In the off-season, changes have been taking place at Sandcastles Children's Museum. They have replaced the leaking water table with a new one, installed a new sound system, added a bank, and made improvements to Our Neighborhood, with the help of Home Depot.

Sandcastles is proud to introduce their new theme exhibit, Grandpa's Farm. Here children can visit the barn, chicken coop, planting area, plus look for the milking cow, tractors, and silo. Also new this year is the Badger Play Ship. Children will be captivated by its many attractions, including real instruments, a wheelhouse, space to drive cars on and off, plus nooks and crannies to play in.

Below is a sampling of the 2010 summer activities offered at Sandcastles:

"Munchkin Mondays" are geared for pre-school children ages 2-4. Children are treated to a variety of activities, including songs, bunny and chicken day, art, making wind chimes and preschool games.

"Thrilling Thursdays" are for children ages 5-11. Every Thursday at 10am, enjoy an exciting event, like barnyard dancing, circusarts, pirates, "How does that work?" and farm animal day.

HISTORY
Sandcastles Children's Museum has been in operation the past two summers as a "summer sampler museum." Visitation to the Museum has surpassed the 13,000 mark, which outpaced their wildest expectations. They've moved to a larger facility on Ludington Avenue--the big blue building with four times the space of the former location, allowing the museum to offer more exhibits, programs and opportunities for children! Their goal is to raise $100,000 to be used toward the purchase of the building.

Summer hours are 9:30am-5pm Monday-Saturday. Admission is $3.50/person; babies under 1 year are free.



More of Ludington's Very Own...

Lakeshore Parrothead Club - This lively group of characters promote friendship and raise money annually for the Alzheimers Association.
Friday Night Live - Held four consecutive Friday nights in late July and early August, it features food, music, and entertainment.
Baby Badger - This miniature replica of the S.S. Badger carferry is a welcome sight at Ludington's summer events.
James Ludington - The founder of this lakeshore city never actually resided here, but contributed greatly to its growth.
Ludington's Freedom Festival - Held during July 4th, it's one of the great, old fashioned festivals, complete with parade and fireworks.
Ludington Lakestride - Every June, runners and walkers take place in this popular race, which runs through the Ludington State Park.
The Colorful Murals of Ludington - Take a walking tour of Ludington and view the beautiful murals that adorn area businesses, each telling its story of Ludington's history.
Ludington Pumped Storage Project - Built in 1973, this 842 acre reservoir can generate up to 1,872 megawatts of electricity.
Waterfront Park - Set between the city's two marinas, this park features a playground, sculptures, tables, and a great view of the carferry.
Scottville Clown Band - These zany group of professionals are known throughout the country for their comedy and their musical ability.
The Sculptures of Waterfront Park - Eight unique sculptures are scattered throughout the park, which reflect Ludington's history.
Western Michigan Fair - Mason County's fair, held near the end of July, features a midway, harness horse racing, and 4-H displays.
Historic White Pine Village - Various buildings from Mason County's past are set upon 23 acres that overlook Lake Michigan.
Ludington Area Center for the Arts - Now settled into an historic church in the downtown area, it's the venue for writer's workshops, concerts, and classes.
Sandcastles Children's Museum - This summer museum attracts thousands each summer, with interesting exhibits and programs for kids of all ages.
Father Jacques Marquette Shrine - This white cross that overlooks Lake Michigan marks the spot where Father Marquette died in 1675.