Do you have a budding artist? Are you or will you be in the Mesa, Arizona area soon? If this answer to both of these questions is yes, then i.d.e.a. Museum is for you!

Recently, we went to visit some friends in Arizona and after a long drive, I knew my 3 year old would need to get out and run around. After some research on the internet, I decided that the i.d.e.a. Museum was just that. i.d.e.a. stands for imagination, design, experience, art and it definitely achieves all of those components.

ArtVille – where imagination starts

Geared towards children 4 and younger, ArtVille is one big room with mini areas that kids can play in. The areas have anything and everything you could dream of imagining! There is a kitchen and a garden, complete with ears of corn. The living room area houses comfy chairs and books to read and relax while the performing arts center makes the perfect place to put on a show. Oliver loved checking out the art studio and making a craft based on the book of the day. In the middle of the room were soft blocks that the kids could stack and crawl over. Have a kid younger than one? There is a little area with infant toys that is separated from where the toddlers are running around.

The HUB and Art’s Gallery – where art and experience come alive

We really enjoyed ArtVille and it was perfect for Oliver, however, the HUB and Art’s Gallery is great for the older kids while still being fun for Oliver.  The HUB has all kinds of interactive exhibits and my favorite one was Soundscape, a dome that played sea sounds. It was relaxing and Oliver loved listening to the sounds. In multiple places, there were markers and crayons and a topic to draw. Once you were finished with your drawing, it could be hung up in the same area for everyone to see. In the picture below, my son and husband were drawing their favorite robot.

Art’s Gallery is where the i.d.e.a Museum‘s main exhibit is. “It’s a Dog’s Life” shows our love for man’s best friend. This might sound contrary to most parents but my favorite part of this exhibit was that you couldn’t touch the artwork (teaching kids to respect the art) but around the artwork were interactive areas such as a doghouse or a vet’s office where the kids could play. It was the best of both worlds.

The i.d.e.a Museum doesn’t break the bank at $8 a person and under 1 is free! We had such a great time and want to come back! You can learn more about the i.d.e.a Museum here.