for ages 2 through 10 years. "...over thirty
different exhibits, in 15,000 square feet, each designed for specific groups,
from the special Baby Nook and Housekeeping for two's and toddlers, to the
challenging Science and Technology for first graders." Other exhibits include;
Explore The World of Animal Senses , Ahrens Fox Fire Truck (children sit
in, "ride" a fire truck as well as dress up like firemen), Kid Sized Grocery,
and The Medieval Castle.
2525 Central Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
General Info: (901) 458-2678
Or (901) 320-3170
"...encourages the curiosity and imagination of children and their families
through interactive exhibitions, programs and resources that help demystify
the arts, sciences, humanities and technology."
Many interactive exhibits! These include; Kid's Market (children shop for
their own groceries in this detailed supermarket complete with scanners that
really work!), Bank (children cash a check to get play money, then try to
crack open two safes), CityFriends, Garage, Playscape, Skyscraper ("This
towering eight-story vertical maze challenges children while keeping them
safe in their exploration.), Your House/My House, and Recycle Factory.
800 3rd St. NE
Washington, DC 20002
General Info: (202) 675-4120
Hands on. "Children are encouraged to explore by touching, climbing, tasting
and using their imagination to learn about the world around them. Children
visiting CCM can explore a prehistoric cave, make hot cocoa and learn the
culture of our closest neighbors in Mexico, learn why gas is heavier than
liquid in the CMA Chemical Science Center, star in a cartoon in the Chuck
Jones Animation Studio, and drive a Metro bus in Cityscapes. CCM also offers
special programs and activities all year long."
700 East Grand Avenue at Navy Pier
Chicago, IL 60611
General Info: (312) 527-1000
Hands on! Even the web site is fun! Exhibits include; Inventing Lab, WaterWays,
Playmaze (kidsize city), Safe and Sound (look at x-rays, sit in an ambulance,
learn how to play it safe) , Dinosaur Expedition, Face to Face (Dealing with
Prejudice and Discrimination), Kovler Family Climbing Schooner (board the
schooner and up the riggings, up 3 stories!) , Kids on the Fly (an exhibit
at O'Hare Airport).
1500 Binz
Houston, Texas 77004
General Info: (713) 522-1138
Hands on! One of the most visited children's museums for it size in the country.
Exhibits include; The PG&E Corporation EcoStation (insect collecting,
tree rubbings, water quality testing, decomposition observation, soil type
exploration, and make-and-take activities), Think Tank, ("With a little help
from Felicia Fact Finder, Carlos the Curios, Isaac I've Got It! and Rosie
Risk It, you will be solving riddles, crazy brain games, mind teasers and
more..."), How Does It Work, Yalalag: A mountain village in Mexico, Bubble
Lab, Tot*Spot, Kid TV, Farm To Market, Cyber Clubhouse, Expressions (open-air
art studio allows kids to be creative without the worry of being too messy),
Kid's Hall (traveling art exhibits), Allen Family Courtyard, Red Caboose,
Babbling Bayou (encourages children to explore waterplay by launching boats,
ducks and more along a twisting bayou textured by a fountain and zany water
spouts) and Victorian Playhouse.
22 Sheldon Avenue, NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
General Info: (616) 235-4726
Hands on. Home to Penrod's New Home, a story about a resident pigeon and
the founding of the GRCM. Written by three GRCM founders, Carla Morris, Georgia
Gietzen and Aleicia Woodrick and illustrated by Holland artist Joel Tanis.
3000 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208
General Info: (317) 334-3322
Hands on! Exhibits include the Carousel, Wishes and Dreams: "The young and
not-so-young will delight in the carousel and its new starry surroundings.
Originally installed in a local amusement park in 1917, the carousel is history
you can ride and is now wheelchair-accessible.", the CineDome Theater: "a
76-foot domed, large-format theater, is an innovative and exciting medium
to present entertaining and educational films. The CineDome offers viewers
of all ages a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to peer into the mouth of volcanos,
travel to distant points around the globe and soar on the wings of
eagles...".
