May 17, 2016

Australia’s only children’s museum turns one

The Early Start Discovery Space will celebrate its first birthday, with the 100,000th visitor expected through the door this weekend. 

UOW’s Early Start Discovery Space will celebrate its first birthday this week with three days of activities, games and giveaways.

The Early Start Discovery Space is Australia’s only dedicated ‘children’s museum’, and the first-of-its-kind in the world based on a university campus. 

Strongly grounded in evidence that play is integral to children’s learning and development, the Discovery Space offers children aged 0-12 and their carers interactive experiences to inspire the imagination and ignite a life-long love of learning. 

Since opening its doors in May 2015, the Discovery Space has attracted visitors from around the world, aged from 8 days to 89 years. The success of the Discovery Space is reflected in the fact that many of the 100,000 visitors have been families regularly returning. 

Chief Executive Officer Ms Michelle Kellaway said she was thrilled at the response from the community over the past year. 

“The Discovery Space has flourished this past year, establishing itself as the go-to destination for families. It’s truly inspiring to see families interacting, learning and having fun in the process. 

"We want to thank our loyal members and the community for their overwhelming support this past year. We look forward to bringing new and varied experiences to the Discovery Space in the coming year and continuing to spread the message of play-based learning.” 

Ms Kellaway said as part of the celebrations the Discovery Space’s HMAS Discovery would be transformed into a modern day Navy ship. 

From loading the goods needed for the journey, such as crates of tinned food and water canisters, to water safety with real life jackets and saving life buoy rings, children will be encouraged to dress-up as sailors and navy captains while exploring the ins and outs of what it takes to navigate the seas on a naval vessel. 

The Early Start Discovery Space will celebrate its first birthday over three days this week, from Friday 20 May to Sunday 22 May (9.00am-4.00pm daily). 

Throughout the day there will party games, free face painting and temporary tattoos and balloon animal twisting, in addition to facilitated play on all regular ‘experiences’ – from arts and crafts in the CreARTivity space and musical statues on the Lights, Sound Action stage to story time in the Book Nook and a guided expedition through the Tummy Tour. 

More information: earlystartdiscoveryspace.edu.au.