Our daughter, niece, godchildren, and many of our little friends all LOVE this museum! It has received national recognition for good reason. It has several high-quality exhibits that grow with the children--it's not just for preschoolers like some other children's museums. I am ashamed to say that we took my niece to this museum for YEARS before we ever realized there was a bottom level and an infant/toddler level. We found so much to do on the main floor and outdoor areas, that we never even noticed the elevators, ha ha. Don't make our same mistake!
The museum's website provides a helpful exhibit directory that you can filter by age group. You can also download the map to get around easily. Hear some of our personal favorites for each age group.
However, I should point out that everyone can find something interesting in each room so don't feel tied to these suggestions. The only thing to remember is that Tot*Spot has a pretty strict age limit so it might not be an option if you have multiple kids of various ages with you. There is plenty more to do all around the museum, though.
Babies & Younger Toddlers (Approx. 0-2 years old):
Tot*Spot (Upstairs & Upstairs Covered Terrace)
Cultural Gallery (Across from the Fresh Cafe)
Flow Works (Outside)
EcoStation
Kidtropolis (Especially the grocery store, emergency services, vet clinic, and restaurant)
Parent Resource Library (for Story Time, Books, & Small Toys)
Older Toddlers (Approx. 2-3 years old):
How Does It Work? (Don't forget the mezzanine area of this part, too.)
Science Station (Will need some parental assistance)
Cultural Gallery (Across from the Fresh Cafe)
Flow Works (Outside)
EcoStation
Weather Station (really a little playground)
Kidtropolis (Especially the shipping station, grocery store, restaurant, vet clinic, and art studio)
Invention Convention
Cyberchase
Parent Resource Library (for Story Time, Books, & Small Toys)
Preschoolers (4-5 years old)
How Does It Work? (Don't forget the mezzanine area of this part, too.)
Science Station (Will need some parental assistance for some projects)
Cultural Gallery (Across from the Fresh Cafe)
Flow Works (Outside)
EcoStation
Kidtropolis (Especially the shipping station, grocery store, restaurant, vet clinic, art studio, and bank)
Invention Convention
Cyberchase
PowerPlay
Inventor's Workshop (will need parental assistance with some items)
Young Elementary (6-9 years old)
How Does It Work? (Especially the back areas on the main floor)
Matter Factory
PowerPlay
Invention Convention
Inventor's Workshop
Cyberchase
EcoStation
Flow Works (Outside)
For 8 year olds and up: SECRET Spy Game (Extra Charge)
Tweens & Beyond
Secret Agent
How Does It Work? (Especially the back areas on the main floor and sometimes the mezzanine area, depending on what it is featuring at the time)
Invention Convention
Inventor's Workshop
PowerPlay
Chevron Maker Annex (Typically required prior registration)
SECRET Spy Game (Extra Charge)
Here are some images to give you an inside peek!
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