Getting Creative
In the Children’s Museum, students’ creativity is encouraged to run wild in exhibits like the model neighborhood and dress-up theatre. Play and learning are closely connected at any age, but especially at younger ages. In the model neighborhood, kids do what they do best when given a mock world to run; they mimic. Mimicry is a great way for children to get their bearings on social norms they might not fully understand, but can practice to learn. Dress-up theatre flexes the opposite muscle of mimicry, encouraging students to put on their biggest personalities and create the most intense worlds they can imagine. Creativity is about knowing the rules so that you know how to push them.
Play & STEM
STEM lives in playful, interactive exhibits that get the body and brain in sync as you observe the world. In a model of Maine’s mountainous region, visit the fish that live in Maine’s waterways, climb a mountain, and see the creatures that live at the bottom of mountain lakes. Water habitats are part of what makes Maine so special.
Students can get hands-on with light in the Illumination exhibit. In the dark, one must make it to the wall and create a dazzling design. Further into the exhibit, students can manipulate shadows and discover the building blocks of light.
Outdoor Exploration
The gathering area outside the Children’s Museum is a great spot for a picnic or to enjoy the sun before heading inside. Outdoor Adventure, unlike the gathering area, is designed for folks to enjoy being outside; it houses multiple exhibits and a garden classroom. The Garden Classroom teaches students about everyday biology and ecology through the great power of gardening. Students learn about the ecosystems and food systems that make up Maine’s natural world.
Getting a Look
With the express goal of getting kids excited about learning and interacting with the world, the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine offers many ways for young students to get creative and engaged in learning. With three floors and an outdoor area, students can explore exhibits that teach them about the world, let them engage their dramatic side, and more.
Students visiting Maddy’s Theatre can cultivate an interest in theatre from an early age. Children’s theatre is a great way to get kids excited about performance and story on their level. Performances are about familiar characters and engage the audience through interaction.
