Visiting with Kids
The Museum is a welcoming place to bring children of all ages. All of our galleries have child-friendly interactives and exhibits to explore. Here are some ideas to make your visit great.
Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are located on the sharing desk in Nature Exchange. Take completed scavenger hunts to a docent or staff member for a prize!
Nature Exchange
Nature Exchange is a program that invites visitors to share their discoveries in nature with a docent to receive credits. Credits can be used to take home something from the Nature Exchange for your collection. It is free and open to all Fri - Sun, 10 - 12 and 1 - 3.
Fossil Dig Pit
Our Garden has a pebble pit with real fossils to discover. Children may take one fossil home each — if you find more than one, hide it for the next kid.
Quiet places
You can find a quiet space in the Bird Room or the Garden. Under the buckeye tree or in the far southwest corner are good places to take a break.
The back patio in the Garden is also a good place for a snack break. There is a water fountain located on the patio.
Stoller Parking
Strollers can be parked just outside the front door, on the back patio, or in the Bird Room gallery.
Changing Tables
There are changing tables in both the women’s and men’s restrooms, and a family and all gender restroom is located through the classroom.
Surrounding Area
Jewell Park is across the street from the Museum, and it is a good place to run, play, and picnic. Caledonia Park is two blocks west of the Museum on Central Ave, and it has a playground.
Walk two blocks to the water and enjoy a child-friendly beach, Lover's Point, or walk the recreation trail looking for seals, otters, and birds. A fresh water ADA accessible pool, open to the public during the summer, can also be found at Lover's Point.
Visiting the Museum Safely
Kids, please help your family visit the Museum safely by doing all of these things:
Please use walking feet everywhere in the Museum and Garden.
Keep your feet on the ground.
Use the 2-finger gentle science touch technique to explore.
Keep track of your grownups! Children should be in sight of their adults at all times.
Museum Youth Programs
The Museum has an array of youth programs that allow children and young adults the ability to grow with the Museum in their knowledge of science and the natural world. These programs are designed to lead into one another as children age, and also shine as stand alone programs.