exhibit galleries

Natural Wonders provides an investigative area where children can learn about the wetlands, indigenous species, entomology, and natural habitats. Sensory bins provide a hands-on experience for visitors to learn about the great outdoors.

Sponsored by: Chevron

Targeted Ages: Children 2 to 10

Goals and opportunities for learning:

• Discover fundamental STEM principles through inquiry-driven, hands-on activities
• Solve problems using simulation and physical models
• Explore water's properties and the connection to their everyday life
• Discover local flora and fauna
• Examine the life cycle of the butterfly

climbing wall

Visitors challenge themselves physically and mentally as they navigate the large oak tree.  Each new step will take them to the top of their climb. Opportunities for learning come as climbers plan their journey, use their muscles, and see new and different views, while adults encourage goal-setting and risk-taking.

Target Ages: Children 3 to 10 years

Goals and opportunities for learning:

• Harness sensory and whole body learning
• Use kinesthetic senses to make physical connections
• Includes risk-taking, problem solving and physical activity

ARTworks

ARTworks presents a fully outfitted art studio. Visitors engage senses, express creativity using a variety of media and materials and develop greater skills within an art inspired space. ARTworks encourages exploration of ideas, interests and interaction. A flexible furniture system allows reconfiguration for group work, art programs, and presentations from local artists. Within ARTworks, experience the Nautilus Stage for theatrical and musical self-expression.

Presented by: The 100 Supper Club

Target Ages: All ages

Goals and opportunities for learning:

• Engage senses to explore various art materials and mediums
• Use imagination for self-expression
• Participate in collaborative and cooperative group activities for creating and innovating using a variety of materials

NAUTILUS STAGE

The Nautilus Stage provides a low platform for kids to jump on and perform. Props, costumes, puppets, musical instruments and rotating backdrops create an exciting area to perform and shine and the stage area serves well as a gathering spot for families and groups. Programming and events happen here and include Storytime at the Museum and activities, dance, theatre, and more!

Presented by: Kappa Delta Foundation

This dedicated tot area provides the littlest visitors with a safe, secure place to cuddle, roam, play, and explore. Inspired by Lake Pontchartrain, come swim in the "Lake" or hop into a boat to fish or crab the Louisiana waterways. Little Lake Tots provides a colorful, crawl space for young visitors to explore and enjoy imaginative and physical play. It also offers opportunities for role-playing and using imagination. Within Little Lake Tots, visitors can also experience our Lighthouse and the S.S. CMST boat.

Target Ages: Infants to 10 years

Goals and opportunities for learning:

Toddlers will:

• Play and have movement with safe padded areas to develop gross motor and coordination skills
• Explore objects through all their senses

Children will:

• Imagine life as fishermen, store clerks, chefs, boat captains, etc.
• Solve practical everyday problems
• Listen to and role-play stories from books, songs, etc.
• Use imagination for self-expression

LIGHTHOUSE
Visitors can crawl into the lighthouse together with family members or new friends to read a book or take their imagination to new heights. The Lighthouse is a go-to spot for some quiet time.

THE S.S. CMST
Visitors can catch fish, shrimp, and crabs from the S.S. CMST and imagine themselves as fishermen, lighthouse keepers, boat captains, and other maritime professionals. Sensory play boards are located inside as well as a spinning helm to help imagine and navigate the journey or work a puzzle. 

River Landing features two businesses for visitors to imagine and role-play. Through these exhibits and associated activities, visitors assume associated work tasks, roles, and perspectives. Kids of all ages engage in role-playing, such as a shopper for produce at the River Market or a hungry customer or chef in the Blue Crab Diner.