500 South 20th Street
Omaha, NE 68102
General Info: (402) 342-6164
Hands on! Exhibits include: Main Street (A microcosm of life in an Omaha
neighborhood, including post office and supermarket.), Creativity Center
("Using an array of recycled materials and endless pots of paint and glue,
visitors are free to jump in, get messy, and express their creativity!"),
Rainbow Farm for children 4 years and younger ("Experience life on the farm
and enjoy developmental activities in this area designed especially for
toddler-age children."), Charlie Campbell Science and Technology Center
(hands-on, interactive science activities for children of all ages), Baker's
Supermarket Exhibit ("Scale model of an actual Baker's Supermarket complete
with miniature working checkstands, shelving, products and service center.")
and Cox TV Station.
201 Colorado Street
Austin, TX 78701
General Info: (512) 472-2499
Hands on! Exhibits include: Global City Works ("exhibit includes eight role-play
environments in which children can explore how people work, live, and play
together in a diverse, global city"), Infant and Toddler Playscape, Time
Tower ("A climbing playscape where children can discover Austin history from
mastodons to microchips."), Weather Corner, and K*ACM, Austin's newest radio
station for children.
116 Green Street
Fayetteville, NC 28301
General Info: (910) 433-1573
Hands on! "...a place where children can explore their world the way they learn
best-- through creative role-playing, manipulation and interaction with each
other and objects around them." Exhibits include: Dental Office, Broadcast
News, City Bank, Doctor's Office, Under Construction, Utility Works, Fayetteville
News, City Works, Judge's Podium, Gro-Right Grocery and Deli, Theater, Post
Office, Fire Station and City Hall.
2065 Kittredge Street
Berkeley, CA 94707
General Info: (510) 647-1111
Ages infancy through preschool. Hands on!! Exhibits include: Performance
Stage and Costume Closet, Small-Scale Town, Infant and Toddler Garden, Wind
Tunnel Science Lab, WaterWorks water play and learning gallery, and Back
To The Farm.
180 Woz Way
San Jose, CA 95110
General Info: (408) 298-5437
Hands
on! Exhibits include: Streets ("Take an excursion down the Museum's streets
to investigate the sights, sounds and textures of city life."), Current
Connections ("Gain an understanding of how electricity is generated, using
people-powered generators, how it is distributed, and how ultimately how
it is converted to other forms of energy."), West Wing, Jesse's Clubhouse
("Crawl and clamber through a multilevel tower."), Step Into The Past, Kids'
Bank ("Learn about the ebb and flow of a currency system from deposits to
withdrawals using a variety of cranks, pedals and levers."), Bubbalogna ("explore
the principles and properties of the fascinating, yet unpredictable world
of bubbles"), Post Office, Magic Beans Creative People, Take Another Look
("Look. Look again, differently. In this vast and incredible world, there
is always something new to see."), Rhythm, Garden, Alice ("Shrink and grow,
visit a tea party, and encounter different animals as you enter Alice's unique
and curious world.") and ZoomZone ("Adopt the exploratory "ZOOM spirit" to
tryout and create activities. The ZOOMzone features brainteasers and math
puzzles, word games and a place to write poems, short stories and a science
activity station.").
