Star Baby

In searching for something to do to beat winter "cabin fever" I found out that the planetarium at the natural history museum offers a show geared to children under 2 on the first Saturday of every month. We got lucky as today was the first Saturday in February.

The program, called "Star Babies", had us entering the domed planetarium theater with comfortable, stadium-style seating for 85 people and a digital sound system. We weren't sure how crowded it would get, so we made sure to arrive as soon as the museum opened for the day. The astronomers, wanted us to "have fun with the Sun, marvel at the Moon, find our favorite star, and become friends with the night sky!" The began with the daytime sky. As the sun set, the room got darker and the stars came out. We saw some of the constellations and planets. Grace was somewhat interested in the sky but she was just as interested in looking at the people in the row behind us!

After the star show, we visited T-Rex and the Discovery Center which has hands-on exhibits meant for little ones to touch and explore.

Natural history museums are not my favorite. I prefer to see animals live instead of stuffed ones on display. But, the museum is a good place to expose kids to animals they wouldn't see otherwise and, of course, to see dinosaur bones! It is also great for geology and astronomy. And, I have to say, I was impressed with this museum. It isn't very big, but it does offer a good variety of things to see. We stayed about 1 1/2 hours but we easily could have been there longer. I think it is a place we will return to again.

Grace seemed to like the freedom of being able to walk around on her own. It wasn't crowded when we arrived, so we could watch her without being right next to her. It was interesting to see what exhibits captured her attention. She is very curious and wants to learn. Lately, she points to things, looks up, and waits for me to name them. I know she is just absorbing everything.At the entrance of the museum there was "Jane" a baby T-Rex - and inside the prehistoric gallery, her big brother and cousin!I think Grace enjoyed the Discovery Center best. Kids are encouraged to touch everything....and she did!

Here she is shaking little boxes to hear different sounds.She played with puzzles.Grace interacted with other kids at an activity table.

And Grace and Kyle touched all kinds of fossils, shells, and stones.