Family Museum: A World of Playful Learning

The Family Museum in Bettendorf, Iowa, is more than just a museum; it's an immersive environment designed to spark curiosity and foster learning through play. Built in 1997, the museum features 44,000 square feet of programming space, including a 10,400 square foot interactive exhibit hall. Exhibits and programs are designed for children eight and younger with adult caregivers.Inside, you'll find a variety of interactive exhibits. Kids can operate a crane, shop for groceries, sort mail, and even climb a two-story Luckey Climber. The Luckey Climber is made up of climbing platforms surrounded by secure, vinyl-coated cable netting, allowing kids to climb from the first floor to the second. There's also a farm exhibit where children can discover how food moves from the farm to the local store by caring for animals, driving a combine, and moving grain. Children can add obstacles or raise and lower water levels as they watch their boat make its journey down a 28-foot waterplay table resembling an actual stretch of the Mississippi River. In the PlayHouse exhibit, designed for kids four and under, children can make alphabet soup, wash laundry, and splash around in a virtual pond. The museum also has a private outdoor playground and waterplay area.The Family Museum is committed to providing accessible and inclusive experiences. They are a Certified Autism Center and offer sensory kits to assist visitors who may need support. A quiet, low-lit room is also available.Looking ahead, the Family Museum has announced plans for a new permanent exhibit called 'On The Road,' which is expected to begin construction in 2025. This exhibit will take visitors on a cross-country adventure, exploring culture, nostalgia, and the natural world.