New Exhibit Sets Sail at KidsWork

A new boat exhibit is making a splash at the in the . The exhibit, which first opened about a month ago, centers around half of a row boat that kids can climb and play in. The boat, donated to the museum by the Monee Reservoir, was originally too big to fit in the display area.

"It was actually fourteen feet long," museum spokesperson Angie Spero said. "So we actually hired our handyman to cut it in half and kind of finish it off."

Inside the boat are toy fishing poles, nets, and fish for children to play with, and the walls around it are adorned with real fishing poles, tackle, fish-themed decorations, and educational posters about fishing and boat safety. The decorations were donated to the museum by Spero's father, Dennis Lejeck, as well as Michael Fijolek, the husband of another museum employee.

The KidsWork Children's Museum features exhibits for children between six months and eight years of age, many of which encourage learning and discovery through play. The boat exhibit conforms the museum's longstanding mission to give children a healthy appreciation for the outdoors.

"We really encourage families to get outdoors and keep kids outside when it's nice out and just teach them new things," Spero said. "And they seem to enjoy it."

Pick the Best of the Best in Frankfort With Our Readers' Choice Awards:

Two Ways to Stay Connected to Frankfort Patch:

• Subscribe to our newsletters to have headlines and breaking news delivered to your inbox.
• "Like" our Facebook page for updates throughout the day.