Winter Break is looming on the horizon. You have days to fill and kids to entertain. A medium to long car ride is worth the “are we there yet,” if, and only if, the destination proves worthy. Dallas is filled with fun, entertaining adventures for the small set, but did you know that just beyond the border lies an amazing, day-trip worthy venue that’ll keep your littles entertained for hours on end?
If you haven’t managed to make the journey to the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum in Commerce, consider putting it on the calendar this holiday season.
From Texas heritage to massive bubbles, imagination stations and even rotating exhibits, this hidden trove of play-based learning and imagination will keep you and the kids busy for an entire day. In fact, your crew might be begging to make a return trip as soon as you arrive at home and roll into the driveway.
Why You Should Go
You love the Perot and Rory Meyers Children’s Garden but you hate the crowds. If you can stand the drive (45 minutes from Rowlett, 60 minutes from Garland) the energy-zapping opportunities at the Northeastern Texas Children’s Museum are worth the trip. There are almost always NO crowds, even on special event days. Be sure to check the calendar before making the trek, you might get lucky and enjoy a spa day or learn about how bodies work during Healthy Kids!.
Who Will Have Fun
Labeled as a play space for kids ages 2 -10, it’s true that even toddling tots can enjoy the exhibits, but even crawlers can get in on the action. It’s a laid back, small space that invites imaginary play on a daily basis. Walk in and be greeted by a friendly staff. Set your stuff aside and let your explorers roam free. Move from the soft climbing space to the Train Depot, the dino excavation site and back to the frontier log cabin, bank or farm.
What to Bring
There isn’t much in the way of food or restaurants in Commerce, besides a quick stop or two. Pack a lunch, as there are tiny picnic tables scattered throughout the museum for mid-day and snack breaks. The bathrooms are fully equipped for diaper-wearing guests and there is ample room for stroller parking.
What to Do
There are over 15 permanent exhibits at the museum, all of which are in a single, large room. (read: parents can let their kids run wild without worry). Without a doubt, when you set your littles free at the museum, you’ll have the pleasure of watching them stay engaged, excited and happy for hours.
The exhibits mentioned below are the most entertaining to my kiddos when we visit the museum. There are many more!
- Go Shopping
Going to the store never looked so good. Shoppers can buy food and produce from the Brookshire’s, or re-stock shelves at their convenience.
- Take an Airplane Ride
Buckle up for a ride to… wherever! With a row of real airplane seats, captains chairs, all the buttons, levers, lights and headphones a budding pilot could need, request a trip to just about anywhere in an actual airplane that rests in the middle of the museum, and make it home in time for dinner.
- The Doctor is In
Whether it’s babies or puppies that need attention, your doctor or vet in training will have every tool they need to start lining up the appointment book. “X-rays” can be placed on a light tray, there are thermometers, scales, doctors coats, and of course, an abundance of patients needing a little TLC.
- Toss a Pizza Pie
Little pizza makers can don aprons, seat their guests, take orders and create pizzas all before carefully placing them in the oven. The bonus here is that the laminate pizza pies are sectioned into fractions, so they’ll be learning, too (shhh!!).
- Build with Basics
There are several different building centers, one dedicated to LEGOs, one for Duplos, one for Lincoln Logs and even a light table. Tinkering fans can make their own pipeline out of PVC and and learn all about Atmos Energy.
- All the World is a Stage
Dig through the massive treasure chest for costumes ranging from princess to woodland animals. Have your drama king or queen re-enact a favorite bedtime story, or make up a completely new adventure! Then, take to the stage and perform for eager audience members.
- Blow Big Bubbles
There is an entire room dedicated to making bubbles. Kids can use giants wands on their own or enter a ring, and pull a cord, and watch a bubble rise up all around.
The Details
The museum is located at 2501 Hwy 24, Commerce, TX 75428. They are open Tuesday – Saturday, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm. Admission is $5 per person, kiddos 2 and under are free. 903-886-6055.
www.netxcm.com
Have you ever taken the kids to the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum? Share your experience in a comment below.
— Gabby Cullen
Wow, it seems that the kids are enjoying and having the time of their lives exploring children’s museum. It’s really fun to bring them in this kind of place because they’re able to meet a lot of kids. They are not just having fun or playing, but they also learning how to communicate and all the activities here in children’s museum challenges their mind and that’s really a good thing. Thanks for sharing this story of yours.