The Project
Working Studio once again partnered with Kraemer Design + Production to bring a new collection of nature-themed experiences to the Muncie Children’s Museum in Muncie, Indiana. Designed to immerse children in the natural world, this new area invites young visitors to climb, build, explore, observe, and play while discovering the wildlife and habitats found around them.
At the center of the space is the Eagle’s Nest Climber, a two-story climbing structure that gives children the chance to experience the world from an eagle’s perspective. At the top, a platform replicates the size and feel of an actual eagle’s nest, offering young explorers a bird’s-eye view across the museum. Beneath the structure, children can retreat to a cozy reading and reflection area or discover a tucked-away hideaway.
On the ground level, Build-a-Habitat encourages open-ended creativity and imaginative play. Children can combine base structures with an assortment of building materials—including pool noodles, blocks, and ropes—to construct their own animal habitats. Whether they are building an eagle’s nest, a beaver dam, or an entirely new creation, the experience lets children explore how animals use natural materials to create homes and shelter.
Working Studio also designed and fabricated new Snake & Turtle Enclosures for some of the museum’s most beloved residents: a corn snake, two box turtles, and three aquatic turtles. Each enclosure was developed to accommodate the animals’ individual size and environmental requirements, while custom exterior details help integrate the habitats into the larger Nature Area.
The Animal Lifecycle Spinner introduces children to the variety and development of animal life through a simple, hands-on matching activity. Visitors spin three sets of blocks to combine heads, abdomens, and feet, creating different creature combinations and encouraging close observation of animal anatomy and form.
Tucked into a quieter nook, the Squirrel Memory Game offers a more contemplative nature-themed activity. Visitors can settle onto themed seats surrounding a stump-like game table and flip discs to find matching pairs, creating a playful woodland-inspired experience within the larger exhibit area.
The Fishing Shed expands on an existing fishing boat repurposed by the Muncie Children’s Museum. Working Studio created the accompanying shed, where young anglers can choose a custom fishing rod, “catch” local fish, and weigh their haul using an interactive scale. Together, the boat and shed create an imaginative fishing experience that connects children to the waterways and wildlife of their local environment.
From climbing high above the trees to building animal habitats and caring for live reptiles, the Nature Exhibits give children countless opportunities to interact with the natural world. Through a combination of imaginative play, physical activity, hands-on exploration, and custom fabrication, Working Studio helped create an environment where curiosity and discovery are built into every experience.
More Info
- Visit the Muncie Children’s Museum
