Museum of Play

One of my favorite adventures of our trip to NY was going to the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester. We went with my sister-in-law Amy and my nephews and had a fun-filled day. There was something for everyone, from 2 to thirty-something...

Strong is the only museum in the world devoted to PLAY! Strong National Museum of Play is an exciting, hands-on, welcoming place to play, learn, and dream; a place to pretend, wonder, and explore; a place to discover the past and imagine the future; and a place to rekindle memories and make new ones. Strong is the only museum in the world dedicated solely to the study of play as it illuminates American culture. (Strong National Museum of Play)

There was so much to see and do...we really needed a week to take it all in and experience everything the museum had to offer but we only had one day so here is what we experienced. No doubt about it-we will be back!!!

Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden, "a lush rain-forest environment and walk among approximately 800 brilliantly-colored, free-flying tropical and native butterflies that flutter about ."

This almost didn't happen because Sprite was eating a snack right before we were about to enter but you can't take food in with you so I had to put it away and, oh my goodness, you would have thought I took her hand with it the way she screamed and carried on! She is a lot like her momma when it comes to food- don't try to come between her and her food! We had timed tickets though so it was now or never. My sister-in-law Amy was so sweet and held Sprite while she was having her temper tantrums that day and let everyone think she was hers so I could have a break from the drama and the stares!!! Thanks Aunt Mamey! Once we got inside though, Sprite was so distracted by the hundreds of butterflies that we were able to enjoy the Dancing Garden!

Super Kids Market This was a Mini Wegmans grocery store where the kids experienced the entire grocery shopping experience. They pushed miniature carts around to shop for their groceries, placed their items on a working conveyor belt, and scanned bar-coded products at working checkout registers. They also had fun producing their own cooking show in the WKID-TV station.

Sesame Street

Sunny day - Sweepin’ the clouds away,

On my way to where the air is sweet.
Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street.

Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog

Sprout and his cousin sorted and delivered mail at the Birdwell Island Post Office.

Kid to Kid

The kids really enjoyed this area as their imaginations got to run wild. They climbed aboard a whaling ship, solved mysteries like Sherlock Holmes, entered into a fairytale, and became wizards complete with crowns and wands.

"It is a happy talent to know how to play."
Ralph Waldo EmersonAmerican writer1803-1882