One Montshire Road
Norwich, VT
General Info: (802) 649-2200
A hands-on museum with dozens of exciting exhibits, relating to the natural
and physical sciences, ecology, and technology. There are also several outside
walking trails. Exhibits include; Andy's Place, Anti-Gravity Mirror, Bikevator,
Bring Your Own Bug, Bubbles, Duck-in Kaleidescope, Leafcutter Ants, Light,
Vision and Mirrors, The Lighthouse Little Cat's Feet, Monarch, North Woods,
Polygon Mirrors, Reptiles, Science Park, Soda Fountain, Tower Clock, Weather,
Fluorescence and Looking Inside. Wyoming Dinosaur Center
110 Carter Ranch Road
Thermopolis, Wyoming 82443
General Info: (307) 864-2259
For ages 8 and older. This museum is known for some of the largest dinosaur
fossil quarries in the world. Children can go on their own digs! Children's Museum of
Richmond
2626 West Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23220
General Info: (877) 295-2667
Hands on! Exhibits/programs include; The Robbins Commons, The Art Studio
(individual and collaborative experiences utilizing a wide variety of recycled
materials, child-sized tools, and innovative art techniques), How It Works
(creative problem solving, children form conclusions about their physical
world), Feeling Good Neighborhood (visit an orchard, market and home kitchen
while learning where food comes from and make healthy consumer choices),
Our Great Outdoors (try on an eagles wings, climb up through a canopy of
trees, explore a cave, build a dam, and view a turtle tank from below), and
Little CMOR (for ages 6m to 4yrs, area for creeping, crawling, tumbling and
climbing, all with sensory discovery).
840 North 300 West
Salt Lake City, Utah
General Info: (801) 328-3383
A hands-on discovery museum for kids of all ages. Visitors will find an
interactive playground where a new learning experience awaits them around
every corner. Children and adults are free to explore, imagine, create and
discover together. Over 300 permanent exhibits; soar in a 727 cockpit, work
in the Science Discovery Lab, shop in Kids' Town, or test physical fitness
in the Fit Kids exhibit.
833 Las Vegas Boulevard
N. Las Vegas NV
General Info: (702) 382-3445
Hands on! Exhibits include; Musical Pathway, Discovery Store, Cultural Gallery,
Desert Discovery, Puppet Shows, Weather Station, Pilot The Space Shuttle,
and learning about Pool and Sun Safety.
315 East Main Street
Johnson City, TN 37601
General Info: (423) 434-4263
"Children can explore and discover in our over 27 permanent exhibits, like
the Coal Mine, Airplane, KinderMart, or the Ark full of animals, then they
can make a craft in the Discovery Room." Children can freeze their shadow,
fly a plane, learn about their body, drive a tractor, and explore a coal
mine.
2501 North Kings Highway
Myrtle Beach, SC 29578
General Info: (843) 946-9469
Hands on! Exhibits include; Bubblemania, South Carolina Fossil Hunt, It's
Electric, The Magic School Bus Tour, Children's ER, USS Kids-A-Float, Dr.
Molar's Dental Office, Explore Yourself Art Center, How Does An ATM Work?,
Discovery Lab, and the Forestry Exhibit.
100 South Street
Providence, RI 02903
General Info: (401) 273-5437
Hands on! Exhibits include; Children's Garden, TEETH!, Hey Look (mirrors,
magnifying glasses and a walk-in kaleidoscope), Water Ways, Pets and People,
Littlewoods (for the younger set), Shape Space, City Streets (climb down
a manhole and discover the secret world beneath the street).
721 Landis Valley Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
General Info: (717) 569-5437
Hands on! "All of the exhibits at Hands-on House are custom-designed and
unique to us. Our exhibits include a variety of activities appropriate for
children ages 2-10 years. Each exhibit has a theme with a variety of activities
to do that relate to the theme." "Discover how Lancaster County's farmers
grow food on today's farm in the E-I-E-I KNOW exhibit. Stop in for some art
smart fun at RAINBOW'S END. Experiment with color and design and let your
creativity take hold. Try out some 2D and 3D art fun. Enter MARTY'S MACHINE
SHOP and the world of how things work. Choose a job as you work at learning
about gears, wheels, and pulleys. 'Keep It Rolling' on the changeable ball
maze that you control. Enter the SPACE VOYAGE CHECKPOINT space station where
earthlings stop in for a health check-up to prepare for their journey into
space."
