Apple Valley, CA – The High Desert’s youngest residents will soon have a museum space designed just for them. “CuriousCity,” a new immersive environment built especially around the needs of children 5 and under, will open Wednesday, Aug. 23 at the Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley.
CuriousCity is a hands-on environment that encourages pretend play in a kid-sized small town. Motor skills, learning, and social interactions are encouraged in an atmosphere of fun, imagination, and make-believe. Building structures, games, puzzles, art and reading activities contribute to the development of age-level skills. As a space separate from the museum’s other exhibits, younger children can safely play without the tumult that can occur when the room is shared with older children.
“This focus on the 0-5 age group is a new and important addition, and a needed resource to nurture a healthy community in this region. Our hope is that families visit often, and that it becomes a spot where parents can meet and share parenting experiences while interacting with their children.” said Melissa Russo, museum director.
The Opening Day of CuriousCity on Aug. 23 runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include activities and resource tables for families with young children. From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. a dedication and official opening are scheduled.
“CuriousCity provides an opportunity for fun and learning – and for families to create great memories,” San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chair Robert A. Lovingood said. “The Victor Valley Museum highlights local history, mining, Native American artifacts, natural history and now we have a special place just for children 5 and under. So there’s something for everyone.”
CuriousCity and the County Museum’s other exciting events and exhibits reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.”
The new exhibit is included with regular museum admission. Families with Museum memberships enjoy free admission for a full year, along with a host of other benefits. Membership at the Premium level includes free admission to other children’s museums across the United States. CuriousCity is supported by Southern California Edison, Bank of America, Johnnie Ann Ralph, the San Bernardino County Museum Association, Friends of the Victor Valley Museum, and San Bernardino County Library.
The Victor Valley Museum is a branch of the San Bernardino County Museum located at 11873 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 (adult), $4 (senior or military), and $2.50 (student. Children under 5 and San Bernardino County Museum Association members are free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcounty.gov/museum. The museum, including CuriousCity, is accessible to persons with disabilities.
