It can often be a struggle to figure out what to do with your children to entertain them and help expand their minds. There’s only so much TV you really want them to watch, and only so many board games you can play. Luckily, there are by some estimation 200-plus museums in the country that are designed specifically for children.
And if you happen to be a mother living in the Phoenix metro area, you’ll be happy to know that for the first time since the Children’s Museum of Phoenix opened three years ago, it is being nationally recognized as one of the best museums to take your little ones.
Next week, Parents magazine will release its March, 2011 issue that contains a list of the top ranked children’s museums in the nation. Among them: the Children’s Museum of Phoenix.
The museum is located in downtown Phoenix in the historic Monroe School Building and spans 35,000 square feet. The museums attracts 260,000 visitors annually and is recognized for its hands-on exhibits, educational activities and classes for children ages birth to 10.
Other cities that have previously been acknowledged for their children play havens are Indianapolis; Houston; Boston; Baltimore; Rockford, Ill.; Brooklyn; Rochester; St. Paul, Minn.; San Jose, Calif.; and Madison, Wisconsin.
According to an article published on azcentral.com, “Parents magazine reviewed children's museums across the country, identifying those with clever educational exhibits, mommy-and-me outings and festivals, healthy places for lunch, nursing areas, family restrooms and stroller parking. The magazine then interviewed finalists and asked local parents for 'insider tips' to help decide the winners.”
Children’s museums are fun for kids of all ages and I’m guessing you parents will experience joys within the museum walls as well. Watching your kids play and playing with them is a perfect option for something educational and fun.
So the next time you are seeking a place to bring your children, think of a children’s museum. And look for the ranking out in next month’s Parents Magazine to see if one of the top children’s museums in the nation is in your backyard.
Phoenix Listed Among Nation’s Best Children’s Museums
http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/kids/articles/2011/02/07/20110207phoenix-listed-among-nations-best-childrens-museum.html#ixzz1DL1sXk15
Parents Magazine
http://www.parents.com/fun/vacation/us-destinations/the-10-best-childrens-museums/
Best Children’s Museums in the U.S.
http://geoparent.sheknows.com/articles/114/best-children-s-museums-in-the-us-1