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[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"40329","attributes":{"class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","alt":"Granny Reaction Contraption"}}]]Follow along as three families (just like you!) discover Playscape together. 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 Myles (age 4 1/2) and Ella (age 1 1/2) in this post from dad, Tom. And continue to follow their journey online, on the blog, or by searching the #Playscape5 hashtag on Instagram, Twitter, and Vine!
What's better than skipping into the Children's Museum on a chilly winter day? Inviting Granny (aka Jeannie Long, one of the best grandmothers ever) to tag along.
Myles and Ella were more than eager to self-appoint themselves unofficial Playscape tour guides on a pre-Thanksgiving visit. Even with the lure of Jolly Days, Playscape hasn't lost its luster. Far from it. In fact, bringing a newcomer into this amazing hands-on play area only seemed to reinforce their love for it.
"Look at this, Granny!"
"Get Granny a coat!" (a smock for the waterfall).
"Don't eat the sand, Granny."
"You don't have to turn down the sound in here!" (noting the freedom to try out all of the musical instruments at the same time, in a kiddo version of an impromptu jam session).
Bouncing from one exhibit to the next, Granny was provided with secret tips to conquer this adventure from her two curly-haired sidekicks five decades her junior. Granny too became eager to trade in her watchful eye for a more up-close role as a participant.
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From chasing and carefully placing yellow balls into the contraption to belting out songs in the music room, Granny kept up with her tour guides and even showed these budding docents how to dig in and get sand everywhere, and I mean everywhere. And, you get to see the cool shimmery effects of the sand with the sun beaming in through the windows. It was kind of like Florida, with sunshine and sand and warmth (albeit climate control.)
What's often repetitive to adults is re-discovery to children. At home, we take everyday items for granted because those are always around. But how often does a child beam with joy when they find a toy that's been hidden in the couch cushions and missing for months? That's why, on our sixth visit to Playscape, it's amazing how much the exhibit has retained its magical allure.
What did we learn?
- Bring a friend (or in our case a Granny) to enjoy Playscape with you. It really is like discovering Playscape all over again every time you visit, especially if you are showing others what you like best.
- Expect newcomers. The renovated Playscape continues to get top billing in news articles about the Museum (including Iowa!). The secret is out. Playscape was well-known to members and Indy residents, but not always a destination exhibit. Now it is!
- Remember: strollers have to stay parked near the Playscape check-in station, so make sure you have a backpack with you as the kids enter. We like to carry a hand towel and some wipes for wet or dirty fingers!
