CLIMB ON IN! Soon, kids playing at the Children's Museum of Eau Claire will be able to enjoy the new outdoor exhibit.

If you’ve walked or driven down North Barstow Street in downtown Eau Claire recently, you’ve likely seen some new funky-shaped additions to the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire’s outdoor space. Kiddos will soon be able to play in the new installation, dubbed “The Nest.”

“The Nest” features woven pods that reflect the new building’s natural theme. Partial tree trunks similar to the beams used inside the Children's Museum (126 S. Barstow St.) also support and surround “The Nest.” Soon, kids will be able to play inside the pods and enjoy the fresh fall air!

Inside view.

Inspired by artist Patrick Dougherty, who has sculptures located around the globe created entirely with sticks, CMEC enlisted its own local artists to craft the additions. Tim Brudnicki, owner of TreePurpose, and Terry Meyer, also a local artist, collaborated to create the one-of-a-kind play experience.

“This project is another testament to what can be accomplished in this community with vision, collaboration, and a kids-are-first mentality,” museum CEO Michael McHorney said.

McHorney said there are more outdoor exhibits likely to sprout up as well in the future – “certainly, (there are) never a shortage of ideas around here” – and shared that a couple of proposals include something that incorporates music, and a space where families can learn more about and experience growing food.

Alongside additional upkeep on current exhibits, like new fluffy friends added to the Pet Vet exhibit and the repainting of the Toddler Forest bridge, the museum’s sensory room – which has been in progress for roughly a year – is also open.

CMEC partnered with UW-Eau Claire’s Special Education and Inclusive Practices department to create an intentional space for those with sensory needs. The entire experience was designed by Dr. Kirstin Rossi and UWEC students. Curated sensory backpacks and a map to be used during museum play are both available at the museum’s front entrance as well.

“A sensory room helps people with sensory needs, such as autism, self-regulate behaviors through the use of special equipment designed to assist in processing sensory information,” McHorney explained. The room is on the second level of CMEC.

Families can expect to continue seeing modifications and additions for the foreseeable future at CMEC, including more offerings on the second floor, for which planning has already begun. McHorney said he hopes patrons will see “noticeable modifications” by next year. The CMEC team also hopes to finish curating one of the learning classrooms this year, which will be focused on “making” and the creative process.

Keep up with the Children's Museum of Eau Claire on Facebook and visit its website to learn more. Visit today at 126 N. Barstow St., Eau Claire.