The city of Columbus has something exciting in the works for parents and children — The Columbus Area Children’s Museum opened its doors to members for the first time on January 17, 2024. The spark that set the Children’s Museum in motion goes back almost eight years, and the moment families have been waiting for is finally here.

There is a growing trend of incorporating indoor play attractions in museums — and for good reason. Play attractions, like the Columbus Area Children’s Museum Corn Cob Climber, help boost engagement and stimulate developmental growth in an organic and fun way. By adding play features like the Corn Cob Climber to museums, facilities become more family-friendly and involved in communities.

The History of Columbus Area Children’s Museum

In 2017, the city of Columbus asked to hear from residents, focusing on what the community needed the most. One of the top bits of feedback residents shared with the city is that they needed a place for kids to be able to learn, explore and grow. The city took note, and their response was to build The Columbus Area Children’s Museum — a fully STEAM-based facility, placing emphasis on the importance of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

On December 15, 2023, residents and benefactors gathered at 2500 14th St. inside the Columbus Community Building to get a sneak peek of the final stages of the building. The museum’s director, Kathy McNeil, noted how positive the feedback was as curious visitors eagerly anticipated the grand opening on January 17.

Board member Sheila Hoppe notes how excited residents are for this kid-friendly space. Hoppe also shared with the Columbus Telegram how much time went into every decision to make the Columbus Area Children’s Museum perfect for families, including incorporating appropriate activities for kids up to the age of 10.

A Standout Attraction: Columbus Area Children’s Museum Corn Cob Climber

There are numerous exhibits visitors can explore, from a discovery den and water table to a gear wall and tractor. Many of the attractions uniquely resemble real Columbus-based businesses like the First National Bank and the Columbus Community Hospital.

One of the museum’s standout attractions is the Corn Cob Climber, which Soft Play had the privilege of creating and installing for the museum. The giant yellow climbing structure resembles a cob of corn and towers over the play area in a mighty display of craftsmanship.

Though these attractions are a sight to behold — and kids will certainly have a great deal of fun playing with features such as the Corn Cob Climber — the structures are also highly accommodating. As noted in an interview with KMTV, the Columbus Area Children’s Museum is one of the first children’s museums to be sensory-certified, meaning all staff are trained in sensory sensitivities. The museum even has a designated space for kids with sensory sensitivities.

The Benefits of Play Products and Play Areas for Kids

Naturally, the most significant benefit of play structures is that they provide families and children with wholesome fun, but the advantages go far beyond that.

When kids access play areas, they can build their creativity and imagination skills as they make up play scenarios and games and work through issues with peers. For example, if children don’t agree on how to use a piece of equipment for their game, they can work on creating solutions together.

Similarly, kids get to boost their confidence and social skills by interacting in indoor play areas. Whether they’re attending a playdate or going on a family excursion with their siblings, kids have the opportunity to play with friends and meet new kids, forming lasting friendships.

Play areas and play products can also help reinforce what kids learn through positive associations. This concept is especially helpful in a museum setting — when children learn about a topic and then play in a way related to that topic, they’ll be more likely to retain the information.

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How Soft Play Products Can Grow Your Museum

Play areas and structures provide clear benefits for families and children, but they also offer amazing benefits for museums:

  • Attract more visitors: You can attract more first-time visitors, especially families with kids, when you have unique play structures like the Corn Cob Climber that naturally draw in visitors. Fun play structures help your museum enjoy more repeat visitors.
  • Boost memberships: Your museum may see an increase in memberships when you cater to the whole community and take steps to make your facility a family-friendly space. If families can see your museum as a go-to option for their kids to learn and play, they likely won’t hesitate to support you with a membership.
  • Increase community engagement: You can boost public perception and community engagement by incorporating sensory learning areas. There is greater potential for partnerships or collaborations when you have play and learning areas that draw schools and businesses to your establishment.
  • Leave a positive impression: By offering family-friendly play areas, you become an institution that provides a positive and memorable experience with unique interactive attractions.

If you want to add an indoor play area to your museum, get a consultation from a professional company so that you can work with specialists who tailor play areas to your space and consider your museum’s unique requirements. For example, at Soft Play, we have a range of indoor play areas and attractions to suit different sizes and budget requirements.

When consulting with a specialist, discuss elements that would make your indoor play attraction inclusive and accessible for all kids. Additionally, consider how you will integrate indoor attractions while keeping play areas separate from the rest of the museum. Also, invest in staff training so they can properly manage and maintain the play area.

Enhance Your Museum With Interactive Play Structures From Soft Play

Incorporating standout play features that are both fun and help children develop is an effective way of improving your museum. Structures like the Soft Play Corn Cob Climber enhance play areas so that your facility attracts families and enjoys repeat visitors.

At Soft Play, we design and produce ADA-compliant indoor playground equipment that optimizes your museum’s play areas. For over 40 years, Soft Play has served our clients with immersive, quality indoor play equipment that inspires creativity and that families love and trust. We work alongside you to create tailored equipment that suits the unique requirements of your business.

If you are ready to transform your museum into an engaging, kid-friendly facility, contact us at Soft Play to discuss your ideas with a friendly representative and browse our range of durable indoor play products today!