There is so much to do and see in California! Our summer visit didn’t even scratch the surface of everything there is to explore. As mentioned in previous posts, we thoroughly enjoyed our play day at The Coop. We also had a blast kicking off our magical Disney Dreams at Disney California Adventure Park! Alana was uber excited to meet Doc McStuffins in person! Well, what better way to build on that enthusiasm than by going to Doc’s Hospital.
As you can see, Alana was beyond happy to realize that her surprise was a visit to the official traveling Doc Exhibit that was housed at the Discovery Cube. When planning our CA itinerary, I knew that activity had to be included. It was definitely on the list for many other families as this exhibit of the museum reached capacity many times throughout the day. Once inside, we saw why it was so popular and literally stayed there until the museum closed that evening. It was so engaging for the kiddos and offered the following activities:
Character photo props: there was one for every character of the cartoon series. Alana took pics with all of them while exploring the exhibit.
Receptionist Desk: learning all of the ins and outs of the doctor’s office began with practicing how to schedule and serve clients by answering the phones, booking appointments and greeting patients. Alana took this job very seriously!
Time for a check up: It was time to give her first patient a check up. Since I’m the small parent (little wife ?) my hubby was eager to sign me up for this role. The doc is in and she will fix me up!
Pet Vet hosted by Stuffy: with Doc McStuffins mainly caring for her stuffed toys that are animals, there was a primary focus to teach children how to take care for their pets. The various stations emphasized the importance of brushing, bathing, feeding, walking, and providing medical care such as x-rays, shots, and general health visits.
Hospital Nursery hosted by Lambie: learning how to care for infants is extremely important…especially when they have little siblings. There was a station that showed the newborn nursery of a hospital. From checking their patient charts, putting them down for naps, and making sure they are clean and fed, Alana learned a lot to help care for her little sister Ariah and her toy dolls.
Though Ariah was too small to participate in exploring the exhibits, she will definitely benefit from everything her big sister learned.
Emergency Room and Operating Room hosted by Hallie: similar to the classic game “Operation“, the kids were able to complete a surgery simulation with Doc McStuffins guiding them on the screen. What a great way to use and display modern technology.
Gift shop: of course they had items that you could purchase as you exited the museum. We call that the Disney effect. Alana picked out a few things to add to her Doc collection to commemorate her experience. She played with them the rest of the vacation, while we traveled back, and continues to use them at home during her imaginative play with her toy hospital.
The exhibit aims to teach compassion, care, and healthy habits. This experience definitely accomplished that. If your little one is a Doc McStuffins lover like mine is, there are other resources you can use to further support the development of these skills. A few of them that are available includes the soundtrack, cartoon segments, and any of the toys that promote and foster active engagement in healthy habits and care.
Want to take your kiddos to see the Doc? Check out the tour schedule and plan your family excursion.
Happy caring! Xoxo
• Fall 2017: Discovery Cube LA – Sylmar, California
• Spring 2018: Reading Public Museum – Reading, Pennsylvania
• Summer 2018: Children’s Discovery Museum – San Jose, California
• Fall 2018: Liberty Science Center – Jersey City, New Jersey
• Spring 2019: Strong Museum – Rochester, New York
• Summer 2019: Children’s Museum of Atlanta – Atlanta, Georgia