The first exhibit that we played at was the fire truck. There were multiple fire hats and jackets available for the kids to wear. There was a life-sized fire truck with a steering wheel, a muted siren, and light switches to play with. In one corner we learned about dialing 9-1-1 for an emergency and also met the local firehouse dalmatian. The fire exhibit was probably Julia's second favorite, but I think it was my favorite of the day. To see her dressed up in that outfit was hilarious.
These pictures were taken right after the museum opened, so we were able to play on it before the crowds showed up in the afternoon. In the afternoon the place was packed with kids. We went back to the fire truck exhibit in the afternoon and Julia had a difficult time getting back in the driver's seat. I kept telling her to politely ask the kid that was currently driving if she could take a turn, but most of the time they were oblivious to anything other then their own impulses. She was so polite, aware, and socially interactive compared to almost every other kid. There were times when she cut in line, but we made sure it was a "teachable moment".
Admittedly (and based on the frequency of repeat visits), Julia's favorite area was the supermarket. This doesn't surprise me since she pretends to go shopping, etc, at home. This exhibit was probably like a dream come true for her - kiddie sized shopping carts, shelves, play food, and even a check out line. Once Julia carefully organized the food in her cart that she grabbed from the shelves, she waited patiently for another kid to check her out with the play scanner gun. Then, she'd put the food back into her cart very carefully, and in an organized fashion, and then return it to the shelves. Then, the entire process would start again.
In third spot was the bubble area. Just like at home, she loved chasing the bubbles in the air until they popped. The bubbles were so big and she did it for so long that her hair was full of soap by the time we were through. I had to constantly wipe off her safety glasses and head/face since the most entertaining game was to get the bubble to pop above her head so that it would explode all over her face. We also briefly played with a big bubble maker and watched the older kids hoist a giant bubble wall all around them with a rope while standing inside it.
She also played around in the painting room, briefly at the toy train exhibit, and finally at the workshop (complete with real tools and all sorts of materials). Needless to say, this was like "heaven" for her. I'm sure we'll go back at some point since it was obvious how much fun she had. She asked to go back tomorrow if that's any indication.