Remember in college when a friend would disappear for a semester abroad only to return as a slightly cooler, more interesting, funner version of themselves? That’s what’s happened with our beloved Children’s Museum. It’s returned from a four month closure to renovate and revitalize learning zones but don’t worry— it hasn’t shed everything you loved about it before it went away. Read on to find out why we’re thrilled to welcome it back.
New Learning Zones
While the footprint hasn’t changed, you’ll discover a more efficient use of space throughout the renovated museum. You’ll find a new central exhibit, Gateway to the World, designed as a two-story climbing structure that simulates a trek through the layers of the earth. You’ll also spot a new mezzanine level that houses the Step Up to Science interactive STEM lab. While the previous museum was geared to kids ages 0-8, the re-imagined lab brings an entirely new set of experiences to kids even older. Explorers of all ages will love the new addition to the Waffle House in the farm-to-table exhibit. And be sure to check out the new Maker Space, outfitted with tools for childrens’ inventions and artistic creations.
Don’t Miss:Â While your kiddos are exploring the layers of the earth in the Gateway to the World climbing structure, you can launch styrofoam rockets into “space” around them from the main floor.
Revitalized Learning Zones
If your kids were big fans of the milking cow or fishing pond, you’ll still find them in the redesigned Fundamentally Food exhibit along with exciting new components and state-of-the-art technology. Follow the path that food takes from the farm to the table by exploring how food is moved on trucks to a grocery store, and then to a restaurant. For your artists, the renewed Let Your Creativity Flow space will encourage children to experiment with music and participate in lessons incorporating various media and musical instruments. The museum’s tiniest visitors will enjoy a refreshed Leaping Into Learning space with plenty of tactile experiences and fun ways for pre-walkers to explore the world around them.
Don’t Miss:Â When you sense a case of overstimulation coming on, check out the cozy quiet room for reading.
When to Go & How Long to Stay
Whether you’ve got 30 minutes or hours to play, you’ll find a worthwhile experience at the museum. Plan you day by consulting this calendar. Story times, mini-musicals, and plenty of special celebrations (Three King’s Day, anyone?) will keep your visits fresh and exciting.
Don’t Miss: The Museum does not host field trips or large groups on Mondays, making it an especially good day for families with little roamers. Other weekdays, field trip groups typically depart by 1 p.m. Plan an extra hour and pack a lunch for a picnic in one of the two nearby playgrounds in Centennial Park. One of the playgrounds is covered—perfect for rainy days—and re-entry to the museum is allowed.
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW
404-659-5437
Online:Â childrensmuseumatlanta.org
$14.95/person over age 1; Daily in December from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What’s your favorite feature of Children’s Museum? Tell us in the comments section below!
—Shelley Massey
All photos courtesy of the author