3037 SW 2nd
Portland, Oregon 97201
General Info: (503) 823-2227
Hands on! "The Museum's three floors of exhibits provide a safe and stimulating
environment that's both educational and fun. Exhibits are designed to appeal
to the different learning styles of youngster--whether it's pounding nails
in 'Under Construction,' going shopping in the Kid City Market, or listening
to your heartbeat in Medical Center!" Other exhibits include Balls and Pipes
(Find out new ways to bounce, roll, shoot, drop, slide, and guide balls
throughout the space.) and PlayShop.
116 Marion Street NE
Salem, Oregon 97301
General Info: (503) 371-3631
"The centerpiece of A.C.'s Backyard pays a fitting tribute to Salem's native
son, A.C. Gilbert. Inventor and manufacturer of the Erector Set?."
Other Exhibits: Wooly Mammoth Dig, Stern Wheeler, American Flyer Train,
Amphitheatre, Gilbert House, Wilson-Durbin House, Little Gem, Parrish House
and the Rockenfield-Bean House.
PO Box 1828
Seminole, Oklahoma 74868
General Info: (405) 382-0950
"In an imaginary town, 3 to 12 year-olds begin to better understand the world
and form ambitions as they role-play in dozens of occupations. Exciting hands-on
activities encourage youngsters to explore and seek new ideas for their
futures."
1301 Western Ave
Cincinatti, Ohio 45203
General Info: (800) 733-2077 or (513) 287-7000
Community Helpers, Let's All Celebrate, Float a Boat, Curious Cavers Guide,
Weighing and Measuring, Water Forces, Welcome to My Home, Habitat Hunt, Big,
Bad, Simple Machines, What's the Weather, Bridging the Gap, Animal Navigation
10730 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
General Info: (216) 791-KIDS
The Children's Museum of Cleveland is the only cultural and educational institution that specifically focuses on early childhood development - socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. You and your family are invited to discover the world and learn through play! Permanent exhibits include Splish! Splash! exploring the world of water and weather; Bridges to Our Community, a miniature Cleveland connected by bridges for interactive, imaginary role-play; and Big Red Barn designed specifically for infants and toddlers age 4 and under. The Children's Museum also offers a variety of seasonal exhibits, programs and activities year-round for children, infants to age 7.
1201 28th Ave N.
Fargo, ND 58102
General Info: (701) 232-6102
"The Children's Museum at Yunker Farm shows youngsters the wonders and fun
of nature and the agricultural world around them. But it's more than a museum.
The displays are built to involve children in demonstrations, hands-on
experiments and one fascinating learning project after another. For example,
children can watch a display of live bees, then crawl into and explore a
section of honeycomb. Popular features of the museum include the bubble area
and an exhibit of animal skins and bones."
201 East Hargett St.
Raleigh, NC 27601
General Info: (919) 834-4040
"The World's First Global Experience Center"
"Through interactive, hands-on exhibits; thought-provoking, engaging programs
for young people, families, teachers, and visitors of all ages; and the Web,
we're wondering, discovering, learning, connecting, getting involved - and
having fun! We're exploring our exciting and fascinating world from many
perspectives; making connections in many places; and getting into the act
in many ways."
Exhibits include; Exploris Journey, Many Voices, Living In Balance, One Voice,
Tradeworks, and People and Places.
220 North Church Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
General Info: (336) 574-2898
Hand on! Exhibits include; Music Room, Our Town Bank, MegaFood Mart, Big
Bubble Springs, Our World Exhibit, Transportation Area, Sand Play Area, Water
Play Area, and The Architect's Office where you can design your own building!
"Coming to your neighborhood June 1 - September 31 ; MISTER ROGERS'
NEIGHBORHOOD--A HANDS-ON EXHIBIT Step through the front door and onto the
set of this classic TV show! Fred's closet is full of sweaters and sneakers
you can wear as you run a trolley to the Land of Make-Believe, put on a show
at King Friday's castle or X the Owl's tree, and build a fountain in the
kitchen."
