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Kids Dig `Sandasaurus' Exhibit: Children Can Become a Dinosaur or Discover a Few at Children's Museum of Cleveland

Posted on: Thursday, 19 January 2006, 09:00 CST

By The Akron Beacon Journal, Ohio

Jan. 19--Got kids?

Moms of children 1 to 8 might enjoy a safari to the circus tent just south of University Circle, where an exhibit called Sandasaurus is sure to captivate imaginations.

The Children's Museum of Cleveland has become an old friend to youths in its 25 years near Wade Oval, where all the other museums seem to be.

The venue outgrew several pairs of shoes along the way, and its last physical move was supposed to be temporary housing in a former Howard Johnson's building, but something clicked. The space had charm, intimacy and uniqueness. The operation ultimately expanded on the site instead of shuffling along.

Still, it needed a touch of something.

To add visual distinction, architects erected a structure that looks like a circus tent with two spires overhead. Flags flutter in the wind on the peaks so you can't miss it as you approach on Euclid Avenue.

Kids squeal with delight when they pick it up on their radar.

There's always something going on in this world downsized for shortstops, where absolutely everything is interactive, and mom never has to say no in behalf of pristine walls or valuable furniture. Water is for splashing and sand for digging, and messes are encouraged. It's the kiss of summertime with unabashed abandon.

"We often get calls, `Well how long does it take to walk through?' " said Leland Merk, director of operations. "It's not a walk-through museum. Nothing is predetermined."

Children touch and feel and dive in. It's all about creative play. The experience follows their imaginations as they discover more about the world and interact with other kids they've never met.

"We have four exhibit rooms," said Merk. "One is a `Big Red Barn' based on the children's book. I like it because it's geared to younger children (4 and younger). It features big stuffed animals."

Cows moo and pigs oink and young harvesters can pluck apples attached by Velcro to a tree. Some kids have never picked from any other orchard.

Another exhibit room, called Splish Splash!, is devoted to the Earth's water cycles and water transportation.

Kids can thunder into playtime by sliding into the desk of a news anchor or stepping into the meteorologist's circle.

How many children can appreciate the price of a Fudgsicle?

Get 'em started.

In another exhibit, Bridges to Our Community, kids fill their carts and check out groceries, go to the bank with practically real money, pump their own gas, drive an RTA bus and purchase a ticket at an airline counter.

The aforementioned main exhibit, a wintertime ritual with a new presentation every season, is Sandasaurus.

"Our `Sandasaurus' is a combination of 60 tons of sand and dinosaurs," an irresistible combination, said Merk.

Kids can forge their futures in base camp just like real paleontologists. You never know when Earth will cough up a treasure on a dig site, home to rare and priceless make-believe fossils. Dinosaur wannabes can satisfy their hidden urges to dress in costume and roar while they ferret through the treasures.

Organized activities are scheduled practically every day. Programs on riddles and rhymes, storytelling, animals, art and crafts are ongoing. Some are included with the price of admission; others may include a nominal fee.

"One year we had a beach theme," said Merk. "Some of the kids had never seen a beach before.... That's the great thing about the museum. We are leading them into a lifelong museum experience. They are discovering the world and learning through play.

"It's also one of the few places kids of that age can interact with people of all different backgrounds. They're all playing together in one spot... doing all the things kids should do when they're little."

Connie Bloom is an Akron Beacon Journal staff writer. Call her at 330-996-3568 or e-mail her at cbloom@thebeaconjournal.com.

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Akron Beacon Journal, Ohio

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Source: Akron Beacon Journal (Akron, Ohio)

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