By Harriet Monzon-Aguirre
Going to the Great Explorations Children’s Museum
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Visiting the Safety Harbor Library and requesting a Museum Pass for one of nine brilliant museums in Pinellas County is how I imagine Charlie felt when he won the golden ticket to see Willy Wonka’s factory. There is a rush of excitement to choose a museum, pick up a pass – and head out on a new adventure. On this occasion we went to see Maurus the Explorasaurus at the Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Pete.
As soon as we entered the main space known as Explorers Cove, my two eldest clambered up what appeared to be suspended surfboards. I sat back and enjoyed watching them improve their climbing skills, and they were enraptured by the maze of nets and slides in the coastal-themed treehouse for a good 20 minutes. Meanwhile my youngest, Thomas, stimulated his tactile senses with a synthetic sandbox on the side.
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After they grew tired of climbing and sifting sand, we explored the different “exhibits” or stations surrounding the center tree. Each exhibit was themed on different professions. Meteorologist, Veterinarian, Grocery store cashier, Firefighter, Doctor, Artist – we enjoyed each and every one. My kids are still at an age where they love to play dress-up, so they jumped right into the costumes and immersed their imaginations completely.
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William really enjoyed the big version of the classic family game “Operation” and had fun with the disappearing trick on the green screen of the Spectrum News station.
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Madeline took great joy in caring for animals in the Vet exhibit and babies in the Medical exhibit. Thomas spent ages honing his fine motor skills on the peg board in the Visual Arts exhibit.
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When I asked William and Maddie what their favorite part of the museum was, they both declared “Everything!”
An extra bonus of visiting Great Explorations is the museum is located steps away from another St. Petersburg treasure, the Sunken Gardens.
We can’t wait to get our next Museum pass and see what else Pinellas County has to offer.
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greatex.org
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Originally published on the Bahia-Studios blog
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