The Old Cypress Tree
OPENING SEPTEMBER 2010Half of Louisiana is timbered with an abundance of varied and beautiful trees, however the Cypress was designated a state tree in 1963. The Cypress grows in many areas of the state, particularly swampy areas. The base of the tree and its raised platform house many interesting facts and discoveries for the little visitors. This exhibit encourages quiet interaction and promotes book reading.
Tactile Tunnel
OPENING SEPTEMBER 2010Explore a multi-sensory, magical garden that’s designed just for our youngest visitors. Babies and toddlers can crawl into the peeper’s nest, scramble over roots, follow the glass river, crawl through the silo and enjoy the sounds and textures of falling leaves alongside the Bayou. Its features encourage children to explore different environments, tactile and sensory spaces and gross motor skills.
Donor Gear Clock
OPENING SEPTEMBER 2010This exhibit encourages interaction for children. It is playful, whimsical, fun and interesting to watch. There are many different levels of opportunity to be a gear sponsor.
Creation Station
OPENING SEPTEMBER 2010This versatile art center has plenty of workspace for the young artist and the colorful design provides instant inspiration! Perfect for all kinds of creative activities, the creation station has crayon and brush bins right at hand and ample storage for supplies. The long window acts as the perfect easel for painting on glass. Pedestrians will enjoy the sidewalk art show.
The Waterfront
OPENING SEPTEMBER 2010Shrimp, Shrimp, Shrimp! They are boiled, fried, stuffed, stewed in Creole Sauce and added to Louisiana gumbo and jambalaya. Shrimping has a long history in Louisiana. This kid-sized working pier and shrimp boat are sure to keep them busy working the day’s catch.
The Milking Cow and Strawberry Field
OPENING SEPTEMBER 2010This exhibit has been specifically designed to promote the knowledge and understanding of hand milking a cow for all ages. The strawberry field is designed to encourage kids to plant and pick strawberries along with other fruits and vegetables. A scarecrow with interchangeable outfits watches over the garden.
Vet Clinic
OPENING SEPTEMBER 2010This exhibit demonstrates a whole new way to view wellness! There are plenty of jobs to go around for our little caretakers. Use animal puppets to talk about feelings and creative ways to manage anger, frustration or loss in the Vet Clinic. See fascinating views of hair, bugs and skin under the microscope. Kids can pull on scrubs and role play with play animals.
The Green Grocer
A child can shop at a real working grocery store. Learn healthy eating habits and good nutrition. Learn about money by working with a real cash register, scanner and actual products on shelves. Learn organization skills through stocking products on store shelves.Ambulance
The Hammond Emergency Medical Services Ambulance educates visitors about emergency ambulance service to the City of Hammond. When someone calls 911 for a pretend medical emergency, the Hammond EMS role play ambulance sounds its siren and lights up for transporting the patient. The fully-loaded back end will fascinate all ages.Hot Air Balloon
If you simply want to enjoy the experience of flying, there’s nothing quite like it. Many people describe flying in a hot air balloon as one of the most serene, enjoyable activities they’ve ever experienced. This exhibit will give the illusion of flying without leaving the ground.Under Construction
Come join the crew! In the 10-foot-high, 2-story house, kids can panel a wall, connect plumbing fixtures, take measurements and build with blocks on a custom-designed building table featuring recessed lighting and mirrors.Rock Wall
Climbing is truly a sport for all ages. This climbing wall for children is perfect for schools as most kids have remarkable strength-toweight ratios, making them amazing natural climbers. Climbing at a young age helps bolster confidence and gives kids a way to stay fit while still having fun. Unlike many other competitive activities, climbing unites all participants, regardless of their skill level or experience.Block Buster
Build a skyscraper as tall as you are or a chair on which you can sit. Use your imagination to conceive an idea… then make it real. Children and adults alike will become architects, physicists, mathematicians and problem solvers in a gallery filled with foam blocks!Crane Command
Filled with fine and gross motor activities that build coordination and self-confidence, this openframed multi-level “crane” invites kids to transport lightweight foam bricks, collect and move bricks around the construction site using wheelbarrows, raise them to the top floor with a pulley and basket, or dump them down the demolition chute to a bin below. Children can slide down a slide, crawl under the floor and hide out, talk to other kids through PVC plumbing in the walls, turn on an oversized light switch or ring the warning alarm.Theater
The grand, vintage theater is the centerpiece of the performance gallery. The theater includes a center stage with working lights and curtains, backstage make-up room and seating for the crowds. Lights, camera, action!Music Factory
Immigrants from a variety of nations have added their music traditions to Louisiana’s rich cultural blend. It is no exaggeration to say that Louisiana is one of America’s richest sources of traditional ethnic music. This signature exhibit showcases the sounds of Louisianaby encouraging visitors to dance along to their selected song.
Aerobic Alley
This musical dance floor is a colorful, projected interactive floor that allows visitors to move with the light movements. As the visitor moves over the floor, it reacts with light and sound. The more aerobic you are, the more active the show becomes.Bubble Stations
OPENING SEPTEMBER 2010A variety of bubble-making components, from bubble wands to giant bubble machines, engage children in open-ended exploration and experimentation. Presented in a carnival-like setting, bubble stations offer children a chance to explore the science of bubbles.