EdVenture Children's Museum in Columbia, South Carolina - A Fun and Educational Experience

Two weekends ago my father and stepmother, along with my two young half-sisters, came to visit me here in Columbia, South Carolina. We were looking for a place where all of us could enjoy each others company while at the same time having a learning experience that would benefit my sisters. Being they are eight and six, we figured the perfect place for them to explore what makes up life, culture, and the world would be at EdVenture Children's Museum in Columbia, South Carolina. Located on Gervais Street in The Vista, this three-story museum features 67,000 square feet of exhibit space, featuring many traveling and permanent exhibits.

When one walks through the door to purchase tickets, one cannot help but notice the massive giant of a boy in the center of the museum. Named Eddie, the World's Largest Child, the molded plastic giant is 40 feet high and weighs 17.5 tons! A stunning sight to behold, you can even climb throughout his 40-foot body to discover what makes up the inside of a child. In addition to being a playground, children learn about where the heart, brain, lungs, and bones are, and one can even play in the stomach contents of Eddie! The playground is large enough for parents to follow their children inside and watch them become amazed at the enormous Eddie, just as my sisters did!

Another amazing exhibit is the World of Work. In this area, children can learn of different occupations and even practice that occupation inside each part of the exhibit. You can be a fireman, automotive mechanic, grocery store clerk and farmer. Children can "drive" a fire truck while wearing firefighting equipment, "drive" a tractor, pick out their own food and scan the items, and change a tire. My sisters enjoyed checking out their own food, even though their food choices were apple pie, ice cream, and cheese. It all makes for great pictures!

In Body Works, children explore the various areas of the body and how to keep healthy by visiting a healthy cafe, becoming a dentist, meeting a talking skeleton, and playing a giant game of Operation. There is also a little game show called Cranium Challenge where kids can take part in a challenge of medical questions. My sisters especially enjoyed becoming their own dentists, and it eased their fears about visiting a real-life dentist! In Mission Imagination, children create their own art though drawing, playing musical instruments, and starring in their own local newscast. Parents can stand outside and watch the hilarity ensue and kids jump up and down in front of the camera!

There are other minor sections of the facility, such as an Arts and Crafts classroom where families can walk in freely and create artwork of their own. Also featured is Camp Backyard, an area solely dedicated to children two and under. Furthermore, there is a library downstairs kids can browse and read during their time in the museum. With so much to do, one can't go wrong, and my sisters and family enjoyed learning about the world and life. The price was very reasonable as well at $6.95 for children and $8.95 for adults. You WILL spend plenty of time inside because of all the things to do, and EdVenture is a great place to avoid the summer heat. My family had an excellent, educational experience and we recommend it to any family looking for something worthwhile to do besides sitting at home.