was definitely more our cup of tea than the Reuben Fleet Science Center. I made sure we weren't visiting during peak hours and it made all the difference in the world. We pretty much had the place to ourselves. If I lived downtown, I'd get a family membership and just come hang out at least one afternoon a week. Maybe we'll get one anyway, just for the bad-ass climbing wall;)
The staff were young and energetic and friendly (look at me getting all age-ist! there was one delightful old bird assisting with the painting workshop!). There were cool art workshops scheduled throughout the day - mini-pear made a buckyball inspired tree decoration in one and a monochromatic painting in another. In addition to the workshops, there were various stations you could drop in on anytime - there's mini-pear messing around with some clay on the shaded terrace.
The building is architecturally interesting and supposedly* environmentally sustainable. There's an organic cafe (which we didn't check out because we'd already had lunch at home), a cool playground across the street, and it's a short walk from the train station if you want to leave the car at home. Disclaimer: We didn't leave the car at home. It would cost us $24 to take the Coaster there and back! I'd like to be greener, and Maude knows we were all over the trains and buses back in DC, but $24 bucks seems a bit steep for a day trip.
We rocked out inside the Porta Party - a porta-potty retro-fitted with lights, a disco ball, a thumpin' sound system and an iPod.
And although my first reaction to a room filled with mattresses and pillows was, "Ewwww. Head lice!" much fun was to be had in here after I noticed the velcroed slip-covers on the pillows. Hopefully they get washed often...
So, the children's museum? We liked it. Next time I'm going to give the organic cafe a go.
I'm happy to see a "review" of this place...the kids have really been wanting to go but the crowds have been keeping me away.
We will def go in Feb..
Happy Friday~
:)
Posted by: Dawn | January 23, 2009 at 09:29 AM
Monday afternoons are designated "quiet time" - no school groups scheduled.
We went on a Friday afternoon and didn't arrive until 1. It was quiet, but I wish we'd arrived a little earlier as we felt ourselves rushing a bit to take it all in.
Posted by: Kirsten Slade | January 23, 2009 at 09:39 AM
That climbing wall is awesome, as is the climber. Great photo!
Posted by: Colin | January 27, 2009 at 09:41 PM