City Museum458

Massive rocks, wire "slinkies" that serve as bridges, reclaimed aircraft fuselages, three-story slides, caves crafted from a factory's conveyor tunnel system, textures of every sort - City Museum is truly an architectural wonder to behold, inducing deliriously delighted children who rush forward into the playful abyss with nary a look behind them.

The museum is constructed entirely out of unique, found objects: Reclaimed building materials, old chimneys, salvaged bridges, construction cranes, miles of tile, and two airplanes help form the amazing attractions here.

The Enchanted Caves capture any adventurer's imagination: With spiral tunnels in which to crawl and all kinds of nooks and crannies to explore, this is where many young visitors head first. The newly added Wave Cave features sculptural ocean-going oddities - real and imagined - for kids to examine.

MonstroCity - a Parents' Picks winner for best playground for big kids - is an amazing "interactive sculpture": a multi-tiered, giant playground that fully embraces kids who climb and explore.

The Baby Bob Ball Pit gives tykes the opportunity to leap among, under, and over zillions of balls, while Toddler Town is filled with tiny tunnels, shorter slides, and a quiet oasis for down time.

Up on the roof, City Museum offers more than just views: Visitors can find the Big Eli Ferris wheel, snaking slides, a precariously perched schoolbus, and a fountain-splashing zone.

The World Aquarium, located upstairs, houses more then ten thousand creatures and hosts special critter feedings almost every day; check the website for a schedule. Entrance to the Aquarium is an additional fee of $6.

The museum's Circus Harmony showcases the zany antics of circus performers; weekly performances and classes designed for young entertainers are held here.

Rounding out the offerings: the hands-on Art City, Tiny Train Town Model Railroad, a massive Wurlitzer Pipe Organ, birthday party opportunities, and a gift shop.