5 things to know about the Washington Pavilion’s new H2O Workshop

This paid piece is sponsored by Washington Pavilion Management Inc.

The water is flowing and the possibilities are, too, at the newest addition to the Washington Pavilion.

“Our previous water room in the Kirby Science Discovery Center needed some love as it was one of the last areas that hadn’t been reimagined and refreshed, so we’re all very excited by the improvements, and I’m sure the community is too,” said Madelyn Grogan, director of education, programming and exhibits for Washington Pavilion Management Inc.

“It’s such a great opportunity for kids to learn and play at the same time.”

While you’re welcome to explore the new H20 Workshop on your own, there’s more to come with this new addition, funded by a portion of a $1.2 million gift from the estate of Patricia Knutson, who included the gift in her will.

Here’s a look at five things to know.

Expect a dose of science

While it’s easy to focus on the fun, a lot of learning happens here. Science-focused features of the H20 Workshop include a way to use water to create fog and discover how it moves using whirlpools, fountains, squirt guns and more.

“The first-grade teacher I used to be definitely sees this as a way for kids to not only play and learn at the same time but also create a foundation for future learning,” Grogan said.

“They’ll learn to appreciate cause and effect – what happens when you spray one way or make other adjustments. There are a lot of skills that will be built here.”

Plan to spend some time

This isn’t an exhibit kids try once and move on, Grogan predicts.

“Parents can sit down, and kids will spend some time here,” she said. “And because it can be a new experience each time, we see a lot of repeat visits.”

Pavilion educators will get involved

Expect to see the Washington Pavilion team rolling up their sleeves and helping visitors optimize their time in the H20 Workshop.

“We’ll be interacting with kids at the water table with a lot of activities,” Grogan said. “We’ll show them how to experience the fog, use the whirlpools and take advantage of movable topography, so there are lots of things to discuss and experiments we can do with the table itself, showing things like how water flows on earth, for example.”

The educational benefits make the new area an ideal stop for everything from the Graham Academy Preschool to the Pavilion’s No School STEAM Days, she added.

Sponsor-partners will add activities

One of the sponsors for the new H20 Workshop is the Sanford Underground Research Facility, and it will be a true partnership with the Washington Pavilion.

“They’re going to bring in educators and really want to teach people on this side of the state what’s happening in their world,” Grogan said. “So they’ll become partners in the programming aspect, and that’s exciting for us because we’re always looking to elevate what we offer.”

It’s OK if you want to try it too

While the exhibit is meant for kids, “it’s very accessible” for all ages, Grogan said.

“We have staff and older kids who want the opportunity to play with it, and I think it really is for all ages. A lot of parents and kids are interacting with the space, and that’s exciting for us to see.”

A grand opening for the H20 Workshop is coming in September, including fun activities, unique programming and special promotions.

For information, visit WashingtonPavilion.org/H2O.