June Exhibit Feature: Burke’s DIY Home Center
At the Children’s Museum of Oswego, we believe in the power of hands-on learning, and there’s no better example of that than our Burke’s DIY Home Center, proudly featured as our exhibit of the month! This unique space was designed to spark curiosity, inspire confidence, and encourage children to dive into the world of construction and home improvement in a fun, age-appropriate way.
In this fully interactive exhibit, children are invited to take on the roles of builder, engineer, designer, and problem solver. Every corner is filled with opportunities for young minds to explore real-world concepts through play. They can connect PVC pipes to explore how plumbing systems work; experiment with a working circuit board that introduces the basics of electricity; and mix colors to discover how hues blend and change—just like when mixing paint for a room.
A kid-sized workbench invites little hands to use toy tools to build imaginative creations. These experiences not only engage fine motor skills but also allow for creativity, independence, and resilience as kids learn to tinker, make adjustments, and try again if their first attempt doesn’t go as planned.
What makes this exhibit truly special is its empowering message: “You can do it!” This exhibit gives children a safe, supportive environment to build real-life skills—while having a blast. It’s an exciting way to introduce STEAM concepts (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) in ways that feel accessible and empowering.
