As you all may know, Tuesday is CDS dedicated Sister Day. KristieMiss and I try each week to plan something new and fun for our one day off together. Some Tuesdays workout better than others, but isn’t that how life goes? We have learned to roll with the punches. Living an hour apart always plays a role but we have just about mastered the travel time and traffic. (Oh! My! Goodness!)
This week we decided to find a learning center for Precious-One. He is already a member of the Jacksonville Zoo, which we love but on this day we needed something inside. A cold front had come though in Florida, and being true “Chicks Down South” we wanted to stay in the warm zone. This means we are not up for anything outside if we can’t wear our flip flops. So an inside activity was on the agenda where it would prove warm and wonderful.
After doing a little research in our area, we located a non-profit called Jacksonville “Hands On” Children’s Learning Museum (JHOCLM). It was a drop-in activity center which made it super easy for us to just swing in whenever. We did not know what to expect but we are always up for new adventures. We have learned that it’s not always about what we like but what the little one enjoys so while the activities were buttons and levers, we were good to go because he was all about pushing and pulling them.
We arrived at JHOCLM around 1:00pm and did not leave until 2:30pm. Honestly, we could have stayed longer but the baby got a bit cranky due to hunger. While they do allow lunches to be brought in and a picnic patio is provided, we again, couldn’t wear flip flops so us chicks stayed inside, Since food accommodations weren’t provided inside we were forced to make way towards an eatery. In the future, I’ll better pack a snack in the cooler for such an event.
The Museum was filled with many things to do for kids of all ages. There were twenty main exhibits and several eye-hand coordination activities. This not-for-profit corporation operates strictly on entrance fees, sponsorships and donations. I do have to say there slogan fit them perfectly “Where learning is child’s play! Here are a list of just exhibits:
Kids NASA – There is a space capsule and area you can name the planets.
Little Vets – Be sure to dress up like a veterinarian. They have stuffed animals for you to pretend work on, crates to put the stuff animals in, x-rays to examine and more…
Lil’ Winn Dixie Grocery – This was my favorite area. Kids can play as a cashier, shop or stock shelves. The conveyor belt even works! (“Speed it up!)
Jacksonville Fire Department – Climb in to a 12′ fire truck. Be sure to checkout the ramp and do not forget to slide down the fire pole.
Jacksonville “Hands on” Children’s Museum allows children of all ages to discover through role play, problem solving, observation and more. It is a fun place for children and their family. In this day and age social skills are important and this place will definitely help any child develop that.
Hours of operation
Monday – Saturday 9:30 – 5:00
Admission
$4.00 ages 1-3
$5.50 ages 4 & up including adults
They have group rates avaliable
Membership program is a great way to visit more often. Make sure call or drop in for details
If you are looking for a unique and fun place for your child to have his or her party, look no further.
All-in-all Sister Day was a success. We will certainly visiting again. On a scale from 1 – 10 (10 being excellent) I would rate this place 8 for my 15 month old child. He was very entertained and we enjoy a ton of hands-on learning opportunities. He stayed busy for over 90 minutes without boredom.
If you do not live in the Jacksonville area you should try to research places similar for your child.
Katie Girl
