Seeing the kids with their faces pressed against the glass, anxiously waiting their turn to enter the new Mobius Discovery Center, was a welcome sight for Mobius CEO Karen Hudson and her staff.
On April 1 and 2, after being closed to the public for over a year, Mobius members were invited to attend the non-profit’s grand reopening and be the first to explore their newly consolidated location, which brought their children’s museum, formerly located in the lower level of River Park Square, into the same space as their science center, in the Post Street Annex of the historic Washington Water Power building.
“We’re excited to share the same home,” said Hudson. “Now families don’t have to choose which location to visit.”
The science center was more STEM-based, and the children’s museum more play-based. Now called Mobius Discovery Center, this single location offers families a fantastic mix of STEAM (STEM + Art).
It features the most popular exhibits from each location, including the fan-favorite water table, art studio, Enchanted Forest (soft-surface play area for little ones under three), Cooper’s Corner, the Super Dig, and Wattson’s World, sponsored by Avista.
They also kept the fun air rockets and reptiles, and even brought back the much-loved exhibit “Launch It!” (the art of flying and launching). One of their Lab spaces also provides educator-led STEAM activities.
To keep things fresh, Mobius will rotate the floor and bring in new exhibits on a regular basis, so each time families visit, it’s a little bit different.
“As a mom, having a parent perspective has always been helpful when making decisions for Mobius,” shared Hudson. “We’ve been so happy with everyone’s feedback about the consolidation.”
Hearing children laugh in their space again, to see their excitement after they’ve learned something new, those are the moments Hudson and her team find most rewarding.
Founded in 2005, Mobius’ mission is to spark curiosity and ignite imagination. It’s a place where parents learn to play and kids play to learn. Throughout the years, it’s meant so much to their non-profit when people purchase a membership (which quickly pays for itself!) because it means they want to continue learning and playing together as a family.
Mobius Discovery Center’s location is ideal for families who want to spend the whole day downtown. Because they’re connected to the Washington Water Power building overlooking the Spokane Falls, they offer some of the best views in town! Parking in River Park Square is convenient, and the new features in Riverfront Park – right across the street – provide even more fun-filled activities.
Even if you’re not quite ready to come back to Mobius in person, Mobius can come to you! Several programs they created to serve the community during the pandemic are still being offered. You can purchase STEAM kits online or register for Mobius Virtual Programs at mobiusdiscoverycenter.org.