Discovery Playhouse hosts special events for its grand opening

Families and community volunteers brought life to downtown Cape Girardeau on Sunday for the grand opening of the Discovery Playhouse.

Interim executive director Janet Livingston said 381 people visited the Discovery Playhouse, which features a variety of play areas designed to aid in a child's brain development.

"Kids learn best through play," Livingston said. "All of our exhibits are designed to help them in one area or another so while they're having fun, it's stimulating their brains."

In the children's village -- which features a grocery store, bank and dentist's office -- children acted out real-life scenarios.

Since the children's museum opened April 22, Livingston said she has enjoyed observing the children learn and is impressed by how much they take away from the experience. Around 3,000 people have visited the Discovery Playhouse since it opened.

Lexi Smith, 9, helps keep grocery items in check as Jasalyn Buchanan, 10, speaks to her "customer" Michael McCoy, 3, as she checks out his father, Jon, and his groceries Sunday, June 6, 2010 during the grand opening of Discovery Playhouse. (LAURA SIMON)

"It's amazing to me to listen in on their conversations as they are playing in this area because they ask very intelligent questions," Livingston said.

In the toddler area, directly to the right of the entrance, the activities are designed to help children build their gross and fine motor skills. Toddlers must figure how to make many of the toys twist and turn, allowing them to learn cause and effect and to strengthen muscles as they grow.

A station filled with blocks, Livingston said, helps children to learn structure and balance as well as the beginning principles of math and science.

"We're designed for children and their families to have fun together," Livingston said. "We may show them how to use an exhibit, but we try to leave it up to families to do together."

Sunday's grand opening was also an opportunity for playhouse staff to introduce special activities to the children. During the grand opening children had the chance to get their face painted, create a special art project and see a magic show. Outside the playhouse, at the intersection of Broadway and Middle Street, Cape Girardeau firefighters gave children tours of a firetruck.

Magician Darren Davis also performed at the event. He said he likes to keep his shows entertaining so the children stay interested. And although he keeps in mind the median age of his audience, he thinks his shows are fun for toddlers, teenager and adults.

"I try to do a show that I would want to see," said Davis, who performed three times during the grand opening.

Livingston said in the future, she intends to introduce other special activities for children.

In August, an exhibit called "Go Figure" will be set up, which Livingston said teaches the basic principles of mathematics.

Livingston said the community, which helped raise funds for the building's restoration, is now offering ideas for special activities at the Discovery Playhouse.

A woman recently dropped off a large amount of yarn, Livingston said, and wants to teach a knitting class. Others have said they'd like to sponsor new exhibits.

"We've got a lot of people in the community who are willing to volunteer their time," she said. "They want to help support us and help us to grow."

ehevern@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

502 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo