AHA! – A Hands On Adventure Children’s Museum in Lancaster, has more than 60 interactive exhibits and stations for kids. (Credit: AHA!)

By Ken Drenten

Children’s museums are unique in that they are specifically designed to provide a place for children and their families to learn, grow and have fun together in an environment that typically features science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

I consider Columbus’ outstanding Center of Science and Industry (COSI) as the ultimate museum of this type in the state, and one of the best in the nation. However, COSI is far more than a children’s museum.

There are many other museums across Ohio that could be looked at as mini-COSIs, with activities focused primarily on children up to age 12 or so and their families.

These Children’s Museums are listed in Dusty Tires, including the ones below.

Akron – Akron Children’s Museum provides a place for kids and families to learn and have fun, with areas like Farm to Table, Curtain Call Theatre, Excavation Station, Jumbo Blocks, Light Up Akron and 12 more interactive exhibit areas. 51 W. State St., Akron (330) 396-6103.

Lancaster – AHA! – A Hands On Adventure Children’s Museum: Young children and families are invited to use imagination, creativity, and sense of discovery in this 8,000 square foot facility. With over 60 hands-on exhibits and activities, children from 6 months to 8 years of age can become explorers, scientists, engineers, and artists. 1708 River Valley Circle S., Lancaster (740) 653-1010.

Mansfield – Buckeye Imagination Museum is a hands-on, play-based children’s museum with more than 30 interactive exhibits that encourage open-ended, imagination-based play. 175 W. Third St., Mansfield (419) 522-2332.

Newark – The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology is an interactive museum for families of all ages. Experience central Ohio’s best destination for hands-on discovery with local history, art, science, and glassblowing. Check out the first floor science labs, watch a hot glassblowing demonstration, have an immersive experience in the SciDome planetarium, and learn about local history. The Works is more than a museum, offering new hands-on opportunities to inspire creativity and learning every day. 55 S. First St., Newark (740) 349-9277.

Ken Drenten is creator and editor of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

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