key museum developments
The Muncie Children’s Museum, as with children’s museums throughout the country, understands that through play and fun, they can teach, stimulate, and prepare children for their future. Children’s museums generally operate outside the structure of formal education systems, allowing them to act as innovators developing child-centered play-based environments, like Tot Spot and Discovery Park.
tot spot
Tot Spot was the first major renovation to the Museum’s exhibit floor since opening in 1996. MCM raised $70,000 to create a new exhibit partnering with Ball State University architecture students. Tot Spot is an intentionally designed space focusing on free play for children five and younger. Tot Spot is divided into six-themed areas inspired by children’s books and provides opportunities for children to learn about the world through play.
Tot Spot offers interactive learning experiences that kids need in their early years to develop motor skills and lay the groundwork for math, reading, and creativity. Communication is also nurtured in Tot Spot as children learn to play together as well as observe other children. The skills learned at Tot Spot support children as they prepare for kindergarten.
tot spot
Tot Spot was the first major renovation to the Museum’s exhibit floor since opening in 1996. MCM raised $70,000 to create a new exhibit partnering with Ball State University architecture students. Tot Spot is an intentionally designed space focusing on free play for children five and younger. Tot Spot is divided into six-themed areas inspired by children’s books and provides opportunities for children to learn about the world through play.
Tot Spot offers interactive learning experiences that kids need in their early years to develop motor skills and lay the groundwork for math, reading, and creativity. Communication is also nurtured in Tot Spot as children learn to play together as well as observe other children. The skills learned at Tot Spot support children as they prepare for kindergarten.
Discovery Park
Over $525,000 was raised to complete the first phase of Discovery Park, which opened in the fall of 2017. Teacher and family surveys, along with input from local business leaders pointed to the need for increased STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning opportunities. During concept planning, a group of fifty community and Museum stakeholders including children, educators, parents/grandparents, board members, and staff provided input on exhibit development.
The goal of Discovery Park is to spark children’s interest in STEM learning. Children arrive through our museum doors with curious minds. Discovery Park can help keep that curiosity alive as they practice skills of observation, critical thinking, problem solving, and reasoning. These skills can be transferred to their homes, backyards, schools, and future jobs.
Muncie Children’s Museum invites you to come aboard this great adventure! Your gift will support our goal of $3 million - allowing us to provide education-rich opportunities to children through intentionally designed spaces that combine fun and free-play with skill development.