Kids and Families Find Fun at the Explore-It-Torium

A toddler smiles while driving a wooden train at the Explore-It-Torium. A train table and giant Percy figure are visible in the background. — Photo by David G. Weichenthal

One retired teacher took the Explore-It-Torium Children’s Museum from an idea to a reality in 2019. The 10,000 square foot museum of play at the historic Carnegie Library at 224 S. Main Street. After honing her business plan in The Forge business classes, Cindy Binns used volunteers and grants to offer children and families a chance to unplug and play.

A young girl smiles while wearing goggles and holding a toy drill. She has a tool box and is working on a wooden large car at the Explore-It-Torium.

“I love it here!” said long-time volunteer Jackie Sutton of Marion. “I love being around kids and seeing them smile. It’s like being a kid again. I bring my grandson. He’s an only child. He loves coming here to play.”

Happy kids bustle from room to room with arts, crafts, costumes, a stage, puppets and building blocks. Caitlyn Stevens of Prospect loves to bring her child to the museum.

A mom holds her toddler daughter with red hair while they wait for storytime at the Explore-It-Torium. — Caitlyn and Callie Stevens

“We’ve been playing here about a year and a half. We appreciate what it has brought to Marion and all of the different activities they do!” Stevens said.

Explore-It-Torium Needs New Leadership

Last winter, Binns encountered a serious health issue and needed to step back from The Explore-it-Torium. Volunteers worried this local treasure would be forced to close.

Nonprofit MARCA Industries took on the Explore-It-Torium. Adult clients with disabilities now staff the museum alongside volunteers.

Tables and shelves display many items including shirts, jewelry, mugs, hats and more. It is now located inside the Explore-It-Torium. — The reMARCAble store sells items from individuals and small Ohio businesses.

The reMARCAble Store moved from 122 South Main Street into the museum and added more unique items for kids from Ohio small businesses. With new resources, MARCA was able to expand the museum’s hours and days. They are now open Tuesday through Saturday.

Thre women smile in the entrance of the museum. Two are long-time volunteers and one is the manager of theExplore-It-Torium. — From left to right: Sharon Lane, Kelsey Williams, and volunteer Jackie Sutton.

“I’m so glad it’s staying in the community!” said Sharon Lane, a long-time volunteer. “MARCA’s done a great job. They’ve done major improvements and will continue to do so. Before, it was just volunteers, grants and donations. The MARCA clients are great. Otherwise, we would have had to close.”

A boy playing dress-up holds a police sticker. He smiles next to his mother at story time at the Explore-It-Torium. — Kelsey Williams and her son.

“It’s working out wonderfully. It’s a perfect fit,” said Kelsey Williams, museum manager. “The clients love it. They enjoy it. There’s more work for them. Sometimes they just have fun playing with the kids. The families have been great. It’s great for kids to interact with people with disabilities to normalize differences.”

A boy has fun pretending to ride a motorcycle at the Explore-It-Torium.

Clients Love New Job Opportunities

Cora Layne of Marion is a client of MARCA. She worked at the reMARCAble store to learn retail skills and now is working at the museum of play.

“I do like it here!” Layne proclaimed.

Layne’s favorite task is setting up new arts and crafts projects. On the day two Marion police officers came to read a story, kids could make their own police officer puppet and show them to the officers.

Two uniformed officers read to a circle of children at the Explore-It-Torium. Behind them are a play police station, fire department and hospital. — Lt. Ed Brown and Officer Todd Monnette with Marion Police Department read a story to children.

Birthday Parties Available

Birthday parties are another favorite at the museum with a private party room. Chelsea Glezen hosted her son’s 2nd birthday party there.

A boy plays inside a play log cabin at the Explore-It-Torium. — (Photo credit: Chelsea Glezen) Greyson Glezen enjoyed his 2nd birthday party at the museum.

“The kids absolutely loved it because there was so much for them to do. It was super easy for me as a host because I didn’t have to plan games and activities—the thoughtfully and creatively themed rooms already had everything the kids could need to stay occupied,” said Chelsea Glezen.

In addition to the amenities, the price was also right for Glezen.

“Not only was this party planning almost effortless, it was the most affordable place I could find in the area to host the event that included admission for everyone in attendance. Next time you need a place to host your child’s birthday party, give the Explore-It-Torium a call!”

A boy smiles while reaching into a structure filled with sand and rocks at the Explore-It-Torium.

Monthly Events

The museum is planning special events each month. Upcoming programs feature the Marion Public Library and the Tall Grass Trail.

The Explore-It-Torium is planning another Secret Santa event, where kids can shop for loved one with the help of an elf and leave with wrapped, labelled presents.

“We keep it local,” Williams said.

A mother holds her daughter, who has long brown curly hair with a pink bow, who is holding her doll with long brown hair and a pink bow. They are sitting at storytime at the Explore-It-Torium. — Photo credit: David Weichenthal

Hours and Admission

The Explore-It-Torium admission is just $6 per person.

The museum is open:

Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Explore-It-Torium admission is just $6 per person.

For more info:

Call (740) 914-6030
Follow the museum on Facebook

Related MarionMade! Articles

Recycled Wood Brings New Products to reMARCAble Store | MarionMade

MARCA Helps Local Adults with Disabilities Live Their Best Lives | MarionMade

Hometown Businesses Appreciate Shopper Support | MarionMade

Explore-It-Torium | MarionMade

Local Children Benefit from Museum of Play | MarionMade

Explore-It-Torium Back in Full Swing | MarionMade

The Forge Enters Fifth Year of Sparking Small Businesses | MarionMade

MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.

Special thanks to David G. Weichenthal for the photographs.

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