We are lucky enough to have several great places in the Treasure Valley that make early childhood learning more exciting for our kiddos. Since the early 1900s, theorists and educators have been studying the positive effects of play at a very young age. Playing assists our children with important physical and mental milestones, like establishing memory, verbal skills, getting along with others, following rules, thinking abstractly and role-playing. So, take a little “staycation” for the day and visit one of these fantastically fun education centers with your kids. Playing outside of your home can be not only therapeutic for you, with no phone calls, piles of laundry, or messes to clean up, but also thrilling for the youngest members of your family.

Jabbers is a cross between a children’s museum and an active play environment, a mixture that it has down pretty well. Located in the Nampa Gateway Center just off the freeway, the large, open warehouse-like space exudes energy and magic upon passing through the large glass doors. Your kids will barely be able to place their shoes in the provided cubbies before galloping off to discover the wonders of the place. Geared for children ages 1–10, the giant playhouse—complete with a living room, dining room, and baby changing table—is certainly a favorite. A replica of an outdoor farmers market is a beloved place to shop for supplies for the playhouse kitchen. Dollhouses and construction zones are tucked in nooks to be discovered. A large roadway complete with several human-powered vehicles is also a huge hit, as is the art room and the 13' play structure. Jabbers offers plenty of cozy couches, as well as tables and chairs for parents to grab a cup of coffee or lunch at their in-house café.

Story Station Depot is a hidden gem just off Fairview Avenue in Boise, in a grouping of new brick buildings just beyond the retro Golden Wheel drive-in. What looks like an unassuming office space has been transformed into a whimsical literary environment with a ton of books and hands-on fun, designed and operated by veteran teacher Jenny Coleman and her husband Barry. Colorful numbers, letters, and scenes from classic children’s books decorate the walls, and several small play stations are dedicated to the word, including a puppet theater, stage, and a table full of LeapFrog LeapPads™. There are interactive stations and book clubs, and at story hour, Jenny introduces the kids to the space, reads them a story, and guides them in an art project relating to the book. Bright beanbags make for comfy reading nooks, and the kids will be thrilled with the new book they get to take home, courtesy of the Story Station Depot.

Discovery Center of Idaho has long been a family favorite in the Treasure Valley. It has excelled at incorporating science into play with a children’s museum approach. Through a generous grant by the Fred Meyer Fund, the well-loved Discovery Shopping Market is getting a make-over. “Many of the interactive pieces were no longer working, like the scanners at the checkout stands,” explains Janine Boire, Executive Director of the Discovery Center. “Plus, we are updating the Market, by adding some fun new elements, like a scale to weigh produce, a bakery, and a flower shop.” Additionally, new signage will be installed geared towards parents, explaining the benefits of role-playing to a child’s education. Check out the new Freddy’s Discovery Market at its grand opening on February 7. While there, don’t forget to explore another Discovery Center favorite with young kids, the Pet Hospital, and the new exhibit in their main hall, Resonance Rings, which runs through May 28, 2012.

Jabbers
1210 N. Galleria Drive, Nampa
442-5482
www.jabbersplaydate.com

Story Station Depot
1861 N. Wildwood St., Building C,
Suite 101, Boise
995-9792
www.storystationdepot.org

Discovery Center of Idaho
131 Myrtle St., Boise
343-9895
www.dcidaho.org

Amy Pence-Brown thinks that “staycation’’ day trips are sometimes the best, especially those that allow her to wear socks, crawl around on the floor, curl up in beanbags, and “buy” all the fresh flowers her heart desires.