1895 South Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
General Info: (845) 297-5938
Hands on! Exhibits include; Virtual Reality, Ears Are For Listening, Ratification
Of The U.S. Constitution, Magic School Bus Tour, IBM's Da Vinci Inventions,
Dinosaurs and More, Space Shuttle, Morse Telegraph, Garret Morgan's Traffic
Signal, The Great Bubble Machine, Optical Odyssey, Health Center, Geography
(Giant wall mural of the world, rug map of the U.S., globes, puzzles and
electronic games provide children with a tangible sense of the world around
them.), Imagine-Nation and Tiny Town, WKID Studios, Multi-Media Computer
Center , Little Sprouts Farm, Starlab Planetarium, Texico's Science On Wheels,
and Gravity Roll. Santa Fe Children's
Museum
1050 Old Pecos Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87501
General Info: (505) 989-8359
Hands on! Exhibits include; Climbing Wall, Dr. Drew's Blocks, Looms (discover
weaving), Rolling Balls, Bubbles, Maxi-Rollway (Create a pathway to experiment
with motion, color, sound, speed, and gravity.), Pin Screen (Make sculptural
impressions of your body in this wonderful sensory exhibit.), Animals, Make
& Take (recycle), Sunroom (Observe and study reptiles, rodents, and other
critters.), Toddler Area, Magnets, Face Painting, Lego Table, Gardens,
Xylophones, Sound Disks (Whisper to a friend at the opposite dish. The sound
will echo back.), Pond and Fountain, Obstacle Course, and Greenhouse.
16 N. Springdale Road
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
General Info: (856) 424-1233
"A hands-on museum for infants to 10 year olds, the Discovery Museum offers
fifteen larger-than-life, kid powered, interactive exhibit areas. Every exhibit
is an invitation to touch, explore, and create. Visitors can get inside of
a gigantic bubble, scale a rock climbing wall, hop aboard a ship, bandage
a wounded teddy-bear, "shop" at the farm stand then whip up a pretend exotic
meal at the Discovery Diner, dabble in art, create some music, put on a show
and build a two-story house."
Children's Museum of Montana
Green Falls, Montana
Quote from Great Falls, Montana's Tourism page: "And don't forget the Children's
Museum of Montana. Full of innovative, hands-on activities and interactive
exhibits, it offers the most fun per square foot for the young and the young
at heart. So go on, perform in a puppet show, generate your own electricity,
or build a model city in the Construction Zone, it's guaranteed family
fun!"
516 S. Kirkwood Road
St. Louis, MO 63122
General Info: (314) 822-8900
Hands on! Exhibits include; Fitness Safari (children ages 7 to 14 -- Swing
on a vine like Tarzan. Leap from log to log across a river of balls. Cross
a bridge made of rope. And maneuver through a dark diamond mine.) , First
Impressions, Electric Company, Find The Power!, For Babies Only, and KIDS-TV
Station.
246 Dolan Avenue
Gulfport, MS 39507
General Info: (228) 897-6039
Hands on! The Super Colossal Climbing Structure, Health Wanted, History Attic,
To Market - To Market, Calling All "Stars" (radio station), The Port (water),
A Matter Of Science, Art Knows - Anything Goes, Bear Camp Bayou (a magical
mural transports toddlers to a whimsical setting where they join the Teddy
Bears to picnic at the bayou "camp."), Our Own Backyard, and Tree House
Village.
10 West Seventh Street
St. Paul, MN 55102
General Info: (651) 225-6001
Hands on! Exhibits include; Habitot, Earth World Gallery, World Works Gallery
and One World Gallery. Current traveling exhibits include; Flight, Snow Ball
and Global Shoes.
35 Market Place
Baltimore, MD 21202
General Info: (410) 727-8120
Exhibits include; Meet and Greet Street, Kidworks, MPT Studio Works (tv station),
Kids' Voices, R & D Dreamlab ("If you want to make a dream real, sometimes
you've just got to mess around in the ol' workshop. Well, you can come tinker
here, in our R & D DreamLab, with real tools to build real stuff!"),
Sensation Station (exploring the senses), Miss Perception's Mystery House
("Help the ace detective solve a mystery using baffling clues and bits of
evidence in every room! Piece together whatever you can find in these nooks
and crannies - and be sure to bring your problem-solving hat."), and The
Robot Zoo.
