Mid-America Science Museum has opened The Family Room, a space dedicated to relaxing and playing fun at-home-style games with a twist, for the month of March.
According to Director of Educational Development Casey Chandler, the idea came from the desire to do "something special" for guests during spring break in the absence of a traveling exhibit in the Hall of Wonder. Taking inspiration from the success of Toytopia, the museum decided to explore the theme of the average family room.
The limited-time exhibit is available free for museum members and is included with the price of admission, according to a news release.
"We are thrilled to introduce 'The Family Room' to our visitors," Diane LaFollette, Mid-America Science Museum's CEO, said in the release.
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"This is a space where families can come together, explore, and create lasting memories.
"The exhibit invites guests to embrace their inner child, throw a paper airplane, build a fort, and challenge each other to a Baggo tournament. It embodies the essence of playfulness and fosters a sense of joy and wonder for guests of all ages."
While it may feel like visiting grandmother's house, there are supersized board games and lots of activities for all ages.
"We really want the grown-ups to play with the kids, as well," Chandler said.
In The Family Room, music plays while guests enjoy games and activities. There is a giant checkerboard, wind tubes for launching paper and cardboard creations, a paper airplane station, a LEGO building set, a large blanket fort, an oversized Connect Four set, Keva blocks, Baggo, a falling marble course and various tabletop games.
"I'm really proud of our team and the fact that we managed to pull this together in less than three weeks from the idea to opening it up," Chandler said. "It really goes to show how much talent and dedication that we have with our staff at Mid-America Science Museum."
The Family Room will continue throughout the month of March. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 501-767-3461 or visit:
https://tinyurl.com/54ycfpxs
The museum staff plays a game of Connect Four in The Family Room. (The Sentinel-Record/Lance Brownfield)
Casey Chandler, director of Educational Development at Mid-America Science Museum, works in the background in The Family Room recently. (The Sentinel-Record/Lance Brownfield)