A world of discovery for all

There’s a wind tunnel, a maze of learning and a variety of other activities that capture the attention of children. Maybe adults too.

The Magic City Discovery Center, a children’s museum, opened inside the Flying Legends hangar of the Dakota Territory Air Museum this past weekend. The museum has been well received by children and parents alike, something Wendy Keller was hoping would be the case. Keller is a member of Give 360 and one of the volunteers who was working the museum yesterday.

“This is really a sneak peek into what a full-scale children’s museum would be like,” said Keller. “We have been fortunate enough to have the air museum let us use this space for a few months.”

The museum features multiple displays designed for children to participate and learn. A magnetic board, plane toss and wind tunnel are some of the favorites. There is also a 1,500-square-foot maze that takes children and adults through a “Rainforest Adventure.” The rainforest maze is a traveling exhibit. The remainder of the exhibits were purchased or constructed by members of Give 360.

“Each participant gives $360 a year and then we decide what to do,” explained Keller.

Give 360 is affiliated with the Minot Area Community Foundation. The chosen idea this year was the children’s museum.

The museum is open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Sunday hours are noon to 5 p.m. It won’t last forever, at least not yet, but the museum is scheduled to remain open at least through the end of February.

“We call it a museum without walls because it is temporary,” said Keller. “We want to keep young families in the area and attract new people.”

The Give 360 wish list includes a permanent home for the Discovery Center, but for now the purpose is to let children and their parents share time together in an enjoyable atmosphere.

“I think it’s amazing for kids to learn things and have fun and have an experience with their parents,” said Mackenzie Campbell, volunteer.

“It’s for the community,” added Sid Gousheh, volunteer. “It’s to bring the family, a combination of kids and adults, a family get together, grandparents and grandchildren too. The kids enjoy it very much and they learn.”

A number of children were enjoying their time at the Discovery Center Sunday afternoon. Some were tossing items like small parachutes and paper cups into a wind tunnel and watching the objects fly through the air. Others were fascinated by their own creations on a large magnet wall. Still others could be heard laughing while maneuvering through a “rope” jungle or sliding on a short zip line.

“It’s really a wonderful thing for a community,” said Keller while watching several children keeping busy at one of the museum’s activity tables.

The Dakota Territory Air Museum is located at 100 34th Ave. NE. Admission to the children’s museum is $4 per person. Children younger than 1 year of age are admitted free.