Target Ages: Children 2 to 10

Goals and opportunities for learning:

• Imagine themselves as store clerks, shoppers, chefs, cooks, guests at a restaurant, etc.
• Participate in hands-on activities using their creativity and learning by doing
• Create opportunities for visitors to interact with others – children and adults and play cooperatively
• Exercise critical thinking skills and problem-solving

tHE BLUE CRAB DINER

Food caught in Little Lake Tots or purchased at River Market may end up on the stove of the Blue Crab Diner. With its food prep area, sink, and stove, the Blue Crab Diner is always open for business. Guests can grab a prep apron or chef's hat to plan and cook up their favorite meals. The Blue Crab Diner serves up food from around the world! Visitors will recognize familiar dishes served in their own families and cultures. The Diner's counter and bistro table allow the whole family to enjoy this imaginative culinary experience.

A major focus of the Children's Museum of St. Tammany (CMST) curriculum that drives the exhibits and learning is based on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities that engage children through discovery, exploration, and creation.

Visitors explore the big questions about their world, both natural and man-made. They tackle challenges and solve problems to discover answers. Through exploration and activities in How & Why, guests discover fundamental principles in STEM through inquiry-driven, hands-on activities, problem-solving, and physical modeling. 

The giant Globe is a museum icon and launches the exhibit focus of "Get Global". Explore the properties of physics and engineering at the Magnetic Ball Wall, RIGAMAJIG or SuperSpace blocks. Investigate light and shadows with our Colored Shadows Wall, Light Table and LiteZilla exhibit (made possible by Cleco.)

Targeted Ages: Children 2 to 10

Goals and opportunities for learning:

• Discover fundamental STEM principles through inquiry-driven, hands-on activities
• Solve problems using simulation and physical models
• Explore geographic systems and use imagination to see the world and the universe

GET GLOBAL
The world is a big place for little people and this 6-foot globe will be no exception. As the centerpiece of our How & Why Gallery, visitors will learn about our Earth from many different perspectives: the planet, geographical features, cultures, weather patterns, the environment and as a launching pad for many learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. Visitors are able to get global and learn about the earth, visualize the axis of the earth, view names and locations of the different oceans, continents, and countries and capitals. Visitors can interact by assisting in the search for different time zones, locate places on the globe and learn the perspective of their place in the world. Scan the QR codes to listen to languages spoken around the world. Today's learner is living in a global community and this exhibit will bring the world literally to their fingertips.

MAGNETIC BALL WALL
Both children and adults delight in creating their own giant ball wall configurations. A large assortment of magnetic ramps, shoots, spinners, tubes and other contraptions provide guests with the tools for a truly memorable experience. The educational value of this highly interactive exhibit is without limit. Potential and kinetic energy, friction, inertia and gravity are concepts that come to life for the young engineer on the Magnetic Ball Wall.

RIGAMAJIG
This collection of wooden planks, wheels, pulleys, nuts, bolts, and rope allows engineers to follow their curiosity through play. Engaging the inquisitive mind and creative spirit, RIGAMAJIG empowers visitors to think three dimensionally, building and playing collaboratively. The solid wood planks allow guests to build things and bring imagination to reality. There are no right or wrong answers; the act of playing and building is the goal, not the finished product. Builders familiarize themselves with the scale and weight of working with wood.

Presented by: Cleco

These magnetic playsets blend creativity and education. Visitors will engage in the Engineering Design Process to imagine, plan, create, and test their structures. This exhibit empowers visitors to let their imaginations run wild with no limits to what they can build, providing endless fun for all ages!

Presented by: Chevron

The Light Table offers a captivating sensory experience. Visitors can observe how light interacts with various materials, colors, and textures, stimulating their senses and promoting curiosity about the world around them. In addition, the light table provides a playful canvas to strengthen fine motor skills and  stimulate problem-solving, spatial awareness, and logical thinking.

Presented by: Dr. and Mrs. William R. Pace

Not all shadows are black! While this exhibit may appear blank, visitors will be amazed at the hidden colors revealed as they approach the well. Learn about the properties of additive primaries of light as you dance, wiggle, and perform in front of this whimsical wall. 

Presented by: Cleco