Cole's Guided Tours: Seattle Science Center

This blog has been growing on me for months....I take care of the most adorable little boy named Cole for about 14 hours a week. Somehow the Science Center and my time with him have become fixedly combined in his mind. This means we go to the Science Center very often, sometimes several times a week. It is a very fascinating museum. However, I now know it very, very well.

So does Cole. This is partly because he is a little man of thorough consistency. Our route through the Museum rarely varies. We do things in the same order every time (and heaven help us if we have to leave before we have accomplished the entire circuit) Anyways, I found it so fascinating that I brought my camera and decided not to interfere at all with where we went when. And so, without further ado, I present.....

Cole's Guided Tour of the Seattle Science Center
Welcome to the Seattle Science Museum.

First we wait in line. While you wait in line, you may wish to play with the other children, walk in dizzying circles around the poles, or jump up and down in un-contained excitement.

On the first floor is a great indoor playground that looks like a tree.

You can also dress up. Here is the Cole moth, joined by his friends the red cardinal and miss butterfly on a flight around the forest.


Next we climb the stairs all the way to the second story. "come on, come on!"

And head straight for the digger and dumper. If we have to, we wait our turn because it is always worth it.



Tips from Cole: Sticking out your tongue can really help when you're in a bind.


The Robot who plays tic-tac toe is next.

Usually the Robot wins, but it is always exciting!


It is great to check your grip strength here....the lights are just fascinating.

Yep, the bicycle is still to big for me!

Here we go! Molecules, Microscopes!

Protein Pinball!


And on to the toddler play center!
Bubbles first,

then the hand dryer.

It is best to drive the helicopter to Fred Meyer next, but if that is occupied....

...driving the police car to Home Depot is your next best option.


Last stop in the Toddler Center, the Music Room!

And you thought the pots and pans in your kitchen could be noisy!


Just outside of the toddler center is the reason I bring my knitting into the Science Center. Why you ask? The first time Cole discovered this contraption he literally wanted to stand there throwing balls for about 45 minutes before he was ready to leave. I'm usually fine with that, if we have the time, except that for this he wanted no adult interference, thank you very much! So now I bring my knitting and settle in for a good solid 20-30 minutes. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that throwing an endless supply of little black balls is the definition of excitement for a three-year old!


After the balls, I usually suggest a snack, which is promptly accepted. After the snack, Cole usually asks if we can go outside to see the ducks. Here we are looking hard for the ducks--they like hiding!

Looking for ducks leads to the water works!

Now it is time to go have lunch and take our nap. Which is sad. Here are some tips for leaving the science center in a good mood:
Take a drink from the drinking fountain. Take two or three!

Also, Cole recomends taking the elevator down. It is always easier to leave a place you love when you get to push an elevator button on the way out!

Goodbye Science Center, until tomorrow!

Thank you for experiencing this uniquely guided Cole Tour!