142 Free Street
Portland, ME
General Info: (207) 828-1234
Exhibits include; Our Town, Farm, Hank's Market, Dr. I Dexx Animal Hospital,
Toddler Park, Fire Truck, The Tree, Climbing Wall, Stream Table, and Underwater
World.
2900 Learning Campus Drive at 18th Street
Bettendorf, Iowa
General Info: (319) 344-4106
Exhibits include; The Homestead (touch a tornado, compare the life of early
farmers to present day farmers, visit a farmhouse), Rhythm Alley (music),
Heartland (the human heart and living a healthy lifestyle), and "Kingdom
For Kids" Playground.
131 Myrtle Street
Boise, ID 83702
General Info: (208) 343-9895
"The Discovery Center is a laboratory for science discovery and fun. Visitors
are actively and directly involved in scientific exploration; you DO something
to learn the science behind the exhibit. Each station allows for hypothesizing,
experimentation, and drawing conclusions -- a replica of the scientific method.
Through participatory science exhibits, demonstrations and classes, students
and families experience science in an entertaining, engaging and educational
environment. Exhibits, programs and events will help guide you in understanding
the connection between scientific principles and your everyday life."
PO Drawer 2217
Fort Myers, FL 33902
General Info: (941) 332-6600
"Exhibits and learning experiences encompass a variety of different subjects
including the environment, physics, anatomy, economy, marine biology, weather
and much, much more. Through the Imaginarium's curiosity-sparking exhibits,
theater shows that include a 3-D slide show and many other activities, visitors
explore their world around them and discover what makes Southwest Florida
such a unique community."
2915 Pine Island Road
Cape Coral, FL 33909
General Info: (941) 997-0012
Exhibits include; Calusa Indian Technology, Color Perception & 3-D,
Dinosaurs, Electricity, The Electromagnetic Spectrum, Fossils & Shells,
Holographs & Inventions, The Human Body, Mathematics and Optical
Illusions.
409 Main Street
Niantic, CT 06357
General Info: (860) 691-1111
Hands on! Exhibits include; Kidsville (a thematic town targeting children
from 1-8 years old.), Rotating Exhibit Space (contains our All Aboard, walk-in
train station, view train memorabilia, and play with one of the largest Brio
train sets you will ever find.), Discovery Room (oriented to children from
age 6 and up to 12 years. There are computers, microscopes, assorted science
related activities, Y2K kiosk, large-size kaleidoscope, live animals like
Richter our Red Tailed Boa Constrictor, Tarantula, and our collections: rocks,
gems, minerals, sea shells, Native American Artifacts, and much more.), Discovery
Garden, and Benthic Explorer Submarine Exhibit.
119 Washington Street
Middletown, CT 06457
General Info: (860) 347-0495
Hands on! Exhibits include; The Ship, The Farm, Main Street - all designed
for children 6 months to 5 years. Also, Global Music, Video Theater, The
Borrower's Library, Invention Station and Community Room - all designed for
children 6 to 10 years.
200 South Sixth Avenue
PO Box 2609
Tucson, Arizona 85702-2609
General Info: (520) 792-9985
Exhibits include; Dinosaur Canyon, Ocean Discovery Center, The greatest Choice
On Earth! (about smoking - "...negative effects of tobacco on the body. Walk
on a squishy tongue into a giant mouth! See the one and only "Huff n' Puff
Human Sideshow!" Test your skill with the "Amazing Gasp! Machine." Try your
luck at the "Fresh Aircade."), Temple of Art, Wee World, Bubbles, The Fire
House, Life Rhythms, Electricity: Turn It On, TV Studio, Home Depot Multi-Purpose
Room, and IBM Young Explorers Center.
