BUCKHANNON — Marble runs clatter. Light tables glow. A tiny grocery store waits to be restocked. All of that and more will come to life when Buckhannon’s first interactive children’s museum, a new space focused on hands-on learning, opens this week on Main Street.
The Appalachian Impact Adventure Center will officially open on Tuesday, April 21. To prepare, the center recently welcomed a group of local Head Start students for a field trip, giving them a chance to explore the space firsthand. It was the first of what organizers hope will be many visits from area schools and youth programs.
That visit offered a preview of what families can expect. Kids moved through the space, trying out different activities and interacting with one another while learning through play.
“We’ve received a lot of positive feedback and support from the community,” said Kelsey Luterek, program coordinator. “We’re excited to see where we can take this space.”
That community support is already helping fuel future plans. Organizers said several grants are currently in progress to expand what the center can offer. For now, the focus is on opening and welcoming families in.
Inside, the Adventure Center features several areas designed for different ages.
A designated toddler area is set aside for children ages 0 to 2. The space is separated from the rest of the center to give younger children a safe place to explore and play.
Older children can visit interactive play booths modeled after local businesses, including grocery stores, healthcare settings and construction sites. The booths are designed to introduce kids to real-world experiences in a way that is easy to understand and fun to explore.
At the front of the building, the STEAM Center gives children a chance to get creative. Activities include guided art, magnet stations, marble runs, Lego tables and light-based play. Organizers say the setup will continue to change, giving families something new each time they visit.
The recent Head Start visit showed how those spaces come together. Children rotated through activities, worked together and explored at their own pace.
When the center opens to the public, families will need to plan ahead. Each play session is limited to 15 children.
Admission is $8 per child, with discounts available for families who provide proof of EBT or WIC. Parents and guardians are admitted free with a child’s ticket. Each reservation covers a two-hour session.
Hours will include Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., along with sessions on the first and third Sundays of each month from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Organizers recommend reserving spots in advance through the center’s online system, as space is limited. Reserve a spot online.
The center is also offering ways for the community to get involved. Local businesses can sponsor play booths, and families can ask about memberships or other opportunities.
The Appalachian Impact Adventure Center is located at 64 E. Main Street in Buckhannon, beside Dairy Queen.
