PLANNED EXHIBITS
At the Black Hills Children’s Museum, every exhibit will integrate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) to build the essential skills children need to thrive in school, future careers, and life.
We also plan on offering a variety of programming including art classes, summer camps, and nature-based & STEAM activities.
NATURE-BASED LEARNING
Learning zones inspired by the Black Hills
THEMED EXHIBITS
That inspire creative play and learning
INCLUSIVE EXPLORATION
For kids of all abilities and varied interests
Our exhibits will nurture core skills for lifelong learning.
Through hands-on, play-based experiences, we foster the following areas of development:
Critical Thinking (blue)
Creativity (teal)
Collaboration (pink)
Communication (green)
Confidence (orange)
Exhibit List
Exhibits below are color-coded to highlight the areas of development they support. Please note that these are conceptual designs for the museum exhibits and the final exhibits may change.
ON THE FARM
On the Farm brings the excitement of farm life to kids through interactive, hands-on experiences. Children can gather eggs in the chicken coop, plant and harvest crops, and even hop on a tractor simulator. Through play, they’ll learn about where food comes from, the role of animals on the farm, and the importance of agriculture in our daily lives. It’s a fun and educational journey into the heart of farm life!
MAKER SPACE
Maker Space is a dynamic, hands-on space where creativity and innovation come to life. Kids can tinker, build, and invent using a variety of tools and materials, from crafting with cardboard to experimenting with circuits and perhaps 3D printing. Guided by their imagination, they’ll solve problems, prototype ideas, and explore the exciting world of design and engineering. It’s the perfect place to dream big and make it happen!
FLIGHT ZONE
Flight Zone invites young aviators to explore the wonders of flight through hands-on activities and interactive displays. Kids may pilot a virtual airplane, design and test paper airplanes in a wind tunnel, and learn about the science of aerodynamics. From building their own gliders to discovering how birds and planes stay aloft, this exhibit would encourage curiosity and experimentation, making the principles of flight both fun and educational.
WATER WORKS
Water Works would be an interactive exhibit where kids can dive into the wonders of water through hands-on exploration. They’ll experiment with flowing rivers, build dams, and explore the power of currents and whirlpools. From learning how water moves through pipes to understanding the science of buoyancy and pressure, this exhibit combines fun and learning, showing how water shapes our world in playful and surprising ways.
TINY TOWN
Around the Town invites kids to step into a vibrant, kid-sized community where they can explore different roles and professions. Whether they’re shopping at the market, serving up treats at the café, or becoming a firefighter or doctor, children will engage in imaginative play while learning how a town works. This exhibit fosters creativity, collaboration, and an understanding of everyday life in a bustling neighborhood!
PRAIRIE PLAYLAND
Prairie Playland offers a safe, engaging space where little ones can explore the wonders of the prairie. Designed with infants and toddlers in mind, this exhibit features soft climbing structures, crawl-through "burrows," and gentle slides surrounded by colorful prairie plants and animals. Sensory play areas and interactive elements introduce young explorers to the sights, sounds, and textures of the prairie, fostering curiosity and early learning through play.
EARTH EXPLORERS
Earth Explorers invites kids to embark on an exciting journey beneath the surface to uncover the secrets of our planet. Through hands-on digging activities, they’ll discover fossils, minerals, and ancient artifacts. Interactive stations teach young adventurers about geology, archaeology, and the importance of preserving Earth’s treasures. Whether sifting through sand or piecing together dinosaur bones, this exhibit combines exploration, science, and fun!
ALTITUDE ADVENTURES
Altitude Adventures takes kids to new heights with an exciting climbing experience! This multi-level exhibit lets young adventurers scale, crawl, and slide their way through challenging terrains. It’s a fun-filled journey that encourages physical activity, problem-solving, and a love for adventure!
OUTDOOR EXPLORATION
Outdoor Exploration invites children to experience the beauty and wonder of the Black Hills through active, hands-on play in a safe, fenced outdoor environment. Inspired by the region's unique landscapes, this space features a Black Hills-themed playground, water play modeled after Box Elder Creek, sensory and musical experiences, and opportunities to discover native plants and wildflowers
ART STUDIO
Art Studio invites children to imagine, create, and express themselves through hands-on artistic exploration. Filled with paint, clay, collage, and a variety of open-ended materials, this creative space encourages young artists to experiment with color, texture, and different artistic techniques.