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[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"39413","attributes":{"class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","alt":"Big Helpers in Playscape stickers"}}]]Over the next six months you'll be able to follow along on the blog, Instagram, Twitter, and Vine as three families (just like you!) discover Playscape together. Known as the Playscape 5—Torrence, Myles and Ella, and Gage and Paul will share their experiences as they learn and grow in the gallery...and at home!
See Playscape through the eyes of Gage (age 3) and Paul (age 18 mos.) in this post from mom, Emily. And continue to follow their journey online, on the blog, or by searching the #Playscape5 hashtag!
No doubt about it—the leaves have finally turned a beautiful shade of orange, and the fall season is finally upon us! For my family, that means that we’re in the midst of an action packed two week break from school for my 3rd and 1st grade daughters! We’re trying to fill each day with a small adventure, ranging from going to the park while the weather is fantastic, filling our book bags at our local library, and spending time at one of our favorite places in all of Indianapolis, The Children’s Museum!
Some might think taking four children of different age groups to the museum might be a logistical nightmare. It’s quite the opposite, especially if you come prepared and with a game plan.
[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"39414","attributes":{"class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","alt":"Big Helpers Art Playscape"}}]]And while Playscape was created and designed for children 5 years old and under, that doesn’t mean that older siblings and friends aren’t allowed in. In Playscape, older kids are official “big helpers"— there to help the little kids get the most out of their visit and experience. The next time you come to the exhibit, just ask the greeter at Playscape's entry for a "Helper" sticker, and you're good to go!
A few things that work for us, while visiting Playscape as a large family:
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We go to Playscape first—before any other exhibit. Playscape totally tires the boys out right away at our first stop, making them more inclined to be okay strolling around the other exhibits the girls want to see. Also, empowering the big girls as “big helpers” sets the tone for the rest of the trip through the museum. No matter what the exhibit is, big helpers are always welcome in my book.
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We use the buddy system. Ideally, we move through Playscape as a family. But as you know, little kids are fast on their feet, one minute you see them the next they’re gone! I team each of my big kids up with a little kid, so everyone has a little accountability. If someone runs off their buddy is sure to follow!
- When in doubt, let the big kids bail them out! Paul loves The Pond, which essentially is a lily pad-inspired, enclosed climbing area, which at the very tippy top has a boat you can pop your head into. On this particular visit, he got all the way to the top—but had a hard time finding his way down. My big helper (age 8) was totally to the rescue in seconds flat.
It’s true, ideally I would hit up Playscape with just my little guys, but in a big family that’s not always practical. It’s so awesome that The Children Museum has set in place a “big helper” role for ages 6 and up, so we can all have a fun and safe time visiting the museum as a family.
Have you taken your “big helpers” with you to Playscape? What are some tips you could share with other Children Museum visitors?
| [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"39415","attributes":{"class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","alt":"Big Helpers Playscape blocks"}}]] | [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"39416","attributes":{"class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","alt":"Big Helpers Climb Playscape"}}]] | [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"39417","attributes":{"class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","alt":"Big Helpers Drums Playscape"}}]] |
