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| Learn a Little of Everything at the Duke Energy Children's Museum |
By: By Barbara Littner David - October 2008
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Carts for the grocery store. Toys for injured stuffed animals. Proof that voting matters. Kids Town mayoral candidates announce their platforms for the 2008 elections this month. Visitors to the Duke Energy Children’s Museum Center can then register and vote in a kid-sized voting booth in November or by absentee ballot. “Last year, it was a landslide,” says Tony Lawson, director of the Children’s Museum, pointing to a cart overflowing with plastic fruits and vegetables. “They wanted the candidate who promised the carts.”
Many of the people who cast ballots can’t read or write and may still be in diapers, but they’re learning about democracy, and a whole lot more. At the Kids Town Veterinarian office, they take pretend x-rays, give shots and counsel “owners” on proper care. They practice empathy, social skills, dramatic play and executive learning. And at the Diner, kids won’t take your order until you sit and take a menu.
“And they know you have to pay for food,” Lawson says. “I’ve paid some pretty high prices.”
A million-trillion-dollar plastic hotdog may be over-priced, but the learning’s invaluable. Kids Town is one of eight educational hands-on areas in the museum, a facility consistently ranked among the country’s top 10. And the most popular exhibit: “The Woods.”
“Of course, it’s great for gross motor skills, physical stuff,” Lawson says pointing to the bridge overhead and the kids climbing through tunnels. “But it also builds confidence. They complete different levels; they feel good about themselves.”
I agreed and added that my older kids still love “The Woods.” “And they can get through it,” Lawson says. “Parents can be right there with their children. We tested it with a 6’4” gentleman of 300 pounds, and he did it all.”
Despite that guarantee, I prefer to watch. I keep an eye on the kids and enjoy turtles in a nearby display. Live Animal Presentations give visitors a closer look, which Lawson describes as he walks toward aquariums crawling with cockroaches and snakes.
Cleaning is the biggest behind-the-scenes activity at the museum. An industrial dishwasher, washer and dryer and a detailed schedule with morning and evening duties ensure safety and sanitation. “Everything, toys and costumes, costumes that need dry-cleaning, everything, is on the schedule,” says Lawson.
The Energy Zone ball area ranks as one of my kids’ favorite places. They love working simple machines — pulling ropes and levers, pedaling, walking a treadmill, shooting balls and being showered with balls — all clean! — from above. “The balls don’t hurt,” Lawson adds. “We’ve had many of these pelted at us. No injuries.” That’s good, but just in case, the museum houses a first aid station, complete with bandages, medical supplies, puzzles and toys.
At the Little Sprouts Farm, for the 4-and-under crowd, older siblings are welcome “as long as they’re assisting their younger brother or sister.” The “Super Sprouts,” programs for preschoolers, also allow older siblings to join little ones with science and art projects in the multi-purpose Celebration Room.
At Water Works, Lawson and museum Marketing Director Laura Partridge describe how the exhibit teaches about density and other laws of physics. I watched a toddler drink a bucket of water from the exhibit. “It’s safe,” Partridge says, as the youngster downed a second drink. “The water runs through three pool filters and is chlorinated and tested daily. It’s not recommended, but it’s safe.”
And it’s fun too. Water Works encourages big and little kids to explore cause-and-effect, simple machines, and working together through sensory learning (even taste!). Lawson gestured across the stainless steel tubs. “They’ll be soaked, but they’re happy.”
Barbara Littner David is a freelance writer.
Duke Energy Children’s Museum
Cincinnati Museum Center, Union Terminal
1301 Western Ave.
513-287-7000 • cincymuseum.org
Hours:
Mon - Sat, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sun, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Admission:
Single Attraction Admission is $7.25 adults; $5.25 ages 3 - 12; $6.25 seniors 60+
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