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Two more days for Boonshoft exhibit!
I recently took the kids to the Boonshoft Museum, on DeWeese Parkway in Dayton, for an afternoon of discovery. We hadn’t been there in a while; it was actually the first visit for my 2-year-old.
My older kids — ages 12 and 9 — have been there many, many times, though. Three incidents that come to mind:
1) At about age 8, my older son constructed such a complex contraption at the water play area, that when he plugged the final piece in, it started spouting a fountain about 10 feet into the air and all over the parents standing nearby. Oops!
2) Daughter, at age 4, got stuck at the top of the climbing tower, and I was (am) too plump to get to her, so her 8-year-old brother had to rescue her. I know, I know, there’s an age requirement, so she shouldn’t have been up there in the first place, but she was a quick little thing and I was (am) too plump to catch her.
3) I hit my head so hard on one of the low door frames that I fell to my knees and nearly blacked out. I think it was in the veterinarian’s office. The details of the rest of that visit are a bit fuzzy, for obvious reasons.
Despite these embarrassing moments, we’ve had lots of fun peeking at the animal skeletons, big bugs and mummies; dancing in the light room; playing dress up; watching the otters; “shopping” at the general store.
(Although I do wish some handy volunteer would re-create the animal costumes for the see-through stump tunnel — the old ones are getting rather ratty.)
On our most recent trip, the kids had a ball checking out the Engineer It! exhibit, which is only going to be in town till May 14. You have two more days to catch it. (Check it out here.) They especially enjoyed building arch bridges with giant blocks and constructing a quake-proof tower (especially relevant with the recent tragedy in China). The toddler loved messing with the paddle boats. It’s so fun to watch your children having fun while learning at the same time.
You can almost see their brains growing right before your eyes — which would be a really cool exhibit, come to think of it.
I missed the white alligator that was visiting the Boonshoft a few years back (bummer), so now I always try to check for upcoming exhibits that pique my interest. There’s a Chinasaur show, fossil vault and giant snapping turtle coming this summer, so don’t miss out!
Most years, we buy a family membership pass, which is a great way to help fund a local attraction and at the same time enjoy discounts to places like the Cincinnati and Cleveland zoos, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum and COSI.
Want to check out the Boonshoft but don’t have the extra cash for the admission price? (adults, $8.50; kids 2-12, $7) Here’s a little known secret: Every third Tuesday is Free Family Fun Night! Fifth Third Bank sponsors the event, which I believe starts after 4 p.m.
And don’t forget to bring two quarters and a shiny penny for the kids to crank out a souvenir on your way out. That’s still my 12-year-old’s favorite part of the outing!
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