MANSFIELD, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A hands-on children’s museum in downtown Mansfield is getting a facelift and introducing a new line-up of interactive family events guaranteed to “ignite your imagination.”
Buckeye Imagination Museum, 175 W. Third Street, is renovating its educational exhibits, adding a gift shop, and undergoing improvements inside and outside the two-story facility, according to Justin Ross, the executive director.
“It’s always been a fairly pivotal place for the Richland County community,” said Ross, who took over the helm last November. “We’re focusing more on the sensory part of them coming in to make it more appealing and interactive.”
The museum, which features more than 30 interactive exhibits, encourages imagination-based learning for children ages two through 10. Through the power of play kids can fight fires, pilot planes, and navigate a slew of real-life scenarios.
Construction of the 20- by 30-foot gift shop in the main lobby is nearly complete, Ross said, with souvenirs and other items ready to be displayed on the store’s shelves. The museum’s snack area is also seeing some upgrades, he said.
New flooring is being installed throughout the color-themed exhibit area, Ross said. In addition, the non-profit museum is collaborating with a company to build out more STEM activities and add curriculum for homeschoolers and field trip groups.
The new interactive family event dubbed “Nights at the Museum” has recently made its debut, Ross said, and will continue July 17 with a Family Glow Night complete with black lights, music, a movie, and other activities. Tickets are $10 a person.
A Back to School Bash to mark the end of summer is planned for August 14. Music, crafts, outdoor games, and full access to the museum are on tap for families who attend, plus food trucks will conveniently be on site for the special event.
A night of spooky fun will take place October 30 as the museum is transformed into Fright Night Frenzy. Guests are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes, join Trunk or Treat, and enjoy other kid-friendly activities on tap for the after- hours event.
The museum has scheduled additional Glow Nights for September 12 and November 13. Finally, a Holiday Bash on December 19 will celebrate the season and round out the year with music, crafts, museum play, and holiday fun for the whole family.
The museum – originally known as the Little Buckeye Children’s Museum – was founded in 2011. The current building, which is adjacent to the Renaissance Theatre, opened in 2022 as part of a joint capital campaign with the Renaissance Performing Arts Association.
Today, most of the museum’s walk-in visitors hail from Richland County, Ross said, but that trend is beginning to shift. “We’re starting to grow in the Ashland and Crawford County area so we’re starting to expand our reach with new kids and new families.”
Field trips, he said, have increased a whopping 65-percent. Now the museum is looking to branch out as a regional center for child development by securing sponsorships and promoting memberships, regular programs, and classes, he said.
“Once people come through the doors and see what we have to offer it’s going to change their perspective, and I think they’ll come back.”
Museum hours through November are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed Sunday and Monday. Additional information is available on their website: buckeyeimaginationmuseum.org.