weekly wonder: Noah's Ark at the Skirball Cultural Center

We had the opportunity this Sunday to have a fun adventure at the Noah's Ark exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Center with our buddies, Allison, Kaitlin and Dan Yadlosky.

It just so happened to be the morning of the BIG Los Angeles marathon, so lots of streets were closed and traffic was rumored to be terrible, but once we got to the center it was practically empty and we had a really easy time getting in.

The exhibit is "inspired by the ancient flood story, which has parallels in diverse cultures around the world, this one-of-a-kind new destination invites visitors of all generations to have fun—and to connect with one another, learn the value of community, and help build a better world.

Inside a floor-to-ceiling wooden ark, filled to the rafters with whimsical animals, you and your family will play, build, climb, explore, make music, make friends, and more. Conduct a storm, help construct the Ark, and bask in the glow of a beautiful rainbow. Mingle with hundreds of fancifully handcrafted animals—from cuddly companions to life-sized puppets—all crafted from recycled materials and everyday objects, including bottle caps, bicycle parts, baseball mitts, croquet balls, mop heads, and rearview mirrors." - text taken from the Skirball Cultural Center website

This place was amazing.  I would definitely say it is a place for all age levels.  Allison (Kaitlin and Dan's little girl) is almost one.  She was amazed by the expansive areas to crawl and toddle around in and the ability to make sounds out of everything.  She was dancing to the drumming sounds and having so much fun.  Noah was interested in all the buttons and mechanical operating of the animals.  He liked the noises too, but really liked the gears and levers and buttons more.  He also loved the room with all the play food and a tea set (guess the real Noah liked tea?).  Noah also loved all the open spaces to run around.  The older kids seemed to like the high climbing spaces and all the interactive story times.  You could seriously come to this place a hundred times and see something new every time because there is just so much going on.  It was exciting and fun.  We really cannot WAIT to go back.  Even Jonathan was entertained and he is the toughest critic.