I'm not really one for the artsy crafty museums of the big cities, so when my wife told me she wanted to go to the Children's Museum of Phoenix, I was not excited. But there was a redeeming thought, "Since it's a children's museum, it can't be too boring."
Was I right? Yes I was. The least entertaining part of the experience was paying, even though the $11 per person wasn't really that awful.
The next experience was terrific, walking into a building with a towering wall of strung-together compact discs (people used to store music on them before MP3s) shimmered in the light like a giant beaded curtain. As I rounded the corner into the next large room I saw it - a giant maze-like fort that stood three stories high. Were the kids excited? I'm not sure, but I was.
After climbing and crawling through the massive structure, my children and I found several more exhibits and interactive displays. One was a room where you could paint a pretend rocket or other items. Another was a room with sheets, clothes pins and random structures out of which you could create a "superfort." Those with kids realize this is every child's dream.
While each experience was designed with an educational purpose, I chose to ignore the lessons and just have fun with my son and daughters.
On the second floor there was a children's grocery store. The shelves were stocked with fake produce, cereal and just about anything you would find at a grocery store. The kids (and some adults) could go shopping and check out, just as their parents do, at the miniature checkout stand.
For those who are not fond of "hands-off" museums, this might just be the place for you.
All in all, the Children's Museum of Phoenix was a good time for the kids - and for me. The cost can be a deterrent, but the quality of fun and amount of stuff to explore made it worth it for our family. For more information, visit http://childrensmuseumofphoenix.org/.
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