Since Sugarwings and I will be spending a lot of the summer together, I needed to find some things for us to do that didn't involve baking and eating cookies.
Although lately, "cookie" is her favorite word and she yells it out when she is happy, instead of "yay" or "wow" or "yippee". (does anyone use the word, yippee, any more, anyway?)
So last week, we set out to discover the Discovery Zone in Topeka.
There are lots of hands on (and noses on), sciencey things to do there.
As well as full rooms set up as different professions, and all the toys and tools needed to pretend to work there.
Kind of like a trade school for preschoolers.
There was even an exam room where Dr. Sugarwings could take my blood pressure, then cram a big plastic thermometer into my ear.
But our favorite part was this big acrylic room where you paint right onto the walls.
The whole place was really something, and only a 20 minute drive away. I can see us spending a lot of time there this summer on days too hot or too wet to play outside. And its only 6 bucks to get in.
The place had a lot to offer, she was able to make friends and play with other kids. There were a lot of activities that needed an assistant (like the grain elevator) and that encouraged cooperation. I sat aside and let her play with other kids while I read a book on my magic phone when I wasn't required to be a patient or place an order in the bakery. We both had a great time!
I am away right now, tagging along on a business trip with my husband to Raleigh and Nags Head. But please do leave a comment, all comments are entered to win one of the collages that I made from Beth's Birdsong class.
And if you know of any good junking areas around Raleigh or Nags Head please email me with some shopping ideas!
karlanathan@sbcglobal.net
Oh to be a child again! I would love to be let loose in that acrylic room and slosh paint around.
Looks like a very fun place for a child to hang out! Is that a bit of crafting residue I see on patient Karla’s hand? Ha! Did you bring that with you, or was it acquired at Discovery Zone? : ) Aaaaaand I’m still lovin’ that collage you’re giving away!
This place looks like loads of fun. Luv the acrylic room for painting. A sheet of acrylic and some finger paints may be an addition to the back of the shed. 🙂
what a great place to make summer memories…she looks like she is having a ball..
Oh yes love that art piece…
Looks like a fun place and I love the painting room! One of my favorite expressions is “yippee skippee”! Love that collage you are giving away.
I always have crafting residue on me! Or like Sugarwings says, I have project all over my hands.
Sent from my iPad
What a fun place!
Isn’t enjoying Gramie Time just the best! My four grandkids bring joy to my life…and I see the same is true for you.
Love your collage work…soooooooo gorgeous!
The discovery center looks great — I’m wondering who was having more fun?! The collage — perfection!
It’s so cool that Grammy appears to enjoy the Discovery Zone as much as Sugarwings. How much fun is that? When I taught 4th grade I always took my chicks on a field trip to the Children’s Museum in Bettendorf, Iowa. It was rewarding to see them interact with the displays, as well as learn with hand-on activities.
Thanks for sharing.
I love that you and SugarWings do so much together. What a neat place.
I love being with small children..so much fun and drama…can I come with you to the child’s centre? lol…have a good trip away…
Another gorgeous piece of art…and so shabby. I so love hearing about your adventures with sugarwings and dewdrop. Gorgeous little ladies.
Would lv 2 win, lv your art, can’t wait 4 thenext swap!!!!
C
Karla…see if they offer a DISCOUNT to get in, if you buy a summer pass or something? I love Children’s Museums…
I still say Yippee! Yippee Skippy, actually! If you are going to Nags Head be sure to check out Manteo! You will love it!
She is such a cutie, Karla! And I sure love that lovely creation of yours. Hope it will be mine!!
Have a great time…such a lovely area!
Hugs,
Becky
Karla, when I visited your site last night, I went to one of your old posts, when you were showing photos of your kitchen remodel…it gave me courage and hope…we are in the middle of a mini-remodel that seems it will never be done! I tend to want things done yesterday! Your comments are always right on the mark, and the pictures were beautiful. Patty in Kansas
That looks like such a fun place for the little kids – educational and fun!
Hope you’re enjoying your trip!
I hope you’re having fun in NC! I want to tag along on one of my husband’s business trips this summer, too, if I can.
I want to play in the paint room! How super cool is that!
I am in love with all the collages! I’m so glad I picked today to get all caught up. I thought the one, from the post after this, was my favorite, but now I think this one might be…