It’s time to feel like a kid again – as we explore STEM, history, art, and culture in a way that is easily accessible for those single-digit dynamos in your life. Welcome to Hands On! Children’s Museum.

Located in beautiful downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina, this museum has been welcoming the kids of the area and beyond since 2007. The mission here is to inspire children to obtain a better understanding of themselves and others through play-based learning.

And boy is there ample opportunity for that here. There are so many amazing experiences for kids young and old. If you’re bringing those little people in your life to play and learn – don’t be too grown up to join in the fun.

In 2022 the museum completed a 13,500 square foot expansion and renovation featuring a wide variety of interactive and state-of-the-art exhibits. It’s a blast for both the young, and the young at heart.

When you’re fully engaged in activities like these the rest of the world kind of melts away and you’re drawn into the experience itself, which is so important for all of us these days.

And there are so many opportunities to explore. There’s the interactive water table, Airways Adventure, the Eye of the Storm Hurricane Simulator, and so much more.

There’s the public exhibition, The People’s Museum and Walk of Fame, which is designed for youth and adult learners, and celebrates the history and culture of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.

This was designed to be a museum for all people, and they welcome over 60,000 visitors every year. And with their Access for All Initiative, they provide low-income families who receive nutritional benefits the opportunity to visit the museum for free!

And what a gift this place is to this community and all who visit. While you’re here, you can even tack on another downtown Hendersonville destination, The Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team ECCO featured on a previous episode of the show. Both places are an easy drive from Upstate South Carolina – and it’s a great afternoon destination if you’re planning a family getaway to the mountains.