Children's Museum

amyjoy18

We've never been there, but are thinking of going this weekend. 

Anything a first timer with a 2 year old and almost 5 year old should know?

lala5507

Do your artwork first so it can have time to dry while you play.  And the water play is fun but my 3 year old always manages to get soaking wet despite the smocks they provide so we don't normally go to that floor if it's freezing cold outside. 

lishie

If you're considering going to the third floor, take a change of clothes for the kids.

My 2 year old loves the room with the ball sorting machine. He could stand there and watch it for hours. My 5 year old loves the garage and sending the ball rolling down teh wires.

On saturday morning they do a radio show out of the basement, the kids may enjoy checking that out.

egpitt22

ditto the other ladies, definitely bring a change of clothes if you go to the water play area!  they have lockers available (.50 I think?) so we usually pack a lunch then stuff everything into the locker and eat our packed lunch in the cafe on the way out.

MrsAmers

If you don't want to pack a lunch, there is a good variety of food available in the cafe. It's probably overpriced, but since we like to get there when it opens at ten, buying lunch means that I don't have to get up early to pack lunch. There are hangers for coats in the art area. I put my phone, membership card and credit card in my pocket and leave my purse in the car. It probably isn't practical with a 2 year old to bring nothing in, but bring in as little as possible.

We don't do art first because DD could stay there all day. We usually do water play first because it is less crowded at 10am than it will be later. Agree on the change of clothes. My kids get soaked.

The whole place is great. You'll enjoy it!

lala5507

I really like the café.  They offer a wide variety of food and some really nice healthy options.  I think it's pretty fairly priced too. 

4EvR&4AlWz

Definitely do the artwork first on the main entry level.  Do the water play last!  They'll love it!  We haven't been in about 15 months because we have our Science Center/Carnegie Museums membership now but I miss it.  Seriously think about getting the membership.  It will pay for itself if you return once in the next year.

denalea

We were just there today!

Lots of kids had bathing suits in the water play area, so consider taking them.  I just took a whole other set of clothes for S and let him get wet in his regular clothes.  Then I didn;t have to change him 2x.

There are paint activities, and I think the smocks had as much paint inside as they did outside, so wear clothes that can get paint-y! 

We had a good time.

FYI - they have buy one adult get one child free coupons in the entertainment book.  :-)