Children’s Museum of South Carolina Makes Learning Fun

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Just because the kids are out of school doesn't mean they have to stop learning. The Children's Museum of South Carolina in Myrtle Beach provides a great place for kids to get creative, use their imaginations and have a good time.

Perfect for rainy days or for a change of pace from the waterslides and roller coasters, the Children’s Museum of South Carolina is both entertaining and educational. Of course, the latter might come across as a dirty word to kids fresh out of school for the summer. But don’t tell them they might learn something and they won’t know any better. Besides, they will be having too much fun to worry about the educational aspects of the museum.

Located across Oak Street from the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, this 7,500 square foot facility features more than 100 interactive displays that allow kids to get a hands-on experience at a variety of play stations that explore the realms of art, science, nature and more. Designed to spark the minds of ages ranging from toddlers to pre-teens, the Children’s Museum of South Carolina has a wide array of exhibits to grab a kid’s interest and hopefully have a lasting impression as they develop their understanding of the world around them and how it works.

The Children’s Museum of South Carolina recently underwent major renovations to even more attractions and exhibits to the already impressive collection. One of the most popular new additions, Discover SC, focuses on the natural history of the Palmetto State and environmental issues facing it and the world. The display includes a collection of various species of animals that are native to the state, including birds, snakes and turtles that kids can get up close and personal with some of the creatures.

The creative arts center gives children the materials and space to show off their artistic sides in the arts and crafts studio. Watch as they transform a blank canvas into a painting or picture in a real-life art studio, and older kids can use scissors, paste and construction paper to make their own masterpieces. Youngsters can also play with some unique toys that snap together to create a wide range of items, from trucks to stick houses, and improve word and verbal skills by playing with moveable letters, words and phrases on a poster board.

Kids also can pretend to be grown-ups and role play such professions as doctor, dentist, banker and even pizza delivery driver in the career center. For an additional fee, children can take part in gem mining or help design their own T-shirt. There are also various special events scheduled throughout the week, including the Tales for Tots story time sessions on Tuesdays and a full day of games and activities on Fun Fridays.

Among the many other exhibits include a school bus where kids can ride along while watching cartoons and singing along to songs; a miniature theater where children can use hand puppets to put on plays and interact with one another; a scale model of a city where kids pedal a stationary bike to power the pint-sized trains, lights and traffic signals; a small boat where children can float and pretend to sail the seven seas; and a bubble machine that allows youngsters to surround themselves in a giant bubble.

CMSC is open Monday through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $8 for ages 2 and up and free for children under 2. For more information or a schedule of activities, call 843-946-9469 or visit the website at www.cmsckids.org.

 

(Posted: 5/29/15)