I recently visited the Waco Children’s Museum at Mayborn Museum Complex in Waco, Texas, and was thoroughly impressed with the experience. The Mayborn Museum Complex is a combination of a natural history museum, a historic village, and a children’s discovery center. It is located on the Baylor University campus in the heart of Waco on the banks of the Brazos River.
The museum is an excellent resource for families looking for things to do with their kids in Central Texas. The natural history museum features exhibits on dinosaurs, fossils, and wildlife native to Texas. The historic village is a replica of Waco’s early settlement, and it includes several buildings that visitors can explore, such as a general store, a blacksmith shop, and a one-room schoolhouse. The children’s discovery center is a hands-on learning experience that engages kids in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities.
History of Waco Children’s Museum
I am excited to share with you the fascinating history of the Waco Children’s Museum. The museum was established in 1997 and is located within the Mayborn Museum Complex in Waco, Texas. The Mayborn Museum Complex is a part of Baylor University and is dedicated to preserving and sharing the natural and cultural history of Central Texas.
The Waco Children’s Museum has been a popular destination for families with children for over two decades. The museum features a wide range of exhibits and activities designed to engage and educate children of all ages. The exhibits are designed to be interactive and hands-on, allowing children to explore and learn in a fun and engaging way.
One of the unique features of the Waco Children’s Museum is the sixteen Discovery Rooms. These rooms are designed to be mini-museums within the larger museum and are dedicated to specific topics such as science, art, and history. Each room is filled with hands-on exhibits and activities that allow children to explore and learn about the topic in a fun and engaging way.
Over the years, the Waco Children’s Museum has continued to evolve and grow. In 2017, the museum underwent a major renovation that added new exhibits and updated existing ones. The museum also expanded its educational offerings, providing a wide range of programs and workshops for children and families.
Overall, the Waco Children’s Museum has been an important part of the Waco community for over two decades. It has provided countless children with the opportunity to learn and explore in a fun and engaging way. If you are ever in the Waco area, I highly recommend visiting the Waco Children’s Museum and experiencing all that it has to offer.
Waco Children’s Museum Exhibits
As someone who has visited the Waco Children’s Museum, I can say that there are plenty of fun and educational exhibits and displays for kids of all ages.
Interactive Exhibits
One of the things that makes the Waco Children’s Museum so special is its interactive exhibits. Kids can learn about science, history, and culture through hands-on experiences. For example, the Jeanes Discovery Center is a popular exhibit that teaches kids about the natural world through interactive displays and activities. Kids can explore a cave, learn about local wildlife, and even climb inside a giant treehouse.
Another popular exhibit is the Historic Village, which is a replica of a 19th century Texas town. Kids can visit a general store, schoolhouse, and even a jail. They can also learn about the lives of early pioneers and what it was like to live in Texas during the 1800s.
Educational Exhibits
In addition to the interactive exhibits, the Waco Children’s Museum also has a number of educational exhibits that teach kids about science, history, and culture. For example, the Natural History exhibit features displays about dinosaurs, fossils, and other prehistoric creatures. Kids can learn about the different types of dinosaurs that roamed Texas millions of years ago and see real fossils up close.
The museum also has an exhibit dedicated to the history of Dr. Pepper, which was first produced in Waco in the late 1800s. Kids can learn about the history of the iconic soda and even sample different flavors at the Taste Test exhibit.
Overall, the Waco Children’s Museum is a great place for families to visit. With its interactive and educational exhibits, kids can have fun while learning about the world around them.
Waco Children’s Museum Events
As a visitor to the Waco Children’s Museum, you’ll find a variety of events and programs that cater to all ages. Here are some of the highlights:
Seasonal Events
The museum hosts several seasonal events throughout the year, including a Halloween Spooktacular, a Holiday Extravaganza, and a Spring Fling. These events are designed to be fun for the whole family and often include special activities, crafts, and games. Check the museum’s website or social media pages for more information on upcoming seasonal events.
