by Dee Dee McDevitt
On February 6, we officially opened our home away from home at Westfield Fox Valley thanks to the generosity of Scott Samson, general manager and museum member, and the hard work of the DCM team! From the moment of the ribbon-cutting, members and museum newbies have been pouring in to experience and enjoy the well-known and favorite “Neighborhoods” right in our backyard!
Come visit us and Build it Big with Giant Tinker Toys – This favorite is more than fun; it also supports the development of problem solving skills, imagination, concentration, hand-eye coordination, and gross motor skills, to name a few.
You are invited to investigate basic physics concepts while working with the Make It Move exhibits, including the Gear Wall, Maxi Rollways, and Ramps and Rollers.
Children can explore geometry and other mathematical concepts individually or while working cooperatively with the Magnet Grid Wall, Magnatiles, Magnet Pattern Block Wall, and Unit Blocks.
DCM@The Mall would not be complete without a Studio Space, where visitors are encouraged to express themselves creatively through the use of a variety of open-ended art materials. In addition, beginning in March, we will be offering our ever popular Creativity Classes. You can register your little one on the DCM website or by calling the Museum directly.
Last but not least, we have created a cozy nook for our youngest visitors to explore and experiment with color, light, texture, and sound. Similar to our Young Explorers areas at the Museum, this area was designed to be safe and comfortable as well as to promote independent exploration and adult-child interaction.
DCM@ the Mall is open seven days a week. It will be staffed by employees and DCM volunteers. The new location offers free parking and will be a Pay As You Will admission.
