For more than 30 years, the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum has nurtured curiosity, sparked imagination and inspired kids through hands-on learning.
Kids can dig for dinosaur bones, co-pilot an airplane, run their own Main Street businesses or even try their hand at drilling for oil. Families can climb through a multi-story maze, experiment with water and enjoy outdoor train rides and playground adventures.
Now, the museum is growing with three exciting new additions: the I.D.E.A. Lab, Animal Adaptations and the Sky Trail and Sky Tykes rope courses.
I.D.E.A. Lab
This new makerspace welcomes visitors of all ages and abilities to get creative with hands-on projects. The I.D.E.A. Lab, representing Innovate, Design, Engineer and Apply, features a monthly project; however, guests can also construct their own designs using recyclables, wood, cardboard and craft supplies.
Available tools include cardboard cutters, 3D printers and pens, laser cutters and more. Guests can also learn how to sew, solder and use power tools. A special early childhood area serves younger
‘little makers.’
“The open environment of our I.D.E.A. Lab encourages people of all ages and abilities to be creative without fear of judgment,” says executive director Eileen Castle. “Mistakes become opportunities to problem solve and persevere, helping guests gain confidence and ownership.”
Animal Adaptations
This exhibit teaches how animals adapt and survive through interactive displays and live animals. Daily meet-and-greets feature the museum’s ambassadors, including ferrets, guinea pigs, Asian forest scorpions, Madagascan hissing cockroaches, an African pygmy hedgehog, panther chameleon, ball python, bearded dragon, western hognose snake, blue-tongued skink and African spurred tortoise.
Interactive features include a giant beehive, pollinator challenge, dissectible cockroach and firefly simulator.
“Seeing animals up close creates a powerful emotional connection that can inspire both awe and empathy,” says Castle. “We hope this exhibit helps guests recognize their impact on the ecosystem around them.”
Sky Trail & Sky Tykes Rope Courses
On Sky Trail, guests secure themselves to a safety cable 20 feet in the air and cross elevated tightropes, navigate suspended stepping stones and traverse swaying rope bridges. Sky Tykes uses the same technology with proportionally smaller elements and an overhead tracking system for added security.
Both courses were designed and installed by RCI Adventure Products, the world’s leading ropes course manufacturer.
“Our ropes courses offer risky play activities that involve a sense of adventure where guests can test themselves,” says Castle. “It helps them gain movement skills, overcome fears and learn to cope with challenging situations.”
