I believe children should spend a great deal of time doing what children do best – playing. Play ignites the imagination, sparks creativity and produces bright little minds. I appreciated the opportunity recently to visit Little Buckeye Children’s Museum in the heart of downtown Mansfield with my little ones by receiving admission for my family for this review post. I am happy to report my family instantly gave this incredible facility five stars. The museum truly outshines other children’s museums we have visited in the past.
Little Buckeye Children’s Museum in Mansfield, OH
The Little Buckeye Children’s Museum was the idea of Donna Farland-Smith, an educator and mother of two. The Boston native was disappointed Mansfield did not have a center in which children could learn through play, so she decided to create a two-story, magical place for youngsters. Through tangible community contributions; financial donations; and more than 35,000 hours of volunteer manpower, the museum was created at 44 West Fourth St., in a portion of a building constructed in 1916. The unique space was transformed into a colorful, play place and learning environment for infants to pre-teens.
We had so much fun exploring Little Buckeye Children’s Museum as a family. My 3-year-old asked if we could come again soon, and we surely will because I adore the adorable hands-on activities offered at this establishment. Little visitors walk through the doors of Little Buckeye Children’s Museum as kids but instantly transform into musicians; explorers; archeologists; postmen; doctors; grocery store clerks; shoppers; bankers; beauticians; scientists; theater performers; gardeners; mechanics; dentists; and teachers.
Check out all the fun at The Little Market.
The exhibits are life-like, from the doctor’s office to the school house. We especially enjoyed the inviting reading area; farming activities, complete with a tractor for hulling apples.
The McDonalds play area, which includes tables for birthday parties.
More fun to be had at the Doctor’s Office!
My son could not get enough of the water table activities, and my girls can’t wait to play again soon in the quaint home of the Three Little Bears.
Little Buckeye Children’s Museum presently is turning 2! The facility is celebrating its birthday on Sunday, April 28 from 1-5 p.m., and you are invited to join the festivities. The celebration includes the unveiling of two new exhibits – a train station and airport – on the second floor. I was given a sneak peek of these new exhibits, and they will not disappoint, especially inspiring engineers and pilots. Join the museum for a free magic show, free birthday cake and free pizza during the party. On April 28, children will be admitted into the facility for half price, and adults will be admitted free with a donation of paper towels or a Lysol product.
Visit Little Buckeye Children’s Museum
Little Buckeye Children’s Museum offers weekly programs Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings; summer camps; and science workshops throughout the year. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and from 1-6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $7 for everyone, 2 and up. The museum is well worth the price and approximate hour drive from the Akron area, in my opinion.
Tell them that you heard about them on AkronOhioMoms.com!
For more information, including membership pricing, visit www.littlebuckeye.org or call 419-522-2332.
Little Buckeye Children’s Museum
44 West Fourth Street
Mansfield, OH 44902
419-522-2332
This was not a paid post. My own opinions were used based on my perceptions and experience. Thank you to Little Buckeye who provided the tickets for review.
