By Michael McHorney, Children’s Museum of Eau Claire
Big news for little learners around the Chippewa Valley! Following the success of their temporary activities in Eau Claire, Play Space, the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire is excited to announce two new locations coming in February 2022 in Chippewa Falls and Menomonie. This is made possible in thanks to receiving a $50,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Play Space Chippewa will be located in downtown Chippewa Falls at 312 North Bridge Street. Play Space Menomonie will be located in the 503 Broadway building in downtown Menomonie. Children and their grownups will have a space that features open-ended and loose-parts play in three exhibit galleries. “Our organization is grateful to IMLS for awarding this grant, a first in our history,” said Michael McHorney, CEO. “We, along with IMLS, recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for children who are in their early childhood years, especially those in rural communities.”
The spaces will also boast daily STEAM related programming and the option to rent the space for private rentals such as birthday parties. General admission will be $5.00 for all guests ages one and up. Annual memberships are available starting at $99 and afford entry to all Play Spaces. To ensure that admission is not a barrier to entry for families in the region, the museum is continuing to offer its reduced-price membership program titled Play for All.
For more information visit Children’s Museum of Eau Claire’s website, www.ChildrensMuseumEC.com.