This evening we attended the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum Member Night. There are typically 3-4 member nights per year and each is centered around a different theme. Tonight’s theme was Hands On Winter Games to coincide with the upcoming Winter Olympics.
Gymnasts from Gym America were there to help the kids do some gymnastics (bars, beam, somersaults, etc). Godai Ninpo Association was there to teach some martial arts moves. David Harlock of the 1994 Silver Medal Canadian Ice Hockey team was there with his silver medal. The kids were each given a mini gold medal, had the opportunity to have their picture taken with him, and see his medal (my daughter even got to hold it). Unfortunately, I did not bring my camera and only have a cell phone quality photo.
Bob the Builder – Project: Build It is still at the museum through March 14. Bob himself made an appearance at the event. My daughter was completely freaked out by Bob the Builder, she would not even stay in the same area as him, so we moved through this area fairly quickly (plus she has already seen the Bob the Builder 3 prior times).
As you arrived, there were bags of popcorn available. During the course of the day they gave away two door prizes. Also, in the Science Works laboratory, they were providing a snack including bottles of water.
There were several activities setup in the second floor Legacy Gallery teaching kids about balance, muscles, lungs, and speed. My daughter had a great time turning the water from blue to yellow by blowing bubbles in it, using a rubber band and strings to lift blocks to build a tower, coloring a balancing gymnast, and running a race.
They have also replaced several of the exhibits in the All About You Gallery. Many of the old exhibits have been non-operational for 2 years, so this has been a long time in coming. We moved through this area fairly quickly so we did not get to test any of them out.
We love the member nights and try to make as many as possible. The next member night is May 5: Michigan Wonders.
