The Strong Museum in Rochester, New York is opening a new permanent exhibit – one that will inspire children to create and dream.
Imagination Destination is an interactive exhibit where young visitors to the museum can be an astronaut, command a space ship – the U.S.S. Strong – like Captain Kirk, fly a rescue helicopter like Prince William, help construct a house, and become the next big movie or Broadway star.
The U.S.S. Strong allows visitors to sit in the captain’s chair, work the controls, issue orders to the crew, and even see the ship “fly” through space at light speed.
The emergency rescue helicopter features working controls to head off for a sea rescue and a slide down into the ocean to make the rescue…but be careful…there may be sharks!
Dirt hounds can don the hard hat and help to build a house or go underground to inspect the sewer system and make repairs.
Budding divas can don a costume and take the stage for a performance. The stage set includes lights and sound – even applause. Or hit the dance floor and choreograph the next great dance routine complete with a variety of music.
There is even an area for the wee ones to get a head start on building their imagination skills. The area features a honeycomb maze, plush bumblebees, grass, daisies, and bunnies.
The new Imagination Destination also includes a rope maze, slide, climbing deck, and an area for doing the moon walk – like a real astronaut.
Imagination Destination opens on March 10.
The Strong is open from 10am to 5pm Monday thru Thursday, 10am to 8pm on Saturday, and from noon to 5pm on Sunday.
Entry to The Strong is free for members and children under the age of two, all others are $15. Entry to the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden is an addition $4 for members and $5 for non members. Children under the age of two are free.
Also coming to The Strong…
The Superheroes return to The Strong on March 24 and 25 with Spider-Man and Captain America.
Spider-Man swings in to The Strong on March 24 from 10am to 5pm. Spidey will be available for photos but tickets are required for photo ops. Tickets are free and will be available one hour prior to the event.
Captain America marches his way in to The Strong on March 25 from noon to 4:30pm. There will be an opportunity for photos with Captain America but tickets are required – tickets are free and will be available one hour prior to the even.
Other activities offered during Superheroes Weekend are a chance to meet Princess Presto from “Super Why!”, create a Superhero headband, and get some artistic advice from local artisans.
The Strong has an answer to what to do with the kids during the Easter break March 30 thru April 8 with Family Game Break Week. The museum will feature a variety of craft and activity stations around the museum including a shape memory game, a cooking game, decorating silly faces and constructing a space ship using stickers.
Join the animals for an adventure at Story Quest on April 28 as they travel through a magical forest and learn the meaning of friendship.
photos courtesy of The Strong in Rochester, New York