Children’s Museum of Houston invites kids to brand new balance exhibit, Jan. 28 May 20, 2012

Balancing Act, a new hands-on and feet exhibit debuting Jan. 28 – May 20, 2012 at the Children’s Museum of Houston puts the sense of equilibrium to the test. From teetering toddlers to tight-rope walkers, balance is something we use in our everyday lives. Balancing Act focuses on the physical nature of balance and the body systems that work together to achieve that balance. Through a variety of challenging activities, such as balance beams, bridges and balance boards, the child's sense of balance is tested in a fun, playful environment.

“For most of us, balance is something which happens almost subconsciously,” said exhibit educator, Lynnsey Dohmen. “We sit, walk, run and play without thinking about it. Demonstrating balance-related concepts and reinforcing the idea that balance can be practiced and improved are one of the many goals of Balancing Act.”

Guiding through Balancing Act is “Level,” a sculptural balancing buddy made from cubes and boxes.This level-headed character demonstrates how prevalent balance is in our everyday lives and how the body and brain work together to help us maintain that balance.

Balancing Act was created by the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History for the Youth Museum Exhibit Collaborative (YMEC), a consortium of eight leading youth museums. The exhibit is presented in English and Spanish.

The Museum serves more than 1,100,000 people annually and operates as a 501(c)(3) under the direction of a Board of Directors. It is located at 1500 Binz in Houston’s Museum District. Admission is $8 per person and $7 for seniors 65 years and older and for members of the military. Children under one and Museum Members receive free admission. Free Family Nights are offered Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. courtesy of the Houston Endowment, the Wortham Foundation, Inc. and the John P. McGovern Foundation. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 6 p.m. For more information, please visit www.cmhouston.org or call (713) 522-1138.