2213 University Blvd,
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
General Info: (205) 349-4235
Exhibits include; Choctaw Indian Village, T-Town, Grandmother's Attic ("Dress
in historical clothing."), The Planetarium, Children's Hospital, TV Station,
Citizenship Center, Images, Captain Tim Parker, Beaver's Bend ("Children,
ages 3-7 can visit a fabricated riverband environment which includes a winding
river, a beavers dam, mud and sand, a tree with bird's nest and a tree house,
a rabbit hole."), and Japan House ("...built of materials natural to Japan
emphasizing the Japanese perception of beauty. Leave your shoes at the door.
Enter through shoji panels. Visit the kitchen and the furo, the bath, with
its deep wooden tub. Sit on cushions at a low table in the tatami room. Play
games in the authentic surroundings...")
Washington Pavilion Of Arts and Science
301 S. Main Street
Sioux Falls, SD
General Info: (605) 367-7397
For the whole family, not just a children's hands-on museum. Part of a large
Arts and Science Complex. Exhibits include; Air and Space, Peak Performance,
Digital Discovery, Big Sioux River Bank, Lights-Sound-Action!, Nature Works,
and Dynamic Earth.
280 Marcy St.
Portsmouth NH 03801
General Info: (603) 436-3853
Exhibits include; Dino Detective, Global Soles, Magicam ("Use this unique
magnifier to enlarge science, nature and everyday objects up to 40 times
their actual size."), Lobstering, Yellow Submarine, Space Shuttle, Siss!
Boom! Bang! (musical instruments), Step Into A Story, First Impressions,
Trolley ("Climb aboard this miniature replica of a turn-of-the-century trolley
on the museum's front lawn."), Let's Communicate, Kid's World Café
* Unfortunately, our sources were unable to locate a children's museum in
the state of Georgia. There are plans for one in Macon, Georgia in the next
couple of years. If you know the wherabouts of a Georgia children's museum,
please email us!
Hands on! Exhibits include; LEGO Mindstorms ("puts the power of robotics
in children's hands"), IMAX Theater, Virtual Voyages Adventure Ride ("combines
motion simulator technology with high-resolution animation on a
7-metre-by-3-metre (24-foot-by-11-foot) screen. Three six-seat motion platforms
move you in synchronization with fast-action adventures."), F. Jean MacLeod
Butterfly Gallery ("an exotic ... with up to 600 free-flying tropical butterflies
and dozens of flowering, fragrant plants in a glass-enclosed
environment..."), Big Nickel Mine, and even a cruise.
1455 Quebec Street
Vancouver, BC
Canada, V6A 327
604-443-7443
Hands on! Exhibits include; Kalliroscope ("see amazing patterns that will
remind you of storm clouds or whirlpools"), Giant Lever, Levitating Ball,
Plasma Ball, Shadow Wall, Strobe Drops ("make water drops seem to move up
or down or even 'freeze' in place"), Mine Games ("an intriguing introduction
to mining that combines hands-on exhibits with challenging computer
simulations"), Sara Stern Search ("explore with your senses), Visual Illusions,
and KidSpace ("an area for 3 to 6 year-olds to play with movement and
materials").
Canadian Children's Museum
Canadian Museum of Civilization
P.O. Box 3100, Station B
Hull, Quebec J8X 4H2
819-776-8294
Hands on! Exhibits include; The Great Adventure - "takes children on a worldwide
trip where they encounter exciting locations, interesting people and enticing
activities. From the moment they pick up their passports, they discover one
incredible destination after another. We help them plan their trip, or they
can design their own itineraries. Whether it's a trek through the desert
to a pyramid, a jaunt to the port to help unload a cargo ship, or a stroll
through the bustling market bazaar, children will encounter endless ways
to learn about the world and gain an understanding of each other." Kaleidoscope,
Drive into the Past, Crossroads, Embassy, The International Village which
includes;
o Nigeria
o Toys and Games
o Mexico
o Market Bazaar
o In The Desert
o India
o Communications Tent
o Kid's Café
o Building Works
o Clothing Company
o On The Nile
About the Author:
Amanda Formaro is the entrepreneurial mother of four children. She is the Chief Editor of FamilyCorner.com Magazine. Subscribe to her free newsletter by clicking "sign up" below
Halloween!
