Dora & Diego: Let's Explore!

If you live anywhere near Rochester, NY and you have young kids, you must visit the Dora & Diego Let's Explore! exhibit at Strong National Museum of Play. Dora and Diego will be there through January 6, 2013, so there's plenty of time to schedule a visit.

Fun Fact #1: The inspiration for the name Dora Marquez was exploradora, the Spanish feminine word for explorer, and the acclaimed writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Fun Fact #2: Dora was the first-ever Latina character to appear in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. She made her debut in 2005.

Fun Fact #3: Dora the Explorer airs in 141 countries around the world.

Be sure to check out this worldly girl and her friends. There is so much to do in this exhibit! Kids can pilot the Rocket Ship, play with some puzzles, and even put on a spacesuit.

In the Rainforest Maze, we like to jump from rock to rock to cross the river. Be careful; there are crocodiles in the water!

The Rainforest Maze also has a fun tree to crawl through...

...plus a rock wall and monkey bars.

In the Animal Rescue Center, kids can diagnose and take care of toy animals.

The Purple Planet is a fun slide!

In Isa's Flowery Garden, kids can plant and "water" a garden, or play with bird, butterfly, and insect puppets.

 Join the Pirate Piggies' crew, dress like a pirate, sail the ship, and share the treasure on the Pirate Ship.

And on the way out, my youngest needs to hug all of his friends to say goodbye. Goodbye, Diego.

See you soon, Boots.

Goodbye, Dora.

Strong National Museum of Play is located at One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY. They are open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Sunday from 12 - 5 p.m. General admission is $13; children under age 2 are free. Dora & Diego: Let's Explore is included with general admission. The museum is stroller-friendly, diaper-changing tables are available in the restrooms, plus there are two Guest Rest rooms which are perfect for breastfeeding (there are even toys to keep the older kids occupied). Food and beverages are not allowed near the exhibits, and outside food is discouraged. But there is a food court that includes some fast food options, as well as vending machines with fresh fruit and vegetable choices.

I hope you and your family enjoy Dora & Diego: Let's Explore as much as we do! As always, thanks for reading.