The Williamson family spent the first day of spring hanging out at the Star City market at the Edwardsville Children's Museum. Claire, 5, did the shopping while Brett, 8, explored the kitchen. And 9-month-old Henry thought he'd taste a cucumber — even if it was plastic.
Parents Kay and Nick Williamson, of Highland, said it was the perfect setting for a family outing — especially a family with young, inquisitive children.
"We're on spring break with the kids and we were talking about the (St. Louis) zoo, but it's always crowded," Kay Williamson said. "I'd seen (the children's museum) on the Internet and I said, 'Let's do that, it's not too far.'"
The Williamsons are among about 100,000 visitors to the Edwardsville Children's Museum since it opened in 2003. Located at 722 Holyoak Road in Edwardsville, the museum is housed in a 2,000-square-foot building that was built in the 1890 and is the former site of the Leclaire Academy.
But today, the building is an adventure for young creative minds.
Daria Nastasia, 9, and her sister, Alexia, 7, spent the day exploring a bevy of career opportunities. Alexia examined X-rays in the clinic while Daria counted money in the bank. Both girls worked together to simulate a news broadcast in the television studio and Daria played dress up as Michael Jackson while Alexia checked the flight simulator at the airport.
"They had a choice of coming here or the nature preserve," said dad Sorin Nastasia, a communications professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Nastasia said he conducted a morning class and then decided to take the girls on an afternoon outing since they were on spring break.
Executive Director Lisa Leehy said the mission of the museum is to stimulate curiosity and motivate learning in children by providing interactive exhibits and programs. Nine part-time staff members make sure that's possible with brightly painted walls, science and art exhibits, and detailed stations simulating everything from a local post office to a performance stage.
The museum is open to the public on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays with an admission price of $4 per person. School field trips are conducted on Wednesdays and Thursdays, preschool play on Mondays, private parties are held on the weekends. A summer program will begin in June. The museum also hosts community events such as Girl Scout training sessions to help them get their badges.
"Last year we had 12,000 visitors," Leehy said. "We set a record and we're on target to do it again this year."
Contact reporter Ramona C. Sanders at 618-344-0264, ext. 136
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