Welcome to the Ann Arbor Children’s Museum, where kids can learn and play all at the same time! This museum is designed for children aged 0 to 12, and features a variety of hands-on exhibits that focus on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). From the moment you walk through the doors, you and your children will be immersed in a world of exploration and discovery. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or an educational field trip, the Ann Arbor Children’s Museum is the perfect destination.
Introduction to Ann Arbor Children’s Museum
The Ann Arbor Children’s Museum is a non-profit organization that is founded on the principle of providing a fun-filled and educational experience for children. It is located in downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is dedicated to promoting a love for learning and discovery in children. The museum’s activities and exhibits are designed to inspire creativity, build self-confidence, and encourage curiosity in young minds.
History and Mission Statement
The Ann Arbor Children’s Museum was founded in 1982 by a group of parents and educators who believed that children should have a place to learn through play-based activities. The museum’s mission is to create a safe and inspiring space where children can explore, discover, and learn through interactive exhibits, programs, and events. Its goal is to cultivate a love for science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) in children by providing them with a hands-on learning experience.
The museum’s target audience is children between the ages of two and twelve, but everyone is welcome to participate in the programs and events. The Ann Arbor Children’s Museum is a trusted institution in the community, and it has been educating and entertaining families for over 30 years.
Activities and Exhibitions
The Ann Arbor Children’s Museum has a wide range of exhibits and activities that cater to children of all ages. From the toddler area to the STEAM labs, there is something for every child to enjoy and learn from. The exhibits and activities are designed to be interactive, hands-on, and engaging, so children can learn through play and exploration.
The STEAM labs are a popular attraction at the museum and offer children the opportunity to experiment with science and technology. There are several STEAM labs, each with a different theme such as robotics, chemistry, or engineering. Children can participate in hands-on experiments and learn about the different STEAM fields.
The museum also has an art studio where children can express themselves creatively through different mediums such as paint, clay, and paper. The art studio is always changing, so there is always something new to create and explore.
Membership and Events
By becoming a member of the Ann Arbor Children’s Museum, families can enjoy the perks of free admission, discounts on programs and events, and exclusive access to members-only events. Membership is available at different levels, and all levels come with the same benefits.
The museum also offers several events and programs throughout the year for families. These events include workshops, camps, and festivals. The events are designed to be fun and educational and are a great way for families to spend time together while learning and exploring.
The Ann Arbor Children’s Museum is more than just a museum; it is a community of families, educators, and volunteers who are passionate about providing children with a fun and educational experience. The museum is a must-visit destination for families in the Ann Arbor area, and it is sure to be a highlight of any child’s visit to the city.
Why Visit Ann Arbor Children’s Museum?
The Ann Arbor Children’s Museum is a fun and educational destination for children and families in Michigan. There are many different reasons to visit the museum, including the variety of exhibits and programs that are offered to children of all ages.
Benefits for Children
Children who visit the Ann Arbor Children’s Museum can expect to gain many educational and developmental benefits. One of the key benefits is enhanced creativity. Children are encouraged to explore and experiment in a safe, engaging environment, which helps to boost their innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Another benefit of visiting the museum is that it can help to boost children’s confidence. Through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, children are given the opportunity to learn, explore, and discover at their own pace. This helps to develop children’s self-esteem and self-confidence, which can have a positive impact on their overall development.
Finally, visiting the Ann Arbor Children’s Museum can also help to promote children’s social skills. By participating in group activities and sharing experiences with other children, children can learn important social skills such as cooperation, communication, and empathy.
Benefits for Parents and Caregivers
The Ann Arbor Children’s Museum is not just a fun and engaging experience for children – it also offers many benefits for parents and caregivers. One of the key benefits is the opportunity for families to connect and bond while learning and exploring together.
Through interactive exhibits and programs, parents and caregivers can engage with their children and actively participate in their learning and development. This creates a unique opportunity for families to bond and create lasting memories together.
The museum also offers a variety of resources for parents and caregivers, including workshops and seminars on early childhood development, parenting, and other relevant topics. This can be an invaluable resource for parents who want to learn more about how to support their child’s growth and development.
Community Involvement and Support
The Ann Arbor Children’s Museum is a community-focused organization that relies on the support of local partners, volunteers, and donors to operate and grow. There are many different ways that the museum engages with the community and encourages support for its mission.
One key way that the museum engages with the community is by partnering with local businesses and organizations to offer resources and support for families. The museum also relies on the support of volunteers who are passionate about early childhood education and are willing to donate their time and expertise to support the museum’s programs.
Finally, the Ann Arbor Children’s Museum relies on the support of donors to help fund its operations and continue to offer engaging and high-quality programs for families. Donations support the museum’s ongoing growth and sustainability, allowing it to continue to serve the community for years to come.
In conclusion, the Ann Arbor Children’s Museum is a valuable resource for families in Michigan. With its engaging exhibits and programs, the museum offers many educational and developmental benefits for children, as well as opportunities for parents and caregivers to connect and bond with their children. Through community involvement and support, the museum is able to sustain its mission and continue to serve the community for years to come.
Planning Your Visit to Ann Arbor Children’s Museum
Location and Hours
The Ann Arbor Children’s Museum is located at 45 E Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States. The museum is easily accessible, as it is located in downtown Ann Arbor, close to public transportation options. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
If you are planning to visit the Ann Arbor Children’s Museum, it is recommended that you check the museum’s website for any updates or changes in hours due to holidays or special events. The museum’s website also provides information about parking options, including nearby parking garages and metered parking on the street.
The museum is fully accessible to visitors of all abilities. If you have any specific accessibility needs, please contact the museum ahead of time to make arrangements.
Tickets and Pricing
The Ann Arbor Children’s Museum offers a variety of ticket options to suit different budgets and needs. General admission tickets cost $12 per person. Children aged 23 months or under are admitted for free. Members also enjoy unlimited, free admission to the museum.
If you are visiting the museum with a group of ten or more people, you can receive a discounted rate of $10 per person. If you plan to visit the museum frequently, you may want to consider purchasing a membership. Membership benefits include free admission, discounts on programs and birthday parties, and access to members-only events.
The Ann Arbor Children’s Museum also offers a discounted admission rate of $3 per person for EBT/SNAP cardholders, which can be availed in-person at the admissions desk. Participating institutions with reciprocal admission agreements also receive free admission to the museum. Moreover, the museum also offers free admission to military families as part of the Blue Star Museums program.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols
The Ann Arbor Children’s Museum has implemented various safety measures and protocols in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Visitors aged two and above are required to wear masks at all times. The museum has also reduced the number of visitors allowed in the museum at any given time to facilitate social distancing.
The museum undergoes frequent cleaning and sanitization procedures of all shared spaces and exhibits, including high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs and handrails. Hand sanitizing stations are also stationed throughout the museum for visitors to use.
The museum’s staff has undergone extensive training to ensure that they are following all the necessary safety protocols and procedures. If you feel unwell or have been exposed to someone with Covid-19, please refrain from visiting the museum until you have completed the recommended quarantine period.
By following these guidelines, we can all make the Ann Arbor Children’s Museum a fun, safe, and enjoyable experience for everyone involved!