Museum for Children to Explore Indoors and Out

The Hands on Children's Museum was first opened in 1987 and serves the Southwest Washington region as a topnotch source of hands-on art and science learning. The museum started out in a small storefront location until moving to its current setting on State's Capitol Campus. After only three years in existence the Hands On accommodated more young people per square foot than other similar facilities in the Washington region. The museum has grown so rapidly, due primarily to its programs and reputation as a class operation, that it's outgrown its facilities three times in the past ten years. Another major relocation is on the horizon in 2011 when the Hands On moves to its biggest and hopefully best location. Due to $9 million in Public Facility District funds the Hand On will be constructing a brand new permanent location on Olympia's downtown harbor area.

The Hands On Children's Museum stimulates curiosity, creativity and learning through fun, interactive exhibits and programs for children, families and school groups. Hands On believes all children merit respect and a chance to be taught and that families are instrumental as the children's initial educators. The programs and participatory displays are intended to promote interaction and questions from the whole family. The museum stresses that learning occurs in a number of ways and experiential learning is crucial for maximizing brain development. Serving as an active partner with public schools, service clubs, public libraries, and other community organizations Hands On will bring quality, interactive education to the community.

The Museum's Art and Science of Sandcastles exhibit uses quality, sanitary sand that the youngsters pack and sculpt in their personal works of art. Experience has shown that the kids benefit most from the hands on approach to learning and Improves fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Sand play also helps children develop cognitive and social skills.

In the Backyard Wilderness area the children discover how their own yards can serve as home to local. The museum takes great pride in the care given to injured or orphaned animals in the Wildlife Rescue Center. Young guests get to climb and play in the Tree house while at the same time observing nature form up high or act out a wildlife play on the backyard stage complete with costumes and special effects.

Kids of all ages can pick from an enormous collection of new and recycled art supplies to express ideas and craft their personal works of art while in the Gallery. The Hand On staff is eager to lead the art sessions and make sure the youngsters are having fun. The Gallery is specifically designed for children up to age four and their parents with stations equipped with arts and crafts to stimulate an early interest in the various forms of art.

Until the new waterfront facility is opened in 2011 the management and staff of Hands On will continue to serve the Olympia community. The new, 27,000 sq. ft. Hands On location will allow the museum to serve an even greater number of families and continue to educate young people on the arts. The six major galleries with hundreds of exhibits will inspire the children and their families for years to come.