Rhiannon and I, along with another mother and 2 graduating 5th graders, went to San Francisco to celebrate graduation on the last day of school, June 10. We had planned to visit the Museum of Modern Art, which is closed Wednesdays (obviously, we didn't plan ahead). Since we were near Yerba Buena Gardens, we started walking that way. After 2 rides on the carousel, we walked over to 'Zeum and decided to spend some time there. We were so glad we did! What a FUN place for kids and adults. You can make your own movies, clay-mation, dance videos, and so much more!
Here is the description from the 'Zeum site:
Zeum is a non-profit multimedia and technology museum with a mission to provide multimedia tools for families of all communities to think and act creatively. By providing hands-on experiences in four core creative processes (animation, sound and video production, live performance and visual arts), we encourage youth to share their stories, build their voices, and use multimedia tools for creative self-expression.
The kids played for hours and could have easily spent double the time here without getting bored. One very cool thing they played with was The Roundabout. This is a computer generated virtual reality game in which you attempt to direct a ball through a maze. As you move your body across the maze, the virtual floor image "tilts" causing the virtual marble to roll through the maze.
Upstairs in the dance studio there were computers set up with different graphics programs that I could have sat and played with all day while Rhiannon made her music videos. A season pass is only $55, which includes one adult and one child. This is definitely worth the money if you live in the area. There is no limit to what can be created here, it's a great way to keep your imagination active. I am surprised and sorry I didn't find this place sooner!
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Hi Chris, This sounds like a wonderful place for kids of all ages... and it sounds like you enjoyed it as much as the kids did!
It is wonderful, and of course I enjoyed myself. I made a short animation with a land shark attacking some bears and other animals. LOL. Sound effects & everything. Too much fun.
This sounds like a wonderful way to encourage kids to be creative without taxing the parents wallet to see if their child truly has an interest. Heck! I'd have a ball in there! Any way you can post your animation project?
I think this is great......we have a similar place in Birmingham called the McWane Center. "Zeum is a much cooler name.
Carol - I think you would have a blast. Unfortunately, amateur that I am, my hand was in part of the animation so I didn't save it. : ) Next time I go I'll recreate it and bring it home with me!
Ann - 'Zeum is a pretty cool name. I can't believe I never realized it was there!
Chris, Sounds like you made a fortunate "mistake" by finding this place---and glad to hear you had a wonderful day.
WOW! I'd love to go. Thanks for sharing this Chris
Hi Chris -
Thank you for visiting Zeum: San Francisco's children's museum last week! I'm glad that you discovered our location, even though you had originally planned to visit SFMOMA. Zeum has been described as one of San Francisco's best kept secrets... but we're eager to build more awareness around the community because we offer unique, interactive activities for kids of all ages.
We hope that you will continue to blog about us and share your experiences (please be sure to post your stop-motion clay animation video)! Our Summer Hours begin tomorrow, June 16th and we'll be open from 11am - 5pm.
Hope to see you again soon!
Joy Wong Daniels
Zeum - www.zeum.org
Hi Carole & Janice! It was a lot of fun, we had a blast. And of course had to visit buca di bepo for dinner. It's the only place my daughter ever wants to eat in San Francisco and it's within a block of 'Zeum. I can see what this summer is going to be like already!
Joy - Thank you for providing such a fun experience for kids of all ages! Next time I make a land shark animation, I will be sure to keep my big hand out of it and share it here with everyone! I just mentioned 'Zeum to my dad, who takes 4 of his 5 grandkids out once a week for "grandpa day". I'm sure you'll be seeing the whole crew!
Hi Chris...What's so wonderful now is that many of these type places are fun for all ages. I've had many pleasant surprises when I've gone with my children and grandchildren. Everyone gets involved and has a good time.
We'll wait to see the results of your next visit.
Kate
Howdy there Chris
What a really fine sounden place Y'all found. Sure do wish there was a Zeum, here in New Hampshire for folks to go and have fun do-en things like Y'all got to do and enjoy.
Kate - Wherever I go with the kids I try to have fun too. The only place I haven't been able to achieve that is The Jungle. Not a fan of that place! : )
Dale - I would love to see what you would create there.
How cool that the Zeum people came by and commented on your post!
I'm glad everyone had a great time!
Russel - I thought so too!
Xinh - We did have a blast.
I found you on Active Rain while doing some research on social networking. I went to SFMOMA this past weekend and passed Zeum without going in. After reading your post and then seeing that the Zeum staff was actively listening in the blogsphere for mention of their name, I am impressed enough with what you said and their response that I will take the kids there soon! Blogging does work on many levels and thanks for taking the time to be a creative blogger..not just about your business, but being authentic enough to talk about your life, too!