We spent the morning at the Discovery Centre’s Little Learners event and made memories that will last a lifetime.

I will never forget the excitement on my little guy’s face when we walked through the doors of the Halifax Discovery Centre. It has been many years since I last visited the Centre. In fact, I am embarrassed to say this, my recent visit was the first time I set foot in the centre’s “new” location, which opened in 2017. To say I was blown away, would be an understatement. My 2yr old son said it best- “wow!”.

Not only is the space an architectural wonder, but the exhibits are bright and interactive and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. We were sure to arrive early to give ourselves some time to explore the building before the Little Learners event began. Our first stop on our voyage was the Murphy Ocean Gallery where we learned about all the wonderful ways water moves and changes within the atmosphere.

I thought for a moment that I may have trouble pulling my little explorer away from the first floor, but we started to see other toddlers and tots making their way up the stairs, so he became intrigued. When the elevator doors finally opened on the third floor, a floor just for kids, I thought he might explode from excitement. While I slowly observed the activities set out for the Little Learners event, he bounced around the room running from zone to zone, pretending he was a farmer, a construction work, an ambulance driver and theatre performer. This is a space that encourages kids engage in immersive play in a variety of settings, and the parents can sit back and let the learning unfold.

The Little Learners program brings fun, hands-on learning to the youngest minds. Intended for children ages 2 to 5, this event happens approximately once a month, and each session has a different exploratory theme: bugs, engineering, science, etc. Kids are free to navigate the space however they want, experimenting with interactive activities that kick-start cognitive thinking, and encourage dynamic play. The cost is included in the price of admission and you are free to come and go all day, so make the most of it!

I cannot recommend the Little Learners event enough. It was great to watch my little guy explore and make new friends. We are already looking forward to the event. But next time around, I will need to have an exit strategy, because he didn’t want to leave.

Little Learners

Location: Discovery Centre
Website: www.thediscoverycentre.ca/education/little-learners