Introducing Playtopia Juegolandia and Curiosity Corner/Esquina Curiosa

The Lawrence Hall of Science is undergoing exciting changes to make science exploration even more accessible for its youngest visitors. The Young Explorers Area, a longtime favorite for families, is being renovated and reimagined with new features and will now be called Playtopia Juegolandia (Juego means “play” in Spanish). In addition, the museum is introducing an entirely new space on the C-Level: Curiosity Corner/Esquina Curiosa. Both spaces will open on Saturday, December 20, 2024.

A key goal of the Young Explorers Area renovations is to revitalize beloved exhibits while introducing exciting new elements. 

“Playtopia Juegolandia will still feature favorite activities like our pinwall, puppet theater, Bernoulli blower, gravity well, gravity tracks, and air tube, alongside two major additions: a climbing structure and a dedicated area for children under the age of 2,” said Michelle Rodriguez, Public Experience Design Lead.

These updates will preserve the magic of the original space while expanding its appeal for younger learners. Guests will experiment with real-world phenomena through interactive exhibits and will learn cause-and-effect through play. 

Downstairs, on C-level, Curiosity Corner/Esquina Curiosa will also offer a brand-new experience for children ages 2 to 6. This drop-in space will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will feature a different science theme each season. The opening theme, Dance into the Light, will enable children to uncover the wonders of light and color. 

“In this space, children dig deeper through exploration and play,” says Rodriguez. “We’ve designed creative areas for exploring, discovering, making, and sharing, including a quiet area for reading and relaxing, as well as a movement area for practicing large motor skills.” 

Visitors to the Curiosity Corner/ Esquina Curiosa can also engage in activities like playing with UV light, dancing with primary colors, and creating shadows and shapes.

As part of a broader initiative, The Lawrence Hall of Science aims to enhance and expand the experiences for its youngest visitors. The goal is to create a cohesive, dynamic space where children can explore science in age-appropriate ways. The renovations and new spaces are part of The Lawrence’s commitment to fostering children’s growth and development.

“We kept three principles in mind while designing these spaces,” says Rodriguez. “First, science is everywhere! Children practice science skills through their own investigations and discoveries in a fun, dynamic environment. The diversity of science and scientists is represented all around us through imagery and storytelling.”

The second principle emphasizes the importance of growth—for both children and their caregivers. “Children grow, and adults grow with them,” Rodriguez continues. “These spaces are designed for age-appropriate, open-ended, and child-initiated joyful play, ensuring that there’s something for everyone, no matter where they are in their development.”

The final principle involves the well-being of each child. “Every child will be welcomed, accepted, nurtured, and cared for in these new spaces,” says Rodriguez. “The physical, cognitive, social, cultural, and emotional well-being of every one of them is our top priority in these spaces.”

This renewed focus on early learners has been made possible through the generous support of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, as well as a grant from the HEDCO Foundation.

In the first six months after Playtopia Juegolandia opens, the team behind the innovations will carefully observe how young visitors and their families interact with the space. Based on those observations, new activities will be added to enhance and complement the experiences that guests enjoy.

At the Curiosity Corner/Esquina Curiosa, the first program, Dance into the Light, will focus on light and color for about six months. Following that, the next theme, Through the Looking Glass, will explore the tools we use to observe the natural world. 

Over the next year, guests can look forward to seeing new programs and creative designs take shape that will inspire and engage visitors of all ages.