Educational Programs
The Waco Children’s Museum is committed to providing educational programs that are both fun and informative. The museum offers a variety of programs throughout the year, including:
- Storytime: Join us for a story and a craft every Monday.
- Design Den: Come and explore our makerspace every Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Native American Heritage Series: Learn about indigenous culture and history with this ongoing series.
- Summer Camps: We offer a variety of summer camps for kids of all ages, from science and technology to art and music.
In addition to these regular programs, the museum also offers field trips for schools and homeschool groups. These field trips are a great way to enhance classroom learning and provide hands-on experiences for students.
Overall, the Waco Children’s Museum is a great place to visit for families and educators alike. With its fun and educational events and programs, there’s always something new to discover.
Waco Children’s Museum Visitor Info
If you are planning to visit the Waco Children’s Museum, here is some important information you should know.
Opening Hours
The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and on Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm. It is closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Ticket Pricing
The ticket prices for the Mayborn Museum Complex are as follows:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | $10.00 |
| Senior Citizens (65+) | $9.00 |
| Children (2-12) | $8.00 |
| Baylor University Students and Faculty (with ID) | Free |
| Active Military (with ID) | Free |
Group rates are also available for groups of 15 or more people. Please note that prices are subject to change without notice.
The museum accepts cash, checks, and major credit cards for payment. If you are a member of the Association of Children’s Museums, you can receive free admission to the Waco Children’s Museum.
I hope this information helps you plan your visit to the Waco Children’s Museum. Don’t forget to check out the museum’s website for any updates or changes to the opening hours and ticket prices.
Engaging with Waco Children’s Museum
As a community-focused museum, the Mayborn Museum Complex in Waco offers many opportunities for volunteers to get involved and contribute to our mission of promoting education and fostering a love of learning in children.
Volunteer Opportunities
We welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to join us in a variety of roles, such as exhibit guides, event assistants, and administrative support. Volunteers can gain valuable experience working in a museum setting, meet new people, and make a positive impact on the community. We offer flexible schedules and training to ensure that volunteers feel comfortable and confident in their roles.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please visit our website or contact us directly to learn more about our current opportunities and requirements.
Community Outreach
In addition to welcoming volunteers, the Mayborn Museum Complex also strives to engage with the community through outreach programs and events. We partner with local schools, libraries, and organizations to provide educational resources and activities that promote STEM learning, cultural awareness, and creativity.
Some of our outreach programs include:
- Traveling exhibits that bring museum-quality displays to schools and community centers
- Science and art workshops that allow children to explore and experiment in a hands-on environment
- Family-friendly events that celebrate holidays, cultural traditions, and local history
We believe that by working together with the community, we can create a brighter future for children and inspire a lifelong love of learning. If you are interested in partnering with us for an outreach program or event, please contact us to learn more.
Future Plans for Waco Children’s Museum
As a frequent visitor of the Waco Children’s Museum, I am excited to share with you their future plans. The museum is always looking for new ways to engage and educate children in Central Texas, and they have some exciting plans in the works.
One of their main goals is to expand the museum’s outdoor exhibits. Currently, they have a few outdoor exhibits, but they are looking to add more. The museum hopes to create a natural play area where children can explore and learn about the environment. They also plan to add more interactive exhibits that focus on science and technology.
Another exciting plan for the museum is to expand their programming. They are looking to offer more educational programs for children of all ages. The museum already offers a variety of programs, including storytime, design den, and summer camps. However, they hope to expand their offerings to include more hands-on activities and workshops.
The museum is also looking to update some of their existing exhibits. They want to ensure that their exhibits are not only fun but also educational and up-to-date. They plan to work with experts in various fields to ensure that their exhibits are accurate and informative.
Overall, the Waco Children’s Museum has some exciting plans for the future. I am looking forward to seeing how they continue to grow and provide educational opportunities for children in Central Texas.