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Exhibits include; My Body Works - Explore the workings of the
human body. Crawl through a giant human heart. Weave a scab on the great
wall of skin. Hear how food is digested in the Digestion Tunnel. A Trading
Place - Role play jobs in the community and learn about economics and commerce.
Pick apples from our orchard. Serve dinner at the Cafe Eat. Count money in
the bank vault. WBB-TV - Ready, set, action! Get into the picture in the
chroma-key studio. Experiment with electronic pictures and sounds. Direct
camera switching. Sound All Around - Travel through the human ear, just like
a sound wave. Explore exotic musical instruments. Play a keyboard. Learn
how animals hear. Write a secret message using sign language. Play Port -
For toddlers only, ages three and under. Explore a large barge. Play with
sand and water. Watch all the live action outside on Lake Michigan. Toys
By Us - Every child is an artist. Use paper, yarn, buttons, cardboard, markers,
crayons and more to create something completely unique. Projects may vary,
but you'll always proudly claim, "I made it myself".
"Hands-on
activities offer fun learning experiences--please touch! Jumpstart a child's
love for learning. Come explore a museum that invites them to "Touch everything!"
Exhibits are designed to stimulate the imagination and creativity of children
ages two through eight and encourage all-age family interaction." New exhibit
coming in May 2001: Bridges. Other exhibits include an Egyptian Tomb, 3-D
Sculpture and Recycled Materials Center. They offer many discovery programs.
Note: "Special exploration programs are offered daily at 10:30 a.m. during
Spring Break. Each program is approximately 1/2 hour long, and is designed
for all ages. These programs are FREE with the price of admission. Reservations
are requested by the previous day."
Hands
on! Exhibits include: Streets ("Take an excursion down the Museum's streets
to investigate the sights, sounds and textures of city life."), Current
Connections ("Gain an understanding of how electricity is generated, using
people-powered generators, how it is distributed, and how ultimately how
it is converted to other forms of energy."), West Wing, Jesse's Clubhouse
("Crawl and clamber through a multilevel tower."), Step Into The Past, Kids'
Bank ("Learn about the ebb and flow of a currency system from deposits to
withdrawals using a variety of cranks, pedals and levers."), Bubbalogna ("explore
the principles and properties of the fascinating, yet unpredictable world
of bubbles"), Post Office, Magic Beans Creative People, Take Another Look
("Look. Look again, differently. In this vast and incredible world, there
is always something new to see."), Rhythm, Garden, Alice ("Shrink and grow,
visit a tea party, and encounter different animals as you enter Alice's unique
and curious world.") and ZoomZone ("Adopt the exploratory "ZOOM spirit" to
tryout and create activities. The ZOOMzone features brainteasers and math
puzzles, word games and a place to write poems, short stories and a science
activity station.").
Hands on! "All of the exhibits at Hands-on House are custom-designed and
unique to us. Our exhibits include a variety of activities appropriate for
children ages 2-10 years. Each exhibit has a theme with a variety of activities
to do that relate to the theme." "Discover how Lancaster County's farmers
grow food on today's farm in the E-I-E-I KNOW exhibit. Stop in for some art
smart fun at RAINBOW'S END. Experiment with color and design and let your
creativity take hold. Try out some 2D and 3D art fun. Enter MARTY'S MACHINE
SHOP and the world of how things work. Choose a job as you work at learning
about gears, wheels, and pulleys. 'Keep It Rolling' on the changeable ball
maze that you control. Enter the SPACE VOYAGE CHECKPOINT space station where
earthlings stop in for a health check-up to prepare for their journey into
space."
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