The world we live in is big and it’s the mission of the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery to provide a deeper understanding of all it’s workings to the young and the old. Their interactive approach brings a level of interest that may not have been present when the guests were in school.

While to witness such a wealth of information in other cities across the country would require visits to several other museums Dayton offers it all under a single roof. “We’re a science center, planetarium, live animal zoo, children’s and natural history museum all in one venue, Diane Farrell, Vice President of External Relations said.

Many may remember it as the Museum of National History until it merged with a group of planners developing a Children’s Museum and in 1999 the much expanded Boonshoft was born, named after one of the dedicated committee members.

The word ‘museum’ is often enough to bring a child to tears from the dread of trudging along for hours while their parents read every word on the signs and examine the boring displays but Boonshoft brings jumps of joy. Rather than just looking they are able to be part of the action in Explorers Crossing where role playing is promoted.

Explorers Crossing includes – The General Store/Lodge where they can prepare for an imaginary camping trip by gathering the needed supplies to survive the great outdoors.

The Good, the Bad and the Bugly is a playhouse infested with the pesky little termites and they are taught ways to keep them from getting inside. There are also interactive computer games and a high powered easy to use microscope which allows bugs to be looked at very closely but more popular is examining their own hands.

In the Court House the children can learn about the judicial system with the opportunity to act as a witness, judge, jury or executioner. Some sample cases are provided to act out and the Judge can either preside on the style of Judge Judy or Ito.

A doctor is always in at the Veterinary Clinic where the children can pretend to treat their favorite stuffed animals. Best of all, their services are free.

Career Dress Up area allows the children to pursue their dreams and wear a costume that fits many work areas.

The parent’s aren’t expected to just take a break during the Explorers Crossing section but actively enter the world of imagination with their children.

In the Science Central section experiments are performed that I would have preferred over having to dissect a worm and other assignments that made me dread the subject in school. The most popular attraction is the Water Table, while at home the children get in trouble for playing in the water for so long in the sink but here there is no time limit. From playing in the water they can learn what sinks, floats, what moves fast and what moves slow, plus other important information.

I was drawn to the Color Wall, where you dance and your image is shown on a wall of various blended colors. I was never any good at Science and I still can’t figure out how it works but its neat.

After so much learning, there is also a need for some play time which is offered with the three story climbing tower and spiraling side.

There is also many more permanent exhibits for the adults to enjoy as much as the children as an extra effort is taken to attract guests of all ages.

You can lose yourself in the stars in the Hall of the Universe, where all the planets and galaxy are explored. Also in the Space Theatre a movie experience like no other is offered in the planetarium where popcorn isn’t even needed to enjoy the show.

The zoo features over 100 animals which are well cared for as the museum has been recognized nationally for their treatment of wildlife. From snakes, groundhogs and Madison the bobcat a series of different species are on display.  None are more popular than the river otters, Shiloh and Sushi, who enjoy entertaining the audience with their playing.

Daily from 1–3 p.m. the Tidal Pool is open and guests are exposed to a piece of the ocean and perhaps feel the marine life without even needing sunscreen.

While a child I never had the physical skills to climb a tree, so building a tree house wasn’t even an option but the one at Boonshoft which is an extension of the building makes up for the lost experiences. The Mead Tree House overlooks the woods providing a perfect view to watch for birds and other animals, there is also no secret password needed to enter and both boys and girls are welcome.

At times I still have trouble remembering my multiplication tables but I will never forget on my elementary school field trips seeing Nesiur the Mummy in the African Room. He’s still wrapped tightly and well preserved so a new generation can form their everlasting memory.  

There is much more as the museum has over 1.4 million items to display, and they are changed regularly so it’s never known when there will be something new to see.

As part of the traveling exhibits through September 1 is Chinasaurs, dinosaur discoveries from China. It’s like walking into Jurassic Park but there is no fear of the creatures coming to life as they are just bones.

Chinasaurs features the skeletons of several large carnivorous dinosaurs including a 30-foot long Yangchuanosaurus, an 18-foot-long Monolophosaurus, and a 10-foot-long Velociraptor and several smaller dinosaurs. There is also a sand pit for children to dig for dinosaur bones and pretend to be an archeologist.

“Many dinosaur species unearthed in China are little known in the United States, although China presents the broadest array or dinosaur finds of any country,” John Zinck, Assistant Curator of Geology at the Boonshoft Museum, said.

Also till September 1, the Fossil Vault is open for display featuring mastodon and saber tooth tiger skulls, triceratops eggs, prehistoric insects entombed in amber and more rare paleontology specimens.

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 DeWeese Parkway, is open to the public 9 am. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturdays, and 12 noon – 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $8.50 for adults; $7 seniors; $7 children 2 – 12; children under 2 and members are free. A membership also includes entry into 300 institutes around the country.

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