Opening on September 29th, “Run! Jump! Fly! Adventures in Action” at Kohl Children’s Museum features four adventure scenes, an action star training center and a toddler area. Each adventure scene provides an imaginative setting in which kids can try out a high-appeal physical activity and highlight a specific physical challenge that hones balance, strength, coordination or cardiovascular endurance.
Surfing and Snowboarding: Visitors don Hawaiian shirts or down-style vests, choose one of four balance boards – two basic and two advanced – and see how long they can stay on for the ride. A motion sensor triggers a two-minute video sequence that takes the riders through pine trees and past lakes as they snowboard down a mountain. Then the video takes the riders off the edge of a cliff and sailing into the clouds before landing as surfers in the ocean. The activity challenges and builds the riders’ balance.
Kung Fu Forest: Visitors enter a clearing in a bamboo forest and begin the kung fu session with a bow to show the three principles of kung fu: strength, peace and respect. Three lantern posts display instructional images of kung fu animal stances – still, “ready” positions inspired by the rooster, the snake and the tiger. After visitors try the animal stances, they can push a button to trigger a sequence of lightbox images that guide the participant from still poses into a flow-of-action. The panels also illustrate the cultural origins of kung fu and other martial arts.
Climbing Canyon: A trailhead marker introduces four different trails: the Toddler Trail, Beginners’ Bend, Rugged Ridge and the Extreme Expanse. Visitors of varying skill and ability levels successfully traverse the trails to safely explore a cave holding a hidden treasure. Hand and footholds guide the visitors across the horizontal walls. The climbing canyon shows visitors how lifting and holding up their own body weight is a valid strength-building activity.
Flycycle Sky: Visitors merge their imagination with physical activity when they strap on a bike helmet and climb on one of the exhibits flycycles. These stationary bikes with wings or propellers each face a cloud-shaped panel. For every few rotation of the wheels, a star lights up in the sky. The flycycles vary in form: one is a tandem bike with a recumbent seat in front, an upright in back and two pairs of wings above; another is a hand-pedaled chariot with an overhead propeller.
Action Star Training: The action star training center provides challenges to visitors that focuses on balance, strength, coordination and cardiovascular and muscular endurance by teaching them simple activities that families can do at home.
- At the Yoga Station, visitors try out the tree pose and the cat stretch, as well as learn the origins of yoga.
- At the Strength Center, a kid-friendly interpretation of gym equipment, visitors experiment with upper- and lower-body strength. They can try out monkey bars, leg presses, self-weighted rowers and adaptive chin-ups.
- In the Dance Club, visitors choose dance moves and music to get their heart pumping, going freestyle or following the dancer on the screen.
For more information, visit the Museum’s website at www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org or call (847) 832-6600. The Museum is open on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (open until 5 p.m. June through August), Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Special members-only hours are from Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Admission prices are $11 for children and adults and $10 for senior citizens. Children under 1 year old and members are free.
We LOVE visiting Kohl Children’s Museum and can’t wait to check it out during Charlie’s next break from school! I think my boys would LOVE the Climbing Canyon!
Which new element is your favorite?
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