Do you know a future astronaut? "Moon to Mars," the traveling summer exhibit at Children's Museum of Richmond, provides the perfect training ground for kids ages 0-8 who are already reaching for the stars.

Senior City Editor Robin (hey, that's me) checked out the new exhibit, which is filled to the brim with opportunities for children to collaborate, problem solve, and use their imaginations to reach the final frontier.

Caregivers can help kids build rockets ready for space flight. | Photo by RICtoday

What we tried:

I saw kids and caregivers create their own rockets and set them off toward the stars. Turning paper nosecones and fins into space-worthy vehicles was a cause for celebration. Following the launch, kids can take the controls in the Orion Spacecraft, land on the moon, and traverse its surface on a lunar rover.

The morning I visited, several young explorers leaped across the surface and kicked moon rocks on their way to the climbable moon base.

Future astronauts can dress the part at the Children's Museum. | Photo by RICtoday

What not to miss:

Dressing up as an astronaut lets kids see it to be it — teaching them that anyone who dreams of the stars could make it there. Once outfitted, young explorers can play as they choose, whether that's testing out pulleys on the moon base or hopping along the reduced gravity surface of the moon.

Hovering in orbit inside the model Orion Spacecraft — which will one day take the first woman and first person of color to the moon as part of the Artemis missions — kids and caregivers can appreciate the importance of teamwork and diversity.

See your creation take flight at the rocket launch station. | Gif by RICtoday

What we’re still talking about:

The hands-on aspects of "Moon to Mars" are a high point. The excitement of a successful rocket launch, from construction to decoration to pulling the lever and watching it fly, shows the power of children learning through play.

Climb aboard the Orion Spacecraft destined for the moon. | Photo by RICtoday

How you can experience this:

Make plans to visit CMoR this summer, before the exhibit closes on Sunday, Aug. 13. Get tickets on the website or at the museum.

The surface of the moon provides an excuse to solve problems, use simple machines, and create structures. | Photo by RICtoday

Things to know if you go:

Experience: "Moon to Mars" traveling summer exhibit at Children's Museum of Richmond
Price: Included with admission — adults and children $9, $8 for ages 60+, $2 for Museums for All participants
Website: Children's Museum of Richmond
Address: 2626 W. Broad St.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
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