DROP-IN DISCOVERY PLAY, SPI TO GO, SUMMER CAMPS, WORKSHOPS, STORIES & STEAM | SCIENCE PLAY-SPACE INITIATIVE

As part of our Discovery Play program, families can drop-in to utilize our community space for fun and learning together. Includes climbing and tunnels for large motor fun in all weather, a touchless and interactive floor projector, an augmented reality sandbox and high powered microscope, educational exhibits, rotating STEM-focused table top activities, sensory experiences, access to toys/tech/tools for featured activities, pop-up demonstrations by staff, etc. Target ages are 3-11, but younger and older siblings and their accompanying adults enjoy the space as well. Current public hours are Thursdays 9-noon, 1 to 4pm, and 5-8pm. And Fridays and Saturdays 9-noon and 1 to 4 pm. Low daily admission fee, financial accessibly pricing for EBT card holders, camp and membership scholarships widely available. In June and July, we offer half-day summer camps, with income-based scholarships. These are for school agers who have completed kindergarten though fifth grade. Opportunities for high school volunteers to assist with camps.

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211 Pathways

Physical Address

400 South Main Street, Mount Vernon, OH 43050

Hours

As of January 2022, we are open for group field trips on Wednesdays. We are open to the public: Thursdays - 9am to noon, 1 to 4 pm, and 5 to 8 pm Fridays - 9am to noon and 1 to 4 pm Saturdays - 9am to noon and 1 to 4 pm Camp dates/hours, locations, and themes vary year to year but span June and July.

Application process

The space is available for use by all families in our community. To participate, participants only need to have a brief check-in interaction at the front desk, where staff adds a bit of contact info to our database, collects any applicable admission fees, checks membership status and IDs (for membership holders). Those seeking to pay a reduced cost "museums for all" admission fee will need to show an EBT card. Some programs - camps or special workshops - require pre-registration online. Users will create an account at spi.jumbula.com and register during designated time periods for these opportunities.

Fee

Admission to SPI Spot is $4 per person (kids AND accompanying adults in your party). "Museums for All" admission fee for EBT card holders is $2 per person (from your immediate household). Some scholarship memberships are available via our Sue Webster accessibility program. These enable free admission for a year (application and approval required as supplies last). Most camp sessions are $60 for an entire week, covering 3 hours of programming per day M-F. Income-based camp scholarships available for all qualifying families meeting guidelines.

Eligibility

Discovery Play (aka daily admission for family play-based learning at our location) is open to all ages. Adults must accompany and supervise the children in their care. Ages 3-11 are primary target audience. Summer camps are open to school agers who have completed kindergarten though 5th grade. Field trips options available to child care centers and schools as arranged.

Agency info

SCIENCE PLAY-SPACE INITIATIVE

Community space providing family recreation and learning through play. Families can drop in and participate together in self-led Discovery Play during any of SPI's open hours. Until 3:30 each weekday, the center primarily attracts families with young children (under age 4). During out of school time hours, however, people of all ages find something to spark their imaginations. SPI's tools, toys, and equipment are flexible enough to be used differently by different populations as suits their interests and developmental needs. SPI also periodically presents special events or enrichment workshops for school-age youth. The organization offers half-day summer camp experiences for kids in grades k-6. High school students volunteer at SPI through its STEAM Team initiative.