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Behind the scenes at the new Glazer Children’s Museum

Posted Sep 19, 2010 by Beth Gaddis

Updated Sep 19, 2010 at 04:08 PM

I have to admit that I wasn’t too wowed by the illustrations and exhibit descriptions when I first went on the Glazer Children’s Museum’s website a few months ago.  Now, after attending Sunday’s Golden Ticket event, I can tell you I’m definitely getting season passes.  My kids will love this place!

I was nervous there wouldn’t be enough to interest my 4-year-old and 2-year-old boys.  Today, I watched dozens of kids become firefighters, chefs, veterinarians, doctors, dentists, actors, television anchors, shoppers and even drops of water.  I talked to a bunch of kids from ages 3 to 12, and even they all said the same thing: “It’s awesome.”

The older kids liked climbing through the multi-story nets and climbing up the rock wall, acting on the stage, making paper airplanes and building at the house permanently under construction.  The kids ages 4 to 7 loved the art area, fire station, Publix supermarket, and veterinarian’s office.  Another huge favorite: racing animals in the Get Moving play area. I can’t tell you the number of kids that talked about that.

For toddlers and preschoolers, there’s a giant water tub with boats, buckets and pulleys, a sand box filled with rubber sand (no mess, Mom!), and a gated tot spot with a tugboat, bridge, books and pillows.  One word of warning: don’t wear high heels.  There’s a giant no-slip mat surrounding the water table, and my shoes constantly got stuck in the holes.

Altogether, there are 12 themed areas, and each one has something that will interest kids of all ages. Most of the areas are pretty contained too, with only one way in and out.  That was a big relief for mothers who were keeping an eye on multiple children.

There are diaper changing stations in the family and ladies’ restrooms, but there isn’t a specified lactation area yet. One is being planned, and in the meantime, moms are welcome to nurse anywhere in the museum, said Sarah Cole, the museum’s director of education. 

Speaking of education, the museum’s planning its education programs now.  They want to see who uses the museum during what days and hours so the staff can best plan special guests and events.  Once they have the information, Cole’s staff will start lining up guests the kids are sure to love: veterinarians who take care of farm animals, chefs who roll sushi and boat captains are just some of the speakers they hope to bring in.

One last item that impressed me:  kids are not allowed into the museum without an adult, and adults are not allowed into the museum without a kid.  Adults who want to see the museum are welcome to call to set up a guided tour. 

Tickets cost $9.50 for kids, $15 for adults and $12.50 for seniors and military personnel.  The first Tuesday of each month will be free from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Cole said.  Season passes start at $90.  The museum offers birthday parties, too.

Click here to read what parents, kids had to say about the new museum.
For more information, visit the museum’s website at www.glazermuseum.org.