Savvy Toddler Mom

Yesterday I had the pleasure of visiting for the first time the Treehouse Children’s Museum in Odgen, Utah.  What a place!  I didn’t know quite what to expect, and I was pleasantly surprised with the variety of exhibits and activities it had to offer.

Positioned as a place where “children can step into a story,” the museum is filled with exhibits designed to feel like pages from a giant story book.   From knights and castles, dinosaurs, a doll hospital, and a schoolhouse, to firetrucks, trains, tea parties, and a treehouse (!)… there was something for everyone.  Inside the museum is a giant treehouse that houses a circular staircase to the upper level of the museum.  The tree branches stretch out between the separate levels and provide a fairytale ambiance for the entire museum.  It is absolutely charming.

The toot and I met my cousin and her three daughters there for Toddler Time yesterday.  On Mondays from 10am-12pm and Wednesdays from 1-3pm, there are discount rates in effect and toddler-oriented storytime, songs, and activities.  For the toot, who is only 2, it was $3 and adults were free.  (I think it’s more for older children…)  Normal rates are $5 for children and $3 for adults.  For more information on rates and directions, click here.

For two hours, we toured the exhibits, listened to some stories, and sang along with the FABULOUS pianist and music leader (I don’t know who she is, but I think she would be right at home on the Garrison Keillor show).  Unfortunately, the toot wasn’t interested AT ALL in making a “feelings” book with the other kids, so we ran around some more while his second cousins (they are my cousin’s children, so they are his second cousins…) colored and put their cute books together.

The only downside to the museum - and quite literally, the only one! - is that it is 30 minutes from my house.  It’s in Ogden just south of the LDS Temple on 22nd Street between Washington Blvd. and Grant Avenue.  I was hard-pressed to keep the toot awake on the ride home.  He had a great time, though, and we will definitely be back.

I picked up a calendar — looks like they have a lot of arts and crafts and other specialty programs going on all the time.  They also offer memberships that include admission, a newsletter, entrance to some members-only events, discount at the gift shop, and the opportunity to host a Storybook Birthday Party.  Additional details can be found here.

So, bottomline: even if you live an hour away, the Treehouse Museum is worth a visit!  There are plenty of activities for toddlers and older children alike.  The toot could have stayed all day, I think.  My cousin goes almost every Monday.  Her girls LOVE it.

A couple of additional notes…

Leave the stroller at home. (Or in the car, at least.) If you have a baby, bring them in their car seat, snugli, sling, etc. and plan on carrying them.  While the building is handicap accessible, strollers are discouraged.  If your child can walk, they will probably want to walk! 

Other than a sippy cup of water, I brought only my purse along.  We didn’t need anything else. 

We did do a good hands wipe-down with some anti-bacterial wipes when getting back in the car.  My rule is let them play and have a good time… make sure they don’t put their hands in their mouth… then wash hands well when it’s time to go.  It’s worked pretty well so far.