Phelps Youth Pavilion

I take my kids here about twice a year. They have fondly named it «the fun place».
Sometimes it’s so busy with rude gross kids it’s not worth it. But if you pick the right day (like during bad weather) you can actually enjoy it.
The staff keeps it nice and orderly. They almost kept it to orderly as they seem to just follow us around and pick up every little thing my kids had touched regardless of if they were done playing with it. It was to the point where I almost felt bad that my kids were there making a mess.
My kids really enjoy going here but as a parent when they bring it up it’s kind of like ugh. Even though they keep the place pretty tidy and clean I always feel like I need to disinfect my children and wash their hair so they don’t end up with fungus or lice. But it’s one of those sacrifices that I do to keep my children happy.
It’s not always a cheap trip unless you hit one of their deal days. For me my nine-​year-​old my seven-​year-​old and my two-​year-​old it was $ 20 on a Saturday.
As long as my kids continue to enjoy it I will continue to take them there. Although over the years not a lot has changed about the exhibits. They always have the same old stuff.

We too were disappointed to find at least 4 of the interactive exhibits broken/​not working. However, staff was attentive, engaging, and wonderful. Our group of kids 5 and under loved this place. Some highlights:
the stairway with its built-​in cubbies and climbing gym
the life-​sized cow and play tractor near the entrance
a realistic boat with magnetic fishing poles that let them catch fabric fish and pull them aboard
a suspended play schoolbus with seats for driver and passengers, with a working horn and radio the driver could operate
performance theater complete with costumes, stage curtains, all you would expect
computer-​screen «coloring» exhibit where little ones can create a painting on screen
small cave with chalkboard inside where kids can draw and view «petroglyphs» using chalk and miniature flashlights (and even wear little archaeologist costumes to do their job)
steel-​drums exhibit with a pad you can stand or jump on to make realistic steel drum sounds
… and that is only about half of the offerings. We found it very worthwhile!

We really appreciated Dr. Phelps’ Art on the hallway walls, the bunny tunnel the kids climb instead of stairs, the puppet show area, theatre area, and international exhibits, and mini golf, but we probably won’t go back because it was incredibly LOUD! Many of these exhibits would be better without any sound effects, and the rest should be turned way down! The volume was so loud it frightened us. Also, I was disappointed to see so many screens and fixed idea art projects. This takes away much of the creativity/​art/​physical aspects. I was also sad to see nothing about environmental stewardship at all. Our kids’ favorite parts were the bunny tunnel and the wooden blocks which were on display in the gift store (not part of the exhibits).
We also ate at the café, which was good, but only offers meaty sandwiches and soup. No fruit, no salads… If you want a green, healthy lunch, eat before you come or bring a lunch and eat at the park outside.
I am not sure if the park is part of this pavilion, but will make a few comments here. There should be a bathroom for park-​goers to use, especially those using the water features, so they don’ have to come into the Phelps building all wet. Also, it would be better if the water area were a little farther from the play areas, or on one end instead of right in the middle. It gets a bit wet even if you want to stay dry. It’s a nice park though, and i like the view of the river, the new walkways, etc. A nice place for a picnic lunch.
This would be a really great place if they toned down the noise in the kids area or turned it off, did more hands on creative (not leading them on what to do but provided more open minded activities), and added an outdoor bathroom and some healthier lunch choices. This place could be awesome!!! Take a look at the Palo Alto Junior Museum for some cool ideas…