A new environment for children to learn, create and play is now located in downtown Hammond. The Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center officially opened its doors to children on Friday, Oct. 1.

The center is a hands-on, interactive children’s museum. For toddlers, there is a jungle gym structure with tunnels and a slide and a chalkboard in the shape of a pond. There is an art station where children’s artwork is displayed in the center for all to see.

For older children, there are over 20 different stations to enjoy. Some of these include a simulated hot air balloon ride, an ambulance with working sirens and a mini Middendorf’s restaurant. Also available are a rock-climbing wall and a bubble station that allows children to do individual play as well as group play.

“We want children to play, discover and imagine,” said Kim Walker, associate director of the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center. “Kids don’t play like they used to anymore.”

The goal of the center is to promote play in a different way. It is by no means an education center. The center refers to it as “pretend play.” They encourage children to use their imagination at all the stations.

“Our motto is ‘where families discover a new way to play,'” said Walker.

The center requires an adult to be present with the children at all times. This is to promote and encourage the adults to play alongside their children, and also due to the fact that the center was not created as a daycare facility.

While located in Hammond, the center is not affiliated with Southeastern. However, Southeastern students who need field experience hours for their degrees can complete them by volunteering at the center. Also, the center is working with the teacher education department at Southeastern in order to better aid education students in the future.

The center is located at 113 North Cypress. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. The center is closed on Mondays. For more information, individuals can call 985-340-9150 or visit www.lcdcofhammond.org.