Maryland Science Center
Baltimore, MD
Opened July 2002

This venerable Baltimore institution’s original 800 square foot Kids Room, opened with NSF funding more than a quarter century ago, had a very loyal following and a track record of success with the museum’s increasing audience of families with small children. When MSC decided to expand the gallery’s size and to break new ground in providing meaningful interpretation for parents and caregivers, JKA was asked to develop and design an environment that would welcome the museum’s youngest visitors and give adults a new perspective on the nature of play.

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Experiences in the spacious new Kids Room are inspired by science and many of the activities feature content that showcases the local landscape and community. Whether role playing on an Inner Harbor fireboat, exploring the ocean floor via submarine, sending secret messages or experimenting with the force and flow of water, children are engaged in the thrill of discovery and adults have access to a wealth of child development information via a unique, dedicated web site created and maintained by museum staff. The Kids Room is filled with fun, humor and warmth, all much appreciated by visitors of every age.