Sunday, July 5, 2015

Review of Science in Play at the Kentucky Science Center

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Happy Climber

Science in Play, a learning exhibit geared towards younger children and their families, opened this weekend at the Kentucky Science Center. It replaces the old KidZone area, and encompasses the entire first floor of the museum. It's huge! 

The first thing you will probably notice when you enter the area is the Happy Climber. It is a 14 foot climbing structure at the center of the exhibit. It is super fun (adults can climb!) and very open so you can keep an eye on your child at all times. Also in the center section is the roller coaster building area, mirror maze, and the hanging noodles that kids love to run through! They are favorites that have been brought back.

If you enter the area that used to be KidZone you will be welcomed by a cool hands-on science area. There are fossils, rocks, bones, and all kinds of nature related items for the kids to observe and touch. They have tables set up for note-taking or projects. The day we went they were creating casts of shells. They also have a tub of sand where the children can dig for rocks, shells, and fossils.
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Giant Lite Bright

Next to the nature area is a huge lite bright! Children (and adults) can create words, pictures, and designs by moving the pegs around. This entertained my two children for the longest time! The small room next to this is now a shadow room. Another favorite! There was also a table where kids could explore more with color and light.

The water area is still there! The large TARC bus has been replaced by a Smart car. The doors are removed and children are welcome to climb in and explore. Behind the car is the new and improved Shop For Shapes area. I'm so glad they brought this back, and also glad they added another cash register.They also have a shape launcher that you can slide shapes down and tables set up where you can design/create with your shapes. In the back area is a really cool reading nook.

On the opposite side of the building is the scarf launcher. They added small balls to launch along with the scarfs. My girls were running everywhere trying to catch them.

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Mirror House
The old Shop For Shapes area has been replaced by an area for smaller children and babies. Inside this area was a small mirror house, a kitchen area with lots of doors to open and explore, a magnet board, a cardboard construction area that will be changed out periodically, and an area where children can velcro tubes to a board and try to create chutes for balls. To the back of this section was a private area for mothers to breast feed.

Science in Play was carefully thought out, designed, and constructed. It will definitely get kids and parents thinking, learning, and playing together! My daughters have already asked to go back. It's so interactive, educational and fun!



Hours:
Sunday-Thursday 9:30am-5pm
Friday & Saturday 9:30am-9pm

Find prices of admission here, but check out these DEALS first!
*$5 per person after 5 on Friday & Saturday!
*The Science Center also offers FREE playdates where children 0-4 can play for free from 8:30-9:30. Check dates and themes here.
*When you sign your child up for the Summer Reading Program at the Shelby County Library, you can pick up a coupon there for the Kentucky Science Center. The coupon allows for one free children's admission with purchase of adult admission.

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