Meet the Freml family: Colburn, Lauren, Simon (6), Lewis (4), Elliot (1), who have been members since 2022.
We asked Lauren to share a bit about their growing family and how they utilize the Children’s Museum of South Dakota as their children have moved through different ages and stages.
How often do you come to the Museum?
Lauren: About once a week!
What is your family’s favorite exhibit?
Lauren: Each member of our family has a different favorite!
- Colburn loves Splash! — Bring extra clothes!
- Lauren loves the Art Studio — Painting on the window entertains kids for a long time!
- Simon loves the Outdoor Prairie Play — especially the Dino Dig
- Lewis loves Cafe Coteau — The grilled cheese T. rex always makes him smile.
- and Elliot loves miniExplorers — Great for babies to explore and get some wiggles out.
What keeps your family coming back to the Museum?
Lauren: We keep coming back because the exhibits are well-maintained and clearly designed with children in mind (even down to the restrooms!). Our kids get to learn through play and have the opportunity to play and try new things without us needing to buy a bunch of supporting gear. And some of our best friends are those that we’ve played with at the Museum.
“We feel like our kids are seen, known, and loved there.”
The staff at the Museum is also always ready to help, and clearly, genuinely, love where they work.
What is the most valuable thing about your membership?
Lauren: The best part of our membership is the ability to affordably enroll our kids in the camps and classes the Museum hosts. We have primarily participated in Playful Preschoolers, but our oldest is very excited to try the school-age camps this summer! We also love being able to stay and play for just a bit before or after camps.
We’re also able to come frequently, which means our kids can have more focused play in the various exhibits, versus seeing something new around every turn. Trying new things is so valuable. And finding new ways to play with things you’ve already seen is also enriching.
What would you tell a family who’s coming to the Museum for the first time?
Lauren: Don’t rush yourself through it! There’s a lot to see and a lot to do! Take your time and enjoy the creativity of playing in multiple places.
Bring dry clothes for when you inevitably end up in Splash!
Ask about any classes or programming that may be happening that day! You never know what you might stumble upon that inspires new play!
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Lauren: Sometimes, when we’re getting antsy or need to stall between activities in town, we’ll stop by the Museum just to see who we’ll run into and get to play with!
“Participating in classes has been such an important part of our kids’ education.”
They have space to learn through play in small groups, while having the freedom to just be kids. The staff leading them has always been TOP NOTCH, and they work hard to meet the kids where they’re at.
And don’t forget about the gift shop, Play Central Toys & Books for gifts to commemorate your visit or for the next birthday party you’re going to!
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