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| - Visited the museum for the first time this past Saturday. It is a bright, friendly space. We immediately headed downstairs to the Wilderness, an area for children five and under. Our 19 month old twins immediately enjoyed the cozy corner area with the fish tank. The area also has a fun selection of puzzles too. Because it so happened to be National Poop Celebration Day at the museum we then enjoyed a round circle reading of the book "Everyone Poops". After that our girls had fun playing in the little hut with baby dolls. And I went down the slide with one of our kids and it goes fast! The water fountain exhibit was one of our kids favorites, she did not want to leave it.
This museum has several different hands on exhibits for all different age ranges which I appreciated. Despite being in a small space and busy it didn't feel overwhelmingly crowded. Two floors of the museum are not exhibits but for staff only. I think it would be fun if they added one of the floors for more exhibit space but they must really need it for administrative purposes.
We had lunch at the Roman Candle downstairs in the lobby. It was OK. While I appreciate that their offerings aren't just your typical cafeteria style junk food and there are some healthier options, the customer service was lacking and the pizza was cold and didn't appear very fresh.
Some areas of the museum could be cleaner (surfaces etc.) and it seems like a giant germ fest there with all of the kiddos running around, however, I imagine with so many little hands touching everything it would be hard to keep up with that. I also wish the museum was more affordable. I understand the cost that goes into the exhibits and the fact that it is downtown also makes it pricey. But this becomes a special occasion place only for folks like myself due to the cost involved of going as a family. Only children under 1 are free. So we had to pay two full entry fees for both of our children, close to $32 for a family of four, not to include parking. I understand they offer free family nights, however, most small children are in bed by the time of day that it is offered.
Evenso, I am thankful the museum is here in town and I hope to be back again with my kiddos.
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