The Halle Heart Children’s Museum opened a private 16,000 square foot facility in Tempe in January 2011, eventually opening to the general public in early 2015 after receiving a grant from Insight, Inc. The Halle Heart Center was originally established in 1996 with the purpose of educating students, teachers and parents throughout Arizona to increase awareness and prevent cardiovascular diseases. The Halle Heart Center and Halle Heart Children’s Museum was founded by philanthropist couple Diane and Bruce Halle, who is the Founder and Chairman of Discount Tire. “The Halle Heart Children’s Museum experience empowers children to make lifestyle choices that will create a new generation of healthy kids,” states the museum’s website.
The museum is bright, colorful offering eight exhibitions which center on important topics and lessons, highlighted in each exhibition offering wonderful interactive components to engage the entire family. Visitors can learn about everything from exercise to healthy eating, to maintaining a balanced diet, what to do in an emergency if someone is having a stroke or heart attack, and the dangers of smoking. Visitors are invited to take a self-guided tour through the museum assisted by video kiosks as they enjoy the hands-on exhibitions.
Upon entering the museum you are greeted by “All Creatures Great and Small” which showcases an array of animals ranging in size, their heart displayed in a clear box, invited children to learn about each animal and hear the heart beat as they press each button. They also have a wonderful “Marketplace” giving children the chance to explore food as they go around the grocery store, equipped with shopping carts, plastic food, condiments and cash registers. One of the more popular exhibitions since it’s entirely interactive, which guides children in choosing their food to creating a healthy meal and a balanced diet. Also there were several arts and crafts activities including our favorite which coloring and creating our very own garden.
The Halle Heart Children’s museum is located at 2929 S. 48th Street, Tempe 85282 and is open Monday through Thursday 12-4pm and Friday’s from 9am until 4pm. Cost of admission is $5 for ages 4 and up, under 3 years are free. To find out more information about the Halle Heart Children’s Museum online at: http://halleheartchildrensmuseum.org. *All images courtesy of the Halle Heart Museum and Nicole Royse.
