Finding somewhere for my five and three year old boys to burn off their daily surplus of energy when it gets dark so early in the evenings and is below 40 degrees is one of the hardest things during the winter. The one piece of solace I have found is right here in our fortunate community.
The Children’s Museum of Findlay provides a safe, warm, and educational space for my boys, Jimmy and Gabe, to run, pretend, and play. Being members is one of the best decisions we have made for them and their development.
I can tell you that the physical transition that takes place in their little bodies as soon as they become cooped up inside is no joke. Our eldest has a lot more trouble going to sleep at night. Our youngest tends to be even more ornery than usual. Luckily, there is nothing extra nice in our home since we’re in the midst of growing our family, because there are lots more wrestling matches, kick-ball tournaments, and running in circles during the winter months that easily cause damage each evening when they can’t be outside.
Our children’s museum has 24 different exhibits for our boys not only run to-and-from (again, the burning of energy thing) but to spend time bringing their little worlds to life as they are the ones managing the grocery store at the Great Scot Community Markets exhibit, or they’re the ones determining right-from-wrong with the Judge’s gavel at the Hancock CO. Legal Association’s courtroom, or even as they pretend to be a teacher at the chalkboard in the school house sponsored by The University of Findlay’s Education Program.
I am sucker for taking photos on my phone while I watch them dive in and out of imaginative scenarios, but mostly my phone is away because they even ask me to play with them! Full disclosure: I had never envisioned myself a boy mom – though, here I am with a third little guy on the way – so getting to be a big part of the way they play means the world to me. I hope they remember Mom alongside them digging at the National Lime and Stone exhibit all through their years.
The Children’s Museum of Findlay even offers daily or weekly educational programming free to its members along with opportunities for the general public so you can enjoy a taste of all that the museum has to offer; they list all upcoming events on their Facebook page. One great upcoming event is their New Year’s Eve Eve Celebration for member’s only (another reason to join!)! Or, create your own opportunity for your kiddos and their friends to enjoy the museum by renting out the colorful FriendsOffice Programming space for a birthday party.
I suppose what I am saying is that if you’re looking for somewhere to take your children ages 0 – 12 over holiday break, I would highly recommend this gem in our very own community. They are offering some extended holiday hours, too. Learn more about your potential visit, here!