What can babies and toddlers do at the Early Childhood Learning Center?

The spacious and fully-carpeted indoor play area is furnished with soft play items such as tunnels, logs, and baby toys–all geared towards cognitive, physical, and sensory development.

Toddling tikes can scale the stream climber, scoot down the slide, or marvel at the rain cloud feature overhead. There are musical instruments to shake and tap, and inspiring woodland-themed murals on the wall to spark conversation and imagination. Many of the soft play items can be rearranged, stacked, or flipped to invent new challenges. Ultimately, the ECLC seeks to provide tools so that little ones can play and explore in ways that will help them grow and thrive.

Photo by Jamie Pham courtesy of Kidspace

What ages is the Kidspace ECLC for?

The ECLC was tailor-made for crawlers and early walkers. I’d say it’s probably best for babies and toddlers ages 6 to 18 months. The rest of the Kidspace Children’s Museum is designed for kids age 10 and under.

What if I’m visiting Kidspace with older kids too?

The Early Childhood Learning Center is monitored by Kidspace staff members, who encourage older children to stick to other areas of the museum. If you’re visiting with big kids or toddlers who are ready to explore on their feet, it’s best to bring an extra adult who can take them to another part of the museum while you spend time at the ECLC with your little one.

My older kids love splashing around in the outdoor streams of Arroyo Pequeno and gathering eggs at the perfectly-messy Muddy Boot Farm. Toddler Tuesdays are also wonderful weekly gatherings for little ones who have just aged out of ECLC. Kidspace engages all the senses, and curates activities and exhibits that spark wonder and encourage creativity across all ages.

What can parents and caregivers do at ECLC?

While the ECLC was designed with babies in mind, it’s also a perfect place for parents and caregivers to chat and connect while their little ones play in the safe, enclosed space. The warm and welcoming atmosphere makes the ECLC a comfortable and inviting place for grown-ups to chat, swap stories, and trade parenting tips.

Is there a nursing room at Kidspace?

While parents are certainly welcome to nurse their children anywhere in the museum, those who would like some privacy to feed their baby or change a diaper can access a Mamava in the far corner of the ECLC room, equipped with a locking door.

Photo by Jamie Pham courtesy of Kidspace

Are snacks and drinks allowed in the play area?

Snacks and drinks are welcome at Kidspace, but not inside the ECLC. Visitors can take advantage of the tables set up near the museum entrance, and even grab lunch or a smoothie at Bean Sprouts, Kidspace’s healthy and delicious little cafe.

Are shoes permitted in the ECLC?

Both adults and babies must wear socks in the Early Childhood Learning Center, in order to keep the area clean and sanitized. Make sure to bring a pair from home (and maybe even an extra pair if you plan to splash around in the creek before heading inside). Shoes can be stored in cubbies on the wall directly across from the entrance.

What hours is the Early Childhood Learning Center open?

The ECLC is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00am to 2:00pm–closing before the rest of the museum. Note that the space can also reach full capacity and, when it does, the staff will put out a sign indicating that this is the case.

Where is the ECLC located within Kidspace?

The play area is located to the left of the Kidspace entrance, down the hall and past the museum store. Look for the sign that says “Welcome, Babies!”

If you’d like to explore the Early Childhood Learning Center with your little one, you can purchase museum tickets or become a member over on the Kidspace Children’s Museum website.