Rachel Roland explores the Valley with her two little companions in search of the best restaurants, attractions, and products for you and your children. See what she has in store for you today!

If you've ever watched PBS in the morning, chances are good you've seen the advertisements for the Children's Museum of Phoenix.  Have you ever wanted to run through the famed Noodle Forest?  Or maybe check out the climber?  Let me take you on a little tour of what is known in our household simply as "The Museum."

The Noodle Forest - this is your view as you frantically try to chase your little ones through it.  There's a 'no running' rule, but that doesn't stop some kiddos from 'walking very quickly.'  The workers do a great job of trying to keep the speed slow - during very busy times I've even seem them with a megaphone, directing traffic, so to speak.  Jeremiah and Sarah love the noodle forest and soon, there will be a really fun exibit on the other side called "Someplace."  Right now that area is walled off but it looks extremely interesting!

Another favorite area is the race track area.  There are several race tracks with simple cars built from roller skate wheels and PVC pipe.  I love that about the Children's Museum - they take ordinary objects and turn them into fun exhibits for the children (and adults)!  As you can see, they also have a full size race-car and motorcycle.  My son is doing his best 'race face.' 

This is also a very popular spot with my children - the grocery store.  If you're lucky, you get a cart and you can fill it up and then 'check out' with a cashier.  After 'paying' for your purchases, you can put them back on the shelf.  Jeremiah and Sarah already love to help out at the real grocery store, so they both choose to spend the majority of our museum time here. 

I also love the Children's Museum of Phoenix because they have small games throughout the halls, between the exhibits.  Many of them are musical, like this one.  These are various sized washers on large screws, and the child drags the washers to the top of the screw and lets them go.  They swirl down the screw, making quite the racket - but the kids love it! 

In addition to the exhibits I've shown here, there are so many more!  The first (and biggest) is the incredible Schuff-Perini Climber.  The Climber is nothing short of amazing.  I'll let you in on a little secret - I'm terrified of heights.  But I will go up on the Climber with my children because my dear Sarah sometimes needs help.  Jeremiah is an expert (after being terrified of it for months), and knows his way up, down, and all around it!  There's also a car wash with tricycles, a fort building room, a fantastic art room with several projects, a ball room, a kitchen, and a great baby room for children under three. 

Personally, I recommend you visit in the afternoon.  There are usually large school groups in the morning, but they're cleared out by 1pm.  I also think this museum is best for the 10 and under crowd, although all the exhibits are safe for all ages - trust me, I've been on them all!

The Children's Museum of Phoenix is located at: 215 N. 7th Street Phoenix, Arizona 85034.  They're open Tuesday through Sunday, 9am-4pm.  Admission is $11 per person, unless your child is under a year, then they're free.  They also have a 62yrs+ admission price of $10. 

I'm Rachel - a mom, wife, blogger (Small Steps On Our Journey).  If you have any suggestions for future articles or any questions on this one, please contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or tweet me @rachelroland!