world class children’s museum in Medford
The campaign to build a
MOUNTAINS & FOREST
A mini-Bronco stands as an enticing icon to Mountains & Forest. Budding naturalists pretend to drive the vehicle and are well prepared for adventure with the safety supplies stored in back. The “mountain climber” dramatically evokes the vertical landscape and kids can reach new heights, as they traverse levels and explore platform trails inside the mesh-enclosed structure.
One path on the climbing structure leads to a rescue helicopter, a perfect perch to spot friends below, wave to caregivers, and imagine flying over the forest.
Here are a few of the new exhibits* we have planned for our new location:
*Subject to change
FARM TO TABLE
The barn and hay loft are the signal that this exhibit is all about growing things to eat. Adults can rest on haybale benches as kids climb to the top of an exhibit and slide down to a cluster of farm activities.
They plant and pick veggies in garden plots and collect pears from orchard trees. Kids transport produce on a conveyor belt and load crates and wheelbarrows for delivery to the farmers market. Three stalls let kids work at cash registers and bins, and sell more Oregon-based foods and plants: grapes, peaches, cherries, asparagus, pumpkin, squash, zucchini, honey, and lavender are all among the local products for sale.
BRAIN FOREST AND PROGRAM SPACE
Kids will continue on to the bright open play space! Stylized trees define the Brain Forest, where body and mind are engaged in equal measure. A flexible program space is available for classes and events, and, a dynamic scarf wall is backed by natural light from windows. Kids can wave at the museum staff at the central desk, and continue on to find all kinds of opportunities to play and learn.
The Brain Forest invites big body movement with changing exhibits such as an obstacle course, climbing wall, gym mats, wedges, puzzles, oversized chess board, and punching bag. Plentiful storage makes this and the program space flexible. Kids may join nimble ninja or soulful yoga programs. Sometimes an accordion door will stretch across, dividing the programming space for classes, events, or community gatherings.
