After a 2018 trip to the Byrne Center in York, Beth Desch knew her next mission: bringing an engaging, interactive play space to her community. Upon returning home she teamed up with Karen Hudson and they set to work. After years of planning, fundraising and community partnership building her dreams finally came to fruition this June. The Pottstown Children's Discovery Center opened it's door this summer after much anticipation and we are thrilled to welcome them! Located in Pottstown, their space is a part of Montgomery County Community College's West Campus; is one level for easy accessibility and has plenty of free parking in the attached lot.
The discovery center is bursting with creative corners to spark imaginative play and is a wonderful new addition to a short list of local indoor play spaces for kids. Recently, we took a tour and I'm thrilled to bring you the highlights:
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Play Spaces
First, and most importantly, you'll want to know what's in the center?! There are three main play spaces, each with a specific theme. All three are designed with plenty of open ended play options. Kids can spend hours on end each visit and never have the same experience twice.
- Theatre Space. The first room you're likely to visit is the theatre room. Here you'll find a puppet show stage with all the props, seating for audience members (adults), a corner stage for performances, and a fully stocked "backstage" area complete with costumes and accessories to inspire a wide variety of performances.
- Barn to Belly. The second space (my 5 year old's favorite) is a huge area themed "Where we get our food". Here kids find apple trees, corn stalks, and a stream for fishing. These lead into a barn (with a 2 story slide!), bee hive, garden and farmer's market. Finally, there is a "food truck" where the food can be prepared and a sweet picnic table to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
- STEM. In the final space kids will find a ton of STEM activities including a huge LEGO wall, make-you-own-car assembly line, bank, and fan-favorite water table. Kids and parents alike enjoy manipulating the water stream to guide ducks along the path with friendly races!
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Amenities
The PCDC was built with kids and families in mind. For your safety and comfort you'll find:
- A quiet room designed for nursing mothers and/or kids who need some quiet time.
- Indoor stroller parking.
- Snack and drinks for purchase
- A room for eating snacks (outdoor food IS permitted).
- Ample adult seating in each room.
- Kid friendly bathrooms and changing tables in each play room.
- Headphones available for sensory needs.
Special Events
- Crafts and Events. The PCDC has a specially themed events and crafts room. The theme changes monthly along with the activities. This large space hosts crafts each day as well as a snack space. On select days, you'll find special events included with admission. These include special guests (such as local beekeeper), community based events, or fun challenges like the carboard build-off! Upcoming events include:
- World Day of Play- September 28th
- Trick or Treating- October 24th
- Fall Messy Challenge- October 26th
- Birthday Parties. Host your next Birthday Party or family gathering at the center and the event space will be yours for the party.
- Field Trips. PCDC also offers field trips perfect for local preschools, daycares, home school groups and elementary students.
Fast Facts
- Admission is to all from 1-99+ years
- Play spaces have plenty for kids of all ages to explore, but for reference, the target ages are 2-10.
- Price of admission is $10/person
- Memberships are available and affordable. Memberships are priced for a year (12 month) and are a great investment or experience gift! Options include:
- Small family membership (4 or less people in household) $150/year.
- Large family membership (5 or more people in a household) $180/year
- Grandparent Add-on $30/year to a family membership.
Let's all give a giant KUDOS and THANK YOU to Beth and Karen for their wonderful vision and dedication to see it through to completion for our community!
95 South Hanover Street
Pottstown, PA 19464
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