Venue: Orpheum Children's Science Museum

Address: 346 N. Neil St. , Champaign

Cost:

posted 5:26 pm May 20
modified 5:26 pm May 20

Orpheum Children’s Science Museum gives children a chance to explore their curiosities through informal science education. Serving children 6 months to 12 years old, the museum includes large interactive structures such as a castle kids can climb on, a tugboat with a simulator to drive down the Mississippi River and carpenter’s workshop, as well as smaller permanent exhibits. Public or private birthday parties, field trips, camps and after-school programs are all welcome at the museum, and a rotating display of art from local schools can be seen on the second story. The Critter Corner presents an opportunity for kids to view, hold and learn about animals that otherwise parents may not allow in the house. Australian bearded dragons, a box turtle, tarantula and hissing cockroach all call the critter corner home. Next to this is the waterworks exhibit, with objects and a slanted flowing stream of water to teach children about rivers, groundwater pollution and even how tornados are formed. Outside in the courtyard, children can enjoy the dino dig. They can excavate for dinosaur bones in piles of sand and explore rocks in the rock grotto, which includes a waterfall. An old building with tall ceilings, the museum also houses an auditorium undergoing renovations. About half a million dollars is being spent to renovate and restore this ornate auditorium. It should be open to the public for performances and exhibits in the next year. Upstairs there is an open area with tables for art classes, tea parties and art shows. Up here one can find local school children’s artwork displayed as well, which changes every month. Soon the museum will have a soft-light infant area where small children can play as well. A great place for families, the museum is located at 346 North Neil in Champaign. Orpheum gives an outlet to kids that educates them, but lets they go beyond what they can do in a classroom with engaging exhibits and encouraging imagination.