KiDiMu celebrates grand reopening

After years in development, Kids Discovery Museum will open the doors to its new facility at the corner of State Route 305 and Winslow Way on June 5.

Established in 2005, KiDiMu serves 40,000 youngsters from King and Kitsap counties annually, outgrowing its original location on Madison Avenue. An active search began for a new facility, one that the nonprofit could own outright. In 2008, KiDiMu was offered a spot in The Island Gateway complex and the museum broke ground in September 2009.

Over the winter, residents followed the museum’s progress as the steel tower emerged from the landscape, and the distinctive red-accented structure became visible from Winslow Way.

The 5,000-square foot building, designed by Bainbridge architect Matthew Coates to be LEED gold-certified, includes a living roof to naturally insulate the building and reduce site water runoff; landscaping that incorporates native plants, bioswales, a rain garden and pervious paving; and recycling.

Inside, visitors can’t help but notice the pirate-themed treehouse that towers one-and-a-half stories high and includes dress‐up materials for a voyage of the imagination.

The treehouse slide spills the youngsters into “Our Town,” which introduces kids to community life through scaled‐down versions of a doctor’s office, grocery store, ferry (of course) and a bank.

KiDiMu is partnering with Kitsap Credit Union (KCU) to sponsor the “Dollars and Sense” exhibit, which will include an ATM, manager’s desk, teller station and educational games to teach children about money. This partnership between Kitsap Credit Union and KiDiMu will include programming on smart money management for children and adults, provided by Kitsap Credit Union.

Meanwhile, the museum’s youngest visitors can enjoy the “Totally Tots” area, an enclosed padded space where toddlers and their caregivers can hang out, play and visit in comfort and safety.

A low-walled outdoor area provides a spot for a picnic lunch and fair‐weather activities and programming.

Upstairs is the “Science Hall” with the “Motion Madness” and “Rain Forest” exhibits.

The museum’s programming supports its mission “to engage bodies and minds through interactive play; inspire a lifelong journey of discovery; and expand connections to local and global communities.”

“We’re all about the play here,” said Executive Director Susan Sivitz.

The museum will resume its ongoing schedule of workshops, classes and special events covering a range of disciplines from music to drama, to science to art.

On June 22, summer camps begin for kids ages 3‐10. Children can participate in 13 different summer adventure camps: Pirate Camp; Safari Camp, Astronauts and Aliens; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Musical Theatre Camp; Sea Life: Marine Explorations; From Farm to Table: Edible Adventures; Cartoon Lagoon cartooning camp; and many more. Camp registration is on now, and scholarships are available. Call 855‐4650 or go online to www.kidimu.org for a complete listing along with dates, ages and instructor information.

KiDiMu June 5 grand reopening

Schedule of events

8:45 – 9:45 a.m.

Members only preview of the new exhibits. New members welcome.

9:45 a.m.

Special concert preview with The Not-Its.

10 a.m.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony for all KiDiMu friends.

Kick-off the fun and cheer for Steve Rhoades, who will “Go the Extra Mile for KiDiMu” on his 1,200-mile bike and surfboard trip.

10:15 a.m.

Concert by The Not-Its.

Enjoy the acclaimed rock-and-roll band from Seattle, The Not-Its, who were featured on the children’s music stage at last year’s Bumbershoot festival (www.wearethenot-its.com).

1 p.m.

Concert by the Odyssey Middle School’s youth Marimba band. Local students will “drum up” the fun with live music.

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Exhibit exploration and art activities for families with children from birth through 10 years old.

Featured exhibits:

Pirate Tree House, Totally Tots, Our Town (with a grocery store, an electric car, a construction zone, a ferry, a medical center and the “Dollar and Sense” exhibit), Science Hall with Motion Madness and Creation Station, and an outdoor play area.

Admission:

Free for KiDiMu members and children under one;

$5 for general public, $4 for military. All featured exhibits and events are included with admission.

For more information about KiDiMu, call 855‐4650, or visit www.kidimu.org.