Exhibits
Construction Zone
Sponsored by Branch and Carter Machinery
Digger Operating Hours
Tuesday: 11:00am-12:00pm
Friday-Saturday: 11:00am-12:00pm & 3:00pm-4:00pm
Sunday: 3:00pm-4:00pm
In the Construction Zone, sponsored by Branch and Carter Machinery, kids can become a construction worker, an electrician, a plumber, a brick layer or an architect. They can learn SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, and MATH. They can also learn about team-building, problem-solving, and develop cognitive skills.
This exciting exhibit is perfect for little ones who love all things construction. Child-sized but lifelike equipment such as a pair of excavators, a nearby dump truck and crane, plus actual drills, hard hats and hammers, electrical circuits that can be created and connected, and houses designed to be torn down and rebuilt, are all features that are sure to inspire children to consider careers in the construction industry. The Construction Zone is the perfect platform for kids to explore, play and learn about real-life construction concepts and STEM careers.
S.T.E.A.M. City
Sponsored by American National Bank & Trust, Berglund Automotive, Carilion Children’s, Cox Communications, Fink’s Jewelers, Ivory on Campbell, Grand Home Furnishings, Honeytree Early Learning Center, Kroger, Henritze Dental Group, and Kartesz Family Eye Care
At the Kroger miniature grocery store, kids can become a cashier, stock person, or manager. They can learn TECHNOLOGY and MATH. They can also learn about proper nutrition and good food choices. With working scanners, tons of play food, and money, they will have a blast shopping for the items on their grocery list.
At the Cox Communications exhibit, kids can become a cable technician. They can learn SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY, coordination, and gross motor skills. Kids will scoop and fill buckets of rubber material that can be hoisted using a pully system onto a bucket truck ready for play.
At Grand Home Furnishings, kids can be a stay-at-home parent or work from home. They can learn MATH and learn to be creative, use their imagination, and gain social and emotional skills. The exhibit features a kids-size kitchen, pretend food, baby care items, and educational toys.
At Henritze Dental Group, kids can become a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant. They can learn SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, and MATH. This exhibit features a child-friendly dental chair, dentist’s chair, and play dental tools.
At Honeytree’s mini-preschool exhibit, kids can become a teacher or student. They can learn about SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ART and MATH. They can also learn social skills and empathy. The exhibit features a baby doll care center, STEAM activity center, security camera, and a check-in desk.
At Atlantic Union Bank, kids can become a banker. They can learn basic MATH and problem-solving skills. The exhibit features a drive-up window with a working teller station (pneumatic vacuum system), banker’s desk complete with a play computer, calculator, phone, ATM, and safety deposit boxes.
At Berglund Automotive, kids can become a mechanic. They can learn SCIENCE and ENGINEERING and also learn problem-solving, communication, social and cognitive skills. The exhibit features a kids-size car with removable tires, a diagnostic tool to help replace the battery and a filter.
At the salon, kids can become a salon owner, hair stylist, or cosmetologist. They can learn SCIENCE and MATH and to care for others, communicate better, and to become more social. This exhibit features play hair-styling tools, salon booths, and hair models.
At Fink’s Jewelers and Ivory on Campbell, kids can become a jeweler, gemologist, store owner, event coordinator, or a model. They can learn SCIENCE and MATH and build their social and emotional skills. The exhibit features a dressing room, a full-length mirror, jewelry counter, gem stacking, and more.
At Carilion Children’s, kids can become a doctor, a nurse, a lab technician, or an EMT. They can learn SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, and MATH and how to problem-solve and learn social and emotional skills. The exhibit features a hospital bed, incubator, MRI machine and an ambulance.
At Kartesz Eye Center, kids can become an optometrist. They can learn SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, and MATH and how to problem-solve, develop fine motor skills, and work with others. The exhibit showcases a giant eye for a fascinating visual experience.
Care Center
At our care center, little ones have the unique opportunity to adopt their very own baby doll or animal companion, forming an unbreakable bond that lasts throughout their museum exploration. From the moment they choose their friend, children embark on a captivating journey through our interactive exhibits, where their imaginations take flight, their nurturing instincts flourish, and endless hours of play and discovery await. Visit the Care Center, where every child becomes a caring caregiver, and the wonders of the museum come to life through the love and companionship of their adopted baby dolls and animals.
S.T.E.A.M. Town
Sponsored by Papa’s Pizza and Blue Cow Ice Cream
At our restaurant, kids can become a restaurant owner, cook, or server. They can learn MATH and how to be attentive to others, to listen, and to gain social and problem-solving skills. This exhibit features a kids-size griddle, menus, pretend food, cooking utensils, tables and chairs.
At the veterinary clinic, kids can become a veteranarian. They can learn TECHNOLOGY and MATH and also grow empathy and love. This exhibit features a hands-on experience with stuffed pets, a bathing station, and all the necessary tools to take care of furry friends.
