About the Museum
The Don and Barbara Smith Children’s Museum exists to further Center in the Square’s mission to enhance education, economic development and quality of life. Kids Square is a premier destination where families come together to EXPLORE, PLAY and LEARN in a hands-on learning environment.
MUSEUM EXHIBITS
Sponsored by American Electric Power Foundation, American National Bank, Carilion Clinic, Cox Communications, Kroger, Grand Home Furnishings, Honeytree, Miracle Ear and Berglund Automotive
Role play as a banker, cashier, doctor, mechanic and more in our kid-sized town.
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Sponsored by Lowe’s, FarmBurguesa, Blue Cow Ice Cream, and Papa’s Pizza
Visit the newest part of our town – Tiny Town! Featuring local restaurants and more.
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Sponsored by The Beirne Carter Foundation, Tonie’s RV Salem VA, Once Upon A Child Towne Square, Berglund Center and Wisler Plumbing
Tree forts, a rock climbing wall, hobbit houses and camping are activities to get little ones moving.
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THE STAGE
Sponsored by Berglund Center
The stage is ready for imaginative play through song, dance, or role play. Dress-up is temporarily unavailable at the stage.
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SENSORY HALLWAY
Sponsored by Wells Fargo
This area is specifically designed for our sensory-sensitive friends but is enjoyable for children of any age or development level. Cause and effect lighting, dim atmosphere and tactile walls help generate involvement.
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SENSORY HIDEOUT
Sponsored by The Smith Family
This area is specifically designed for our sensory sensitive friends but is enjoyable for children of any age or development level. Cause and effect lighting, dim atmosphere and tactile walls help generate involvement.
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THE DIG PIT
The Dig Pit is designed to offer children a sandbox experience using rubber pellets rather than sand for a more enjoyable play time. Buckets, hand shovels, and rakes along with dump trucks and sand wheels enhance the experience.
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GLOW ROOM
Enjoy the wonder and magic of glow-in-the-dark, hands-on activities.
Meet Our Staff
Felicia Branham
Executive Director
Felicia is an educator that has been creating programs and designing spaces specifically for children since 2005. She has received local and regional awards for character and community partnership. It is her personal passion to educate, and she believes there is nothing more rewarding than children learning through hands-on play.
Veronika Geier
Educator
Veronika was born and raised in Germany. She received two degrees in Early Childhood Education in 1987 and moved to the United States in 1998. She has used her creativity to educate and teach in preschools and after school programs. As a mother of two children, Veronika is very passionate and excited to be a part of creating the exhibits and educational programming for Kids Square.