Hello!
We were excited for the opportunity to return to the Museum of Natural Curiosity during Christmas break. My sister was in town with her four children and THIS was one of the activities they specifically requested. We arrived right at opening time with six kids, ages 7 to 15.
The Museum of Natural Curiosity is fun when we go on our own, but it's SO MUCH BETTER with cousins!
I recommend the Museum of Natural Curiosity for families with children under the age of 12. However, there are plenty of activities that teens and adults can enjoy. My 15-year-old nephew says that the Museum of Natural Curiosity is not as fun for him as it was a few years ago, but he still had a good time.
The Museum of Natural Curiosity has five main exhibit areas and a ropes course in the rafters. Here's what you need to know to plan your visit.
Rainforest
The Rainforest is my kids' favorite exhibit. Rope bridges, an airplane, obstacle course, twisty slide and a tower of trampoline nets allow families to climb from the floor to the rafters. My kids always end up back here after exploring other parts of the museum.
Another favorite of the Rainforest include a tunnel so dark, you can only find your way through by touch. You can also learn about animals and nature in lots of fun ways. Got a special treasure like a sea shell or pine cone? Bring it to trade at the Trading Post!
Water Works
Families may have so much fun in Water Works, they won't notice how much they're learning about the science of water, wind, sun and earth. One of my favorite features in this area is the baby table. Special seats make it fun for the museum's youngest visitors to learn through water play.
The museum provides smocks to help keep families from getting soaked, but you may want to bring a change of clothes, just in case. There is a wind chamber, which can help dry you off too.
Kidopolis
Kidopolis is a miniature city where kids are in charge of everything. Explore shops and secret passageways to find new hands-on activities around every corner. There are so many fun things to learn and do here. The older kids really liked the room where they composed live music with computers and drums.
Discovery Garden
Discovery Garden is an outdoor playground and garden. It was pretty quiet on the December day we visited, but I bet the simple machines at Archimedes Playground and the garden paths are hopping when the weather is warmer.
Traveling Exhibits
The Museum of Natural Curiosity has a gallery with rotating exhibits. Like the rest of the museum, you can expect these to be interactive and educational. On our last visit, it was Geometry Playground. The older kids seemed to enjoy this one most, but there was an actual geometry playground for younger children.
Canopy Tour
The Canopy Tour is a ropes course located in the rafters, high above the Rainforest. It is not included in museum admission, but can be added to your admission or paid for as a stand-alone activity. Closed toe shoes are required. Be sure to reserve your entry time when you purchase admission.
Children as young as four years old can participate in the Canopy Tour. It's a great “first” ropes course for adventurous kids.
My 12-year-old daughter and I tried the Canopy Tour. We had about 45 minutes on the course. We did every part of it at least twice in that time, and chose to exit a few minutes before our time was up. I liked the Canopy Tour because the height and elements were just the right level of challenge for me. The features are sturdy with plenty of hand holds.
Learn more about the Canopy Tour and fill out waivers in advance HERE.
Good to Know
Where: Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah. The museum's address is 3605 N. Garden Drive.
When: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Closed Sunday.
How Much:
- Adults: $15
- Children: (3-12 years): $12
- Seniors: $12
- The Thanksgiving Point Explorer Pass includes one-day admission to Museum of Natural Curiosity, Farm County, Museum of Ancient Life, and Ashton Gardens
- Adults: $24.95
- Child: $19.95
How Long: 2-4 hours
Amenities: Cafe, gift shop, family restrooms and nursing areas. We like the cafe. It's convenient and moderately priced, with sandwiches, soups and salads to please palates of both kids and adults.
Websites:
How else can we help?
Need a place to stay? There are several hotels near Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah. Check rates and read reviews at TripAdvisor.com or Booking.com.
Need a rental car? You can take the Frontrunner train to Thanksgiving Point, but driving your own car is the easiest way to get around this neighborhood. Find the best rates from dozens of agencies at RentalCars.com.
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brooks
What’s the youngest age you’d say that would be able to enjoy this?
Allison
There is at least one small play zone reserved for toddlers in the Rain Forest. The water play area has seats on a water table built especially for babies and toddlers. I think that a child 6-12 months old could enjoy these areas and some other parts of the museum with your help. The outdoor playground has some nice stroller paths.