Commentary by Jennifer Ingersoll
If you are looking for a place to explore over upcoming school breaks, KidsCmmons, is a community children’s museum at 309 Washington St., Columbus.
Just more than one-hour drive from Carmel, KidsCommons offers three floors of interactive exhibits mixing learning and fun for families with children from toddlers to early teens.
Exhibits include a child-size version of an authentic Japanese home, a campsite complete with hollow tree and an airstream style camper and a pint-size grocery store. While playing in these areas, littlest guests can discover new cultures, lifestyles and traditions.
Be part of the fun with Bubble-ology, using shaped wands in a bubble tank or stand inside the body bubble maker. A 17-foot climbing wall is available for climbers over age 5 years old and 44 inches tall for an additional fee. In Kids-at-Art art studio, masterpieces are created from recycled materials.
ExploraHouse teaches the behind the walls details of home construction. From crawlspace to attic to an infrared kitchen, guests learn about electricity and energy. Plumbing is explored by climbing in and sliding down a giant toilet, large enough for even adults to slide through.
KidsCommons is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, with daily admission fee allowing guests to exit and reenter throughout the day. Guests can leave to grab a bite to eat at neighboring Zaharako’s Ice Cream or explore more of Columbus, including the free to play commons playground across the street. A 10-visit punch pass is a savings for larger families or frequent visitors and discount coupons are often available.
The museum has a policy of inclusion for all by means of ramps and an elevator for ease in moving between floors. Assistive equipment is available for special needs climbers. Contact KidsCommons prior to your visit if assistance is needed.
