Museum exposes kids to art and culture

The word "museum" doesn't typically conjure up images of a firehouse, a grocery store or a construction yard, but when one enters The Woodlands Children's Museum all of these attractions are right around the corner.

Further exploration would yield a theater, a sandbox and, of course, an art gallery.

"When nurturing children, it's important to go back to the original forms of play and allow them to be imaginative," said Angela Colton, executive director at the museum. "We want them to come in and feel like they really are firemen for the day. Or a dragon. Or a knight."

The museum's mission is to empower, educate and excite while inspiring a lifelong sense of wonder.

"'Empower' is a big word around here," Colton said. "You become empowered when you play."

The museum started off as the brainchild of a mother's group in 2001, Colton said. They opened their doors to the public for the first time in 2006 at its original location in Market Street.

The museum has roughly 2,500 members, according to Colton. They have gained around 1,000 since reopening in 2010.

Membership gets patrons free admission for a year, and discount prices for their various classes and special events.

Some programs take place on a weekly basis, like Wednesday's "Crazy About Critters," where an animal expert brings in an exotic animal and teaches children about the animal.

Much of what the Children's Museum focuses on has to do with exposing children to different cultures by celebrating cultural events, Colton said.

"Every month we have a culture or a theme that we highlight," she said.

The museum recently celebrated the Chinese New Year at the end of January with a performance from Mr. Chen's Tai-Chi martial arts group. This month, the museum will celebrate Mardi Gras by decorating costumes and throwing a parade. The museum also focuses on the arts.

"We supplement each event with art activities that are harmonious with the cultures we're celebrating," Colton said.

Colton added the museum provides a service for kids in the area, especially younger ones, that cannot be found elsewhere.

"Our members enjoy coming here because it's a safe, nurturing environment," she said. "They're not just telling us that they like having us around. They need us here."

Spring programs

• Little Picassos (2–3 years old) — An introduction to various art media such as painting, sculpting and using the process of making art to engage learning
• Playball Workshop (2–4 years old) — An introduction to a wide variety of sports and movement development practices
• Happy Feet (3–5 years old) — An introductory dance class where children can explore motor skills and learn basic positions of the body

The Woodlands Children's Museum, 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 280, The Woodlands, 281-465-0955, www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org