Step Into the Woods, part of the Gallery of Wonder, where adventure is just over the river and around the bend!

This nature-inspired space invites children and families to climb, build, balance, and explore. Tree-like structures rise up for little climbers. Open-ended building pieces wait to become a forts, a woodland hideout, or a camping adventure. Every visit can turn into a brand-new forest story.

Here, children use their whole bodies. They stretch, lift, crawl, and balance as they test what they can do.  They decide together how to build something strong. Big movement leads to big thinking.

While they play, children are building strength, coordination, and body awareness. They practice problem solving as they plan and adjust their ideas. Working together helps them share, take turns, and listen to one another’s plans. Each small challenge they overcome builds real confidence.

Families are invited to join the adventure cheering on their adventurous climbers. Wait – is that a baby owl? What else do you see nestled in the trees? In Into the Woods, movement becomes learning, teamwork becomes connection, and every climb brings a new sense of “I did it!”

Active, imaginative play helps children build strong bodies and confident minds. Experiences like those in the Into the Woods exhibit support physical development, problem solving, creativity, and social growth.  Caregivers play a powerful role by offering encouragement, sharing joy, and turning active play into meaningful moments of learning.