Zoo In You

An exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum with a new twist
By Alicia Jaimes
Photos by Alicia Jaimes
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I had the opportunity to visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s new exhibit Zoo in You.
Kids were swarming as they jumped around on camera with the green screen in the background. Parents were interacting with their children in games and fun activities, all while learning about the trillions of microbes that our bodies host.
The Zoo in You exhibit was created by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and is currently on tour. Because of this, Director of Marketing Christie Bender is excited to have this educational exhibit in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
“The exhibit is filled with interactives from games, to puzzles, to digital screens and more. Great for the entire family, you will build viruses, race the clock to match DNA strands, become a newscaster to talk about your body’s inner workings and so much more,” Bender said.
From videos to puzzles, there were many opportunities to learn how to be healthier when it comes to personal hygiene. One activity showed  how long is an appropriate time to wash your hands and how many bacteria are washed away with every second.....but are they ever truly all gone?
Along with this fun station is another where  kids can  run about trying to catch things falling from the sky, but with  an interesting twist.
My favorite part of this museum was that it is bilingual for those who speak both English and Spanish--making it accessible to more community members and also gave me a chance to practice my own Spanish.
If you are someone looking for something fun to do with your younger kids, then check out this new exhibit. It's a great mixture of education and excitement.
The Zoo in You exhibit will be available through September 2, 2018.
“It is a great summer exhibit with all of the hands-on interactives that will engage families, including children of all ages,” Bender said. “The hands-on science is so much fun, you won’t realize how much you are learning.”

​The exhibit is free with a general admission. Prices for non-members are: Adults - $8, Seniors - $7, Students - $3 and Children - $3. (Children 2 and under are FREE. Seniors ages 62 & older. Children ages 3-17. Students must show valid school ID).
For more information, visit grpm.org/zooinyou.