Learn about Farm Life Through Chesterfield Children's Museum Exhibit

The Childrens’ Museum of Richmond has always encouraged learning through play. The interactive and engaging exhibits allow children to do just that; and, the harvest exhibit at the Chesterfield location, CMoR’s young patrons are learning about farm life without actually setting foot on farmland.

Harvest Exhibit

Located in the large space at the rear of the museum, the harvest exhibit immediately attracted my 3 year old as he made a beeline straight for it. Organized, clean and bright, the exhibit appeals to both parents and children alike.

Gus Garrison enjoys the new exhibit on farming at the Children’s Museum of Richmond Chesterfield location. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

As we have come to expect from CMoR, the newest exhibit is hands-on, immersive and, thanks to the variety, spans a wide range of ages. Because my son loves anything with wheels, he was immediately drawn to the red tractor that he “drove” straight to gather red balls…err, I mean vegetables. The Children’s Museum has an incredible way of stimulating kids’ imaginations!

Upon sorting his “vegetables”, he headed straight to load them up, using a wheel where he cranked them all the way up through a tube and watched them go down again. While Gus thought he was just playing, I was delighted that he was utilizing gross motor skills, imagination and making predictions and observations all at once!

A large cow (for looking only) by the tractor led to a discussion about other farm animals and why the roles different animals play in helping people live healthy lives.

The vibrant paintings on the wall allowed for productive conversation starters: Why do you think that sunflower grew so tall? What does a plant need to grow? Let’s check out the soy bean life cycle; do you know about any other plant or animal life cycles? All these chats are deepening Gus’s scientific knowledge and understanding; keeping in mind life cycles are a Kindergarten Standard of Learning, I am so thankful fo the opportunity to expose him to it now!

Although only a piece of the expansive Chesterfield Childrens’ Museum, the Harvest Exhibit is one that both parents and children will appreciate. At your next visit, be sure to head back and to learn, play and discuss. Thank you to CMoR for an innovative way to help children make connections while simply being kids!