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KidSpace provides discovery fun

Charles Crane/MDN Children and parents availed themselves of cool air and a variety of interactive exhibits at the KidSpace at the State Fair on Thursday.

The Magic City Discovery Center is responsible for the KidSpace once again at this year’s State Fair, with a dozen installations offering a variety of activities and hands-on experimentation for children.

“We wanted to have activities for kids and families to come to when they need a break from the hullabloo at the fair,” said Liz Weeks, the education and outreach director for MCDC. “We have lots of gross-motor things for kids to play. We’re building and constructing and making amazing things.”

More than just an excuse to enjoy some air conditioning, KidSpace provides free, engaging play for families to fill time after exhausting the credits on their Magic Money card. One popular station gave children control over robots named Dash and Dot. Another invited them to roleplay as astronauts, while another involved a “riggamajig” that can be used to build various different machines.

The KidSpace is a constant swirl of activity for the children and their parents as they cycle from one setup to another, teasing their brains and taking part in challenges like building the tallest tower, the best paper airplane or constructing intricate working circuits.

Nearly 5,000 children and parents have stopped by the KidSpace at the State Fair so far.

Charles Crane/MDN Robots Dash and Dot were big hits at the KidSpace, operating under the direct control of attendees through the use of tablets.

“Last year we touched about 8,000 people, so hopefully this year, post-COVID, maybe it will match that or surpass it,” Weeks said.

A number of the interactive exhibits set up at the State Fair also will be among the 12 galleries and 150 exhibits at the new discovery center set to open to the public on Dec. 16.

“People are super excited for us to open. Lots of comments about how much this community needs something for kids, especially in the winter,” Weeks said. “We’re going to be an education hub for the region. We’ll be doing lots of programming and professional development opportunities at the museum.”

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