The National Museum of American History has opened a new educational and play area for the youngest historian’s aged 0 to 6. This large indoor play area is opening just in time to give little ones a place to explore for the cold winter months.
Wegmans Wonderplace is big with six interactive exhibits. The centerpiece of the room is The Port and The Castle. The Port is a large ship that kids can captain with a real steering wheel and controls. Connected to the ship is The Castle, a tall climbing structure and slide designed just for the youngest kids. Any child would undoubtedly be happy spending hours climbing and sliding but there is a lot more to explore.
There is The Farm, an area where children can pick carrots and collect eggs that chickens lay after pulling a lever and that also includes a fruit and vegetable stand where kids can shop for apples, potatoes, oranges, and more. Next is The Kitchen, an area that is well-stocked with food, pots, and pans.
Other activities include The Gallery, where kids can look at portraits and then make their own by looking in a mirror and a fun Construction Site with 12 different types of blocks and various locks and handles for children to try.
There is even an enclosed area just for babies with rattle balls, stackers, and soft blocks. There is also a comfortable, well-stocked reading nook for kids who need a break from playing or that can be used to feed infants. Because Wegmans Wonderplace is housed in the American History Museum there are, of course, many artifacts related to the exhibit around the room to explore.
Wegmans Wonderplace is a fantastic new addition to indoor play options for little ones.
Additional Information
- Admission is free!
- Wegmans Wonderplace is open daily except Tuesdays and Christmas from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Stroller parking is available in the room.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Wegmans Wonderplace is next to a play area for older kids, Invention At Play.
- Food and drink is not allowed to be consumed in the Wegmans Wonderplace.
- Check out this link for other children’s activities at the American History Museum.
Photos courtesy of Jamie Davis Smith.