Today I Am Going to Visit the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring. There Are Many Fun Things

Today I am going to visit the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring. There are many fun things to do at Discovery Center.

When I get to the museum, we will park the car and walk inside. I need to wait in line so my adult can pay for us. There are maps at the Front Desk and I can use one to help decide which exhibits I want to visit.

I can look at the sign next to the Front Desk and see what special activities are happening today. There might be lots of other children playing too. If it gets too noisy, I can ask for ear muffs at the Front Desk.

There is a coat rack next to the Front Desk. I can hang my jacket or bag there while I explore. Down the hallway, I can see the restrooms. There are also restrooms I can use upstairs or in Tiny Town.

There are lots of exhibits to explore downstairs. While I am exploring downstairs, I need to remember my museum manners:

I will stay with an adult.

I will walk.

I will use a quiet voice.

I will take turns with the other children.

The hurricane machine will allow me to know what it feels like to be in windy weather. It might be fun to watch the other guests before I try it out. If I want, my adult can do this with me. It costs an extra $2 to go in the hurricane machine.

On the touch screen, I can explore life in China. If I need help using the touch screen I can ask my adult or a Discovery Center employee.

I can go to the Farmer’s Market and pretend to play in a store or at home. When I’m finished, I need to clean up so other kids can play too.

In Creation Station, I can make my own art projects. There will be supplies and instructions for a special project, but I can also do my own coloring and painting. There are smocks that I can wear to keep my clothes clean, but it is okay if I get messy in here. The room has sinks so I can wash my hands.

When I get to Tennessee Live, I will see a dig pit where I can look for fossils, a large tank of water turtles, and a table with bones and fossils to explore. I need to remember these animals are for looking, not touching.

I can visit the fire truck and pretend to be a fireman. There are clothes, boots, and helmets that I can wear if I want to dress like a fireman. I will take turns with the other children.

When I get to the water table, I can put on a waterproof smock. The smock will help to keep my clothes dry. There are many things to explore at the water table like the bubble tubes, wave maker, irrigation area, and hydroelectricity. It is okay if I don’t want to get wet; I can just stand and watch. When I am done playing, I can use paper towels to dry my hands.

In the shadow room, I can learn how shadows are made and create my own. If I want to see my shadows on the wall, my adult will have to turn the lights on and off.

Tiny Town is a space for kids that are 5 or younger. Inside Tiny Town, I can visit the music store, Home Depot, post office, Publix, and doctor’s office. There is also a place for babies and toddlers called Tot Space.

Now that I’ve explored everything downstairs, I can go upstairs. I should hold the handrail when I walk up and down the stairs. If I need to use the elevator, my adult must go with me.

There are many things to do on the second floor. I can choose to explore planes, trains, cars, and the temporary exhibit space.

In the car area, I will learn about changing tires and the other car repairs that mechanics do. There is also an antique car that I can pretend to drive. I will need to take turns with other children.

In the Nissan area, I can pretend to be on an assembly line and build my own car. I may also watch a video about the Nissan manufacturing plant and see a real engine.

When I leave the cars, I can go around the corner to find train tables and a coal mountain. I will learn how trains are powered and can build my own track.

Next to the trains, I can look at the beehive. I know that I am safe because the bees are kept behind a window. There are bee costumes that I can put on while I play.

I can also go to the Clark Maples Train Depot and look at a model of Murfreesboro and two train sets. The only run at special times, but I can always look inside the room. My adult can help me find the schedule on the door and figure out when we can see the trains.

There is an airplane simulator next to the train depot. If the exhibit is open, I can pretend to fly the plane. The airplane will be open at the same time the trains are running. There are areas to learn about air power as well.

If I’m ready to go back downstairs I can choose to go down the slide. The slide will take me downstairs very quickly. I might have to wait in line. I will ask my adult if I can use the slide and then I will wait for them at the bottom. I will come out downstairs by the water table.

There are also places to explore outside the Discovery Center. I can take a walk through Murfree Spring Wetland and look for butterflies, turtles, ducks, and otters.

I can also choose to visit Nature Play, an outdoor exhibit. There is a climbing wall, water table, and dig pit. I can also look at Pemberton, the Great Horned Owl, when it’s warm outside. I will remember to keep my hands at my side so I don’t scare Pemberton.

Before I leave the Discovery Center, I will need to return ear muffs or timers if I borrowed them. If my adult says it’s okay, we can visit the gift shop on our way out. I will remember to shop with my eyes only and ask my adult if I need help.

I have learned all about the Discovery Center and the fun things I can do when I visit. If I have a question or get lost at the Discovery Center, the museum staff wearing Discovery Center shirts can help me.