Children’s Museum introduces new name, opening date
SIOUX CITY – The Children’s Museum of Siouxland introduced a new brand name and announced that it has begun membership sales.
The museum will be known as LaunchPAD Children’s Museum. It will open on Feb. 11, 2016, at 623 Pearl Street in downtown Sioux City.
The “PAD” in LaunchPAD stands for “play and discover.” According to Executive Director Bob Fitch, “The Board of Directors chose the new name to signify learning taking flight in a fun way. We are not a museum in a traditional sense and the new name helps to reflect that. Children and their families will have a chance to learn while they play at LaunchPAD. All of our exhibits are hands-on and interactive, allowing kids to both play and discover new knowledge about science, technology, engineering and math.”
Imagining, problem solving, discovery, and open-ended exploration are encouraged at LaunchPAD, and objects and interactive components are presented in meaningful contexts. “When you see a child playing, you are watching a learning process,” said Fitch. “Play is a child’s work. They are engaging and experimenting with the world around them.”
The interactive exhibits help children understand themes of cause and effect. At the same time, the exhibits are purposefully open-ended to promote free exploration and creativity. Young people will learn how to harness and manipulate the power of wind and water; gain a greater understanding of the farm-to-table journey of food; identify their place in our diverse world, and actively design and build structures.
Admission for ages 1-65 will be $8 per person. Admission for senior citizens over age 65 and active military personnel will be $6 per person. Children under age 1 and teachers will be free with a valid school I.D.
Family membership is $85, and includes:
- Unlimited visits to the museum for one year for up to 2 adults living at the same address and all dependent children under age 18 residing in the same household.
- Special members-only preview days before the museum opens to the general public in February 2016.
- Members-only hours every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00-10:00 a.m. and at other special designated times.
- 2 free admission passes to bring a friend along.
- Advance notice and access to special events.
- Half price admission to more than 200 participating children’s museums across the country.
- 15% off birthday party room rentals.
- 15% off meeting room rental.
- 15% off renting the entire museum for an evening for your private group.
- “Members will be the first ones welcomed to the museum on the weekend before LaunchPAD opens to the general public,” Fitch said. “We think membership is a very affordable and exciting holiday gift for many families.”
Members also have the option to purchase an additional adult membership card for just $20. The extra card can be used by a grandparent or nanny when they accompany the family’s children to the museum.
Membership is available online at www.launchpadmuseum.com or by calling 712-224-2542.
LaunchPAD Children’s Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation. The $7 million project was funded by donations from individuals, corporations and foundations; plus investments from the city, county and state government.
About the Author
Thomas Ritchie I love food, cycling, family, music, social media and especially Sioux City. Got an idea for a story - shoot me a note at siouxcitynow1@gmail.com.
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