Great Destination for Kids

Looking for a great place to take your kids? Try the Hands On! Regional Museum in Johnson City, Tennessee. This museum features plenty of opportunities for kids to explore and learn. The exhibits will keep them busy and having fun for hours. There are numerous permanent exhibits and special events. The Eastman Discovery Lab is an exhibit for all age kids and adults. This is a great way to learn about science, and kids can create silly putty, explore the magic of air pressure, witness an erupting volcano, and enjoy something called "pirate science.'' The program incorporates space lessons, biology, chemistry, and earth science.

Also popular is the museums Get Moving exhibit. This is a way for little mechanics to explore under the hood of a car. Kids can learn about vehicle safety features, study the history of the automobile, and try out the flashing light on an emergency vehicle. The Ark exhibit takes kids on an exploration of animal life. Children will learn all about their favorite animals from where they live and eat, to what humans can do to protect the environment in which these animals live. Kids will be amazed at the animal life on display, from the Kodiak bear meant to welcome visitors to the polar bear peeking out from the corner of the display.

The Alive and Well exhibits is a popular one for kids interested in biology and ecology. Kids can spend time with live animals like iguanas, snakes, salt water fish, and tree frogs. Kids can crawl under the large aquarium and learn about the science of aquatic life. The Cool Clear Water exhibit teaches how important a healthy environment is for the fish they have just explored. Kids will learn about the water cycle, conservation, erosion, and water management. Kids of all ages will love this exhibit.

With these and tons of other great exhibits, the museum is an excellent place for a party. Parties can be basic or feature specific themes for an extra fee. Birthday parties include 45 minutes of play time in the party room, a cake, ice cream, and punch, flatware, souvenirs for all attendees, a t-shirt for the birthday child, and admission to the museum. The party will be set up and cleaned up by museum staff. For a special touch, add a dinosaur or princess theme to your party. The price includes admission for up to 15 children.

The museum also features kids camps, camp ins, group visits and field trips, and material that can be used in a classroom for teaching. The museum sends out a home school newsletter that is filled with educational material for home schooled kids. There are also numerous programs throughout the month designed to help parents put together an interesting, fun curriculum for their children. The museum's distance learning program brings museum staff into the classroom so kids can learn onsite in their own environment. Outreach programs are great for church programs, festivals, seminars, and childcare centers. These 30 minute programs feature lessons about bugs, health, art, and more. If you are looking for a diverse museum that will impress kids and adults, head to the Hands On! Regional Museum.