“Museums commonly are associated with learning. Exotic exhibits open our eyes to objects of historical significance. Well-thought-out displays teach onlookers about different cultures or scientific breakthroughs.

Children’s museums don’t play by the same rules.

I’ve been to countless children’s museums, and they are really just indoor playgrounds. Children are unleashed into a world of grocery stores stocked with plastic food, make-your-own-music stations, and splash-ready water tables.

The climate-controlled museums are a godsend during inclement weather. The hands-on displays keep kids busy and engaged. I don’t know how much learning goes on, but that’s not my reason for visiting.

I thought all kids’ museums operated this way until last week when I visited the Bronzeville Children’s Museum.”