KIDS + FAMILIES

As early as infancy, children learn about their world and the people who live in it. Because they have a natural curiosity about their environment, they benefit from free exploration and open-ended discovery. However, there aren’t many places in the city which focus solely on stimulating and developing their skills.

On March 14, 2009, that’s all about to change because the Children's Museum of Houston (CMH) is opening its doors to a brand new Tot*Spot—an entire exhibit level just for infants and toddlers! This kid-friendly, bilingual exhibit will give tots, from birth to age three, the opportunity for exploration, discovery, experimentation and wonder within distinct areas designed to develop critical thinking, problem solving and motor skills.

One of seven new expansion exhibits, Tot*Spot will be exclusively located on the second floor of the Museum’s new wing. With over 3,400 square feet of exhibit space, it will offer a range of activity zones organized by age and activity type.

“Tot*Spot is a wonderful setting that enhances parents’ knowledge of their child, the importance of play and gives them ideas of activities, which can be replicated at home,” said Christie Shaw, Tot*Spot educator. “By giving infants and toddlers opportunities to explore, we enable them to learn about themselves and the environment around them.”

AN EXCLUSIVE FLOOR JUST FOR TOTS Tot*Spot is more than just a nice place for infants and toddlers to play. It is a total learning environment where every child is engaged in problem-solving and idea discovering. It is a fun-filled wonderland of invigorating activities complete with a stroller alley for easy stroller parking. Families are isolated in their own exclusive floor away from the crowds. They don’t have to worry about germs because the exhibit is cleaned every two hours. In fact, no shoes are allowed in Tot*Spot, but shoe covers are provided. From the entry pergola, families get a 180 degree view of the exhibit and can spot where they want to start their joyous journey.

Studies suggest 85 percent of a child’s brain has already developed by age three, so it is crucial they get every advantage at an early age to become a healthy, successful adult later in life. Tot*Spot will enable children to develop their motor, cognitive, multi-sensory and verbal skills through countless hands-on activities. They will learn through a variety of ways: whole body experiences; their senses; exploration, observation and repetition; cause and effect experiences; and interaction with others. Tots will tinker with tot-friendly gadgets, meander along whimsical paths, climb in and out of oversized windows and doors, and experiment with multi-colored dash lights.

But, they will not be the only benefactors of the expanded exhibit. To help stimulate their growth at home, the Museum will have activity sheets available for parents as well as parenting resources at the Museum’s Parent Resource Library, a branch of the Houston Public Library, where local educators will routinely be available to offer their expertise on child development and growth.