For more than 30 years, Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum has been a hub of learning through open-ended play for children and families. Over the past year, the museum has undergone extensive outdoor renovations to add even more interactive experiences for children of all ages. “Outdoor play is not only fun for kids but also good for their physical and mental health and development,” said Eileen Castle, executive director of the museum. “Our outdoor environment is a wonderful way to explore nature and provides for unique play opportunities that can’t be easily replicated inside." The new spaces encourage movement, exploration and curiosity for kids and adults alike. In the summer of 2023, the museum added a children’s garden with themed spaces, a pretend play greenhouse and fairy garden build space; a sensory garden with musical instruments, rain fountain and pollinator gardens; and a shipyard with a two-level pirate ship, boat swing and net lounge area. Recently, a farmyard was completed that includes chickens, goats and ducks; an animal meet-and-greet space; a pretend play mini farm; and a kid and goat dual playground. The newest addition is a ZipKrooz, a 70-foot playground-height zipline that also includes an accessible zipline for guests with special needs. A sand and water play area with cranes, a mud kitchen and waterfall stream is expected to be completed by the start of the summer season. "We focus on natural elements, like sticks, dirt, leaves and flowers, which are amazing open- ended materials that are easily adaptable to kids’ imaginations and needs and offer countless possibilities for play,” said Castle. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and will offer special STEM programming for guests during Spring Break. Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum completes new outdoor space
JASMINE MORAN CHILDREN'S MUSEUM'S NEW OUTDOOR SPACE INCLUDES A CHILDREN'S GARDEN, FARMYARD, ACCESSIBLE ZIPLINE AND SHIPYARD.
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2024 11
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