Today I took a tour of the new outdoor play-spaces at the Providence Children’s Museum.
The Climber
The climber was created by father and son artist/architect team, Tom and Spencer Luckey of New Haven, Connecticut. The Luckey’s have created uniquely designed climbers around the country. The one here in Providence is the first one they’ve created for outside installation.
I climbed a little way up, but did not reach the 22 foot peak:
The kids however raced all the way to the top:
This video includes a time-lapse of the construction of The Climber.
Underland
Underland is a play-space featuring the work of local artists (Chris Kane, Marly Rogers, and Lu Heintz) which brings kids to the subterranean world of native animals and insects. Again, I didn’t crawl too far in, but I did manage to find this cicada inside one of the tunnels.
These unique root chandeliers were created with roots found on a local construction site (I want one):
The Iway
The Iway exhibit isn’t new, but I hadn’t yet had a chance to see it in person.
I probably could have stayed here all day. There’s a replica of the Iway bridge which kids can climb up on, a crane, a place where kids can build their own arch bridge, and there is even a tug down under the bridge:
…just like the real Iway.
I had a fun time visiting the Children’s Museum, thanks to all the staff who took time to show me around.
Bear and I had a great time at our visit last Thursday. It was our first trip to the PCM, but won’t be our last. I had thought that, at 14, she’d be too old for the exhibits, but a lot of the activities – the IWay exhibit is one – appeal to all ages.
My sister wants to bring her kids down for a Children’s Museum and Mystic Aquarium weekend, so I should be back to the museum before too long.
We’re really glad BOTH of you came – and Jef, that you climbed, too! Thanks for including us.