There's a story area with a real creek and puppets. There are crafts and old-fashioned attractions. It's simply fun for moms, dads, and younger siblings--and maybe, just maybe that teenager will read a story to little brother/sister in the "tree house"
This is a great playground but that is all it is. My 6 yr old had fun but it is not at all a scientific experience. For the price, I would expect a better learning experience.
CHOM is great for smaller kids and kids with huge imaginations. Most all of their exhibits are for playing dress up and make believe. There is not alot of things to explore as there are at Mcwane in Birmingham. The price is high considering its dress up for an hour but the kids have a ton of fun on cold or rainy days.
I took my three kids (6, 3, 1) to the museum during a trip to Tuscaloosa. We could have easily spent the entire day at the museum. There were two levels that were perfect for my kids' ages. The bottom floor had really great hands on exhibits that were perfect for our younger kiddos. The museum had lots of teens there to keep the exhibits organized and to interact with the kids as they played.
It's an absolute must for children, toddlers to middle school, even high school. Many participatory experiences relating to history, culture, traditions, etc.
Our 2 year old loves this place. It has several floors, organized by age range, and everything is hands-on, thus the name. Lower floor is geared toward preschool age. Ground floor is elementary school, and upstairs is used for special exhibits, games, etc. The staff is very helpful and friendly. We saw them cleaning some of the exhibits with Lysol wipes while we were there which was comforting. The preschool floor has several exhibits including outdoor/animals, tugboat, grocery store, Asian house, farm, hospital, and several others. Great place to spend a few hours, especially on a rainy day.
At first, I was a bit skeptical taking 4 kids (ages 2-11) there. I was pleasantly surprised. It was bigger that I thought. we were there for 4 hours and still did not see everything. They had age appropriate exhibits for all the kids that excited them and engaged them. It was worth the 3 hour round trip.
The museum it's boring nothing chance.They don't let kit to wear clothers from the museum downstairs or any place.They have a xbox for kids with games for big kids and difficult to play for little kids.And more and more. But it's the only museum in tuscaloosa, the boring city.
When my grandchildren come to town, the Children's Hand's-On Museum is tops on the list as a place to take them. It's relatively inexpensive and has exhibits kids can enjoy. The children can care for you or their doll in a mock hospital setting, they can buy play groceries and pretend to ring up the sale, they can play "dress up" in early 1900's garb, or they can pretend to fix an ice cream soda at a real old time soda fountain. The museum is just a fun place to go!
Our one and three year old grandchildren had a great time. Unfortunately, that means that my wife and I each pay a full admission price to basically watch the kids have fun. I don't think they really learned much of anything; even though the displays were well done. In the dress-up area, there was nothing to fit small kids either. Plus, there aren't a lot of places in the neighborhood for taking the kids out for something to eat. Would take them again...but only if chaperons got in free.