At Papa’s Pizza, kids can become a restaurant owner, cook, or server. They can learn MATH and how to be attentive to others, to listen, and to gain social and problem-solving skills. This exhibit features a kids-size pizza oven, pizza assembly line, menus, pretend food, and a pass-thru window.
On Berglund Center’s stage, kids can become dancers, comedians, singers, or musicians! They can learn TECHNOLOGY and ART, be creative, and improve their communication and social skills. This exhibit features interactive music play, fabulous dress-up options, and a station to prepare for the big show.
At Blue Cow Ice Cream, kids can become a store owner or a manager. They can learn MATH and social and cognitive skills. This exhibit features an ice cream stand complete with play ice cream, scoops, and toppings.
The Forest
Sponsored by Tonie's RV Salem VA
Tonie’s RV is the ultimate kids-sized camper! Packed with camping tools, a pretend fire including s’mores, it’s a mini adventure waiting to happen. Get ready for endless fun in the great outdoors!
Step into the magical Forest Exhibit! This nature-themed playground invites kids to climb, slide, and explore. From a thrilling rock wall to exciting slides, it’s a forest adventure packed with fun!
Baby/Toddler Play Area
Sponsored by Once Upon a Child
Once Upon a Child’s Baby and Toddler Play area is a space perfect for little ones (2 and under) to explore in a safe environment, featuring a variety of interactive toys designed for them. It’s a shoe-off zone where crawling is encouraged!
Air Bernoulli's Principle Exhibit
Sponsored by Wisler Plumbing and Air
By utilizing plumbing pipes and air (see what we did there), we can create Bernoulli’s Principle.
The ball will fly up until it reaches a point of balance – this is where the force of gravity (which pushes the ball down) is equal to the force of the air (which is pushing the ball up). The ball stays within the column of air coming from the pipe because of the air pressure.
Fishing Boat Exhibit
Sponsored by Virginia's Outside Fishing Camp
Grab a kid-sized fishing pole and get ready to experience the thrill of fishing in our safe and playful setting. Kids will practice their casting skills and see if they can catch the “big one” as they enjoy endless hours of pretend fishing fun with all of their fishing essentials.
Train Table Exhibit
Sponsorship Available
Embark on a journey through winding tracks, bustling cities, and picturesque landscapes. Watch in awe as trains chug along, delivering goods and taking passengers to exciting destinations. With a variety of train models, you can learn about different types of locomotives and their unique features.
Designed with little engineers in mind, the Train Table Exhibit encourages problem-solving skills, creativity, and coordination. So, bring your friends and family, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of trains together!
Interactive Floor Game Exhibit
Sponsorship Available
Our state-of-the-art projector brings the floor to life, transforming it into a captivating playground filled with endless possibilities. Kids of all ages can jump, stomp, and play their way through a variety of thrilling games that are built right into the floor.
With each step, children unlock a new level of engagement as they interact with the virtual board. They can become a part of the game, using their agility and creativity to navigate challenges, solve puzzles, and discover hidden surprises.
It offers a safe and dynamic environment for kids to unleash their energy, enhance their motor skills, and foster social interaction. Whether they’re leaping over virtual obstacles, chasing animated characters, or engaging in friendly competitions, the fun never stops!
Sensory Hideout, Sensory Hallway, and the Glow Room
Sponsored by Wells Fargo, The Smith Family, and The Sam & Marion Golden Helping Foundation Inc.
Welcome to the Sensory Hideout and Hallway—an exhibit designed for children of all ages and developmental levels. Immerse yourself in a captivating atmosphere filled with cause and effect lighting, a dim ambiance, and tactile walls that ignite curiosity and engagement. The cozy and dimly lit environment of our hideout provides a calming retreat from the outside world. It’s a place where children can focus on their inner thoughts and feelings, allowing their imagination to roam free. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Our tactile walls beckon little hands to explore and uncover a world of textures and surprises. With each touch, children embark on a sensory journey, actively engaging their senses and fostering involvement.
The Glow Room is where the magic of glow in the dark and hands-on activities collide. Step into a world of radiant wonder, where imagination comes alive and excitement fills the air. Get ready to dive into a hands-on experience like no other. Engage your senses and let your creativity soar as you participate in a range of activities designed to ignite your imagination.
The Dig Pit
Sponsored by Steve and Joy Bowery
The Dig Pit at Kids Square is a specially designed play area aimed at providing a safe and engaging environment for kids to explore and have fun. The pit is filled with soft rubber sand, which offers a cushioned surface, reducing the risk of injuries while allowing children to freely dig, build, and play.
The rubber sand provides a tactile and sensory experience, encouraging children to use their imagination and creativity. They can enjoy the sensation of digging through the sand, creating shapes and patterns with their hands or using small shovels and buckets.
