DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - As the weather gets colder, you may be looking for ways to keep your kids entertained, while they learn at the same time. At the Children's Museum of Illinois (CMOFIL) the opportunities for fun and learning are endless.
"We say kids learn best when they're just having fun and so that's what we are all about here at the museum," said Rikki Parker, Executive Director or CMOFIL. "We're about making sure that the kids are enjoying what they're doing and allowing them to explore at their own pace and in their own time. "
Parker said the museum has exhibits designed for kids from ages zero to 13. Each of the exhibits has learning incorporated in it somehow.
At the gear wall, kids can spin the individual gears and see how it turns the ones next to it. They can practice assembling rows of gears, to see how different sized gears work together.
On the water table, the kids learn about water flow, currents, and other important structures.
Parker said a favorite for kids is the climbing structure, which stretches on two floors and helps the kids learn in a variety of ways.
"They're learning cognitive skills as they teach themselves how to navigate through the structure, because there are multiple ways that they can get through it," said Parker. "They're learning communication and collaboration skills as they navigate the structure while other climbers are in there as well. They're learning gross motor skills and they're also learning healthy risk tolerance."
Parker says these skills are helpful for the kids as they grow up and learn more about themselves and the world they live it.
To learn more about a membership to the museum, or learn about STEM events happening there, check out the CMOFIL website.
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