Free day of play for Kidoodle’s birthday

BROOKINGS – The Children’s Museum of South Dakota is nearing its second birthday and will make the celebration extra special this year – with a bubble-themed birthday bash and by opening its exhibits for a free day of play.

On Sunday, Sept. 9, from noon to 5 p.m., visitors are invited to join in the celebration by playing in the museum as well as by making bubble paintings, by making body bubbles, by chasing bubbles, and much more.

Suzanne Hegg, executive director for the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, says, “Play is actually the work of children. Don’t let the squeals of delight fool you!

“Our young guests are learning problem-solving skills, finding opportunities for safe risk-taking, developing social skills and nurturing genuine curiosity – all this while making memories with their families. CMSD is proud to be enhancing the quality of life for children and their grownups.”

In just two short years, the museum has a lot to be proud of, including numerous awards, one of which is being named to the list of “The Top 25 Best Places to Eat, Stay and Play” by Midwest Living Magazine.

CMSD has also increased tourism to the city of Brookings by welcoming nearly a quarter-million visitors, from every state in the United States as well as from countries worldwide. The museum consistently draws guests from a three-hour drive radius and abundant field trips – some from more than six hours away.

Brookings Mayor Tim Reed congratulated the museum, adding, “Happy birthday, Kidoodle! We are very grateful to the Larson family who has given tremendously to the city of Brookings over the years. The Children’s Museum of South Dakota is just one example of their generosity.

“Not only is the museum serving our families locally by enhancing the quality of life, it’s also introducing our great community to the world.”

Hegg invites everyone to help celebrate Kidoodle’s second birthday.

The museum opened in September 2010 inside the former Central Elementary School; it is the first of its kind in the state. The Children’s Museum boasts 21,000 square feet of interactive indoor exhibits and programming, as well as a huge outdoor exhibit space. Its key eye-catcher is a 25-foot-tall, 60-foot-long and 2,600-pound life-size mechanical Tyrannosaurus rex. The dinosaur, named Mama, is accompanied by a 10-foot-tall baby T-Rex named Max.