We finally got to check out the new La Nube STEAM Discovery Center! To be quite honest, it's the best STEAM experience I've had with my kids. We used to live next to the Discovery Cube in Orange County and went there regularly as members. I've been to various children's museums and discovery centers around the country, and none come close to how interactive and inclusive La Nube feels. It feels intentional, like it's truly trying to bring everyone together.
When you walk in, the exhibits may seem a bit bare because they're above you, but the space is wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, wagons, and more. This is definitely a space for everybody. The elevators are wide, and the aisles are spacious to allow easy movement for both people and mobility vehicles. The fact that they have two elevators is convenient, although only one was operating during our sneak preview visit.
The kids immediately clamored up to the climbers and had a blast! I loved being able to follow them at my own pace, seeing them through different levels as the stairs intertwined with the climber. It makes it easy to be interactive and part of their experience while keeping an eye on them since there are many levels where you could easily lose sight of your kids.
At one point, a child got lost and started crying. I comforted her and signaled to a staff member who quickly located her parents. The staff's prompt response was much appreciated. They all have walkie-talkies to communicate throughout the museum.
I also appreciated that everything is in dual languages, English and Spanish, with neither taking precedence over the other. It's freeing to see both languages heard and seen equally, reflecting the multicultural community I love.
Every level has different exhibits, all interactive and thoughtfully designed. There are no instructions, allowing kids and their imaginations to run wild. As a rule-follower, this was initially hard for me to comprehend, but seeing my children's creativity and excitement made me realize that this was intentional.
My favorite part was probably the Fab Lab section, which looks like a maker space where you can create. It engages both the creative and analytical sides of your brain, with one side focused on mathematics, coding, and robotics, and the other on hands-on activities like braiding and drawing. Kudos to whoever designed that space; it served both my children well.
Another great feature is the large area dedicated to kids under three. Even though my kids couldn't participate, it's great to have a space where young children can play safely. A staff member explained that this area was designed to help with speech development, encouraging kids to learn sounds and progress with their speech.
I'm also in love with the family restrooms and nursing rooms. This center is definitely created with kids and families in mind, and it's great for moms too. The spaces are comfortable, bright, and cheery. You're not stuffed in a corner if you're breastfeeding, which I love. It's a fantastic addition for El Paso.
Despite its relatively small footprint, the museum is packed with interactive exhibits, ensuring you won't get bored. We foresee spending many days here exploring and enjoying everything it has to offer. The staff is well-trained and explains complex areas like the wind exhibit, enhancing our understanding and learning experience.
We're ready to get our membership and enjoy the center as soon as it opens. I can't wait to see the rest of the Borderland experience this amazing space. Some areas are still under construction, and there's a gift shop and cafeteria run by Healthy Bites, which I'm excited about. They will offer birthday parties, field trips, summer camps, and intersession camps through their website at www.la-nube.org.
What's really cool is that when you scan your armband and create a profile, the museum experience comes home with you. They'll email you pictures of experiences like the Kaleidoscope or being inside the star, sliding down with cool stats like your miles per hour. It delights the nerd in me.
Opening on August 10, 2024
La Nube STEAM Discovery Center Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Plan your visit to this amazing interactive children's museum! What a wonderful addition to the community! read more