What do you want to be when you grow up? That is the question that Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK) asks its visitors everyday. This unique children’s museum located in Gainesville,GA lets children learn about vocations while they have fun exploring the varied exhibits.
Location:
999 Chestnut Street
Gainesville,GA 30501
770-536-1900
www.inkfun.org
INK is appropriately located in an industrial section of Gainesville,GA with easy access from urban and rural sections of the city. Located less than a mile from I985, INK is easy to find from anywhere.
Exhibits:
INK is a daydreamer’s paradise. All the exhibits are hands on and kid friendly. Ever wanted to be a dentist? Have a friend hop in the dentist chair! How about a policeman? Your child can explore an actual police cruiser parked right in the building. Maybe the sky is the limit? There is an actual airplane to explore right inside the museum’s temperature controlled space.
But INK’s hands on exhibits are not limited to merely high profile professions. This tiny community gives children a chance to try their hand at every profession that keeps a real community going. There is a grocery store, a bank, a diner, a courtroom, a hospital, and even a veterinarian office.
My daughter loved to explore every one of the exhibits. She was fascinated by the X-rays in the radiology exhibit. A born animal lover, she took extra time examining the veterinarian’s office. When she grew tired, she was happy to sit with one of the many books to be found. My son was more enamored by the real world vehicles and the model town. The model town in the center of INK has controls for a train, lights, and various structures. It has controls on each side so that more than one child can participate. Any parent who has had to wait in line for a favorite game at Chuck E. Cheese will realize what a blessing this is.
These exhibits disguise life lessons behind fun for kids. Not only from a vocational standpoint, but social skill building as well. While letting their imaginations run free, children learn to share and interact with others in a real world setting.
Other Activities:
INK has other activities as well. There is a stage for impromptu talent shows. They also provide an indoor playground and a preschool specific play area. For an additional fee, INK also has a “paint your own pottery” studio called You’re Fired.
Gift Shop:
INK has a relatively large gift shop aimed at children taking their imagination home with them. Costumes, puppets, and unique playsets can all be found here. While some are a bit pricey, INK has made sure there are items for families on a budget as well. They also have drinks and snacks available for purchase.
Admission and hours:
From Monday through Friday, INK is open from 10:00am until 5:00pm. Both adults and children are $8.00 on those days.
On Sunday, INK is open from 1:00pm until 5:00pm. Both adults and children are $6.00
INK does offer an incredible package for those who love children’s museums and to travel. INK’s “City Hall” membership ($125.00) includes an annual pass for two adults and four children. This annual pass not only allows for unlimited visits to INK, but any one of the 192 members of the Association of Children’s Museums.
Notes for parents:
As a parent of a 17 and 5 year old, I can not recommend INK highly enough. Our family has made multiple visits including birthday parties. I would suggest the following to maximize the enjoyment of you and your child:
1.Hand Sanitizer: All exhibits are hands on. Let your children touch and play with everything, just remember so has everyone else.
2.Bring drink and snack money: You will be amazed at the amount of energy your child will use at this museum.
3.Relax: INK provides an experience that is designed to invigorate children and relax parents. If you enjoy being your child’s playmate like I do, you are encouraged to join in their make believe world. If you enjoy watching your child explore, INK provides plenty of places to sit with clear viewing angles.
4.Dress casual:This may be one of the most important things to remember. This is a “doing” museum not just a “looking” museum. Both adults and children should dress comfortably.
