Development is underway! Play ADK has contracted with Phinney Design Group to renovate a historic, two-story warehouse and large industrial site on Depot Street in Saranac Lake into a state-of-the-art children’s museum. Play ADK is leading the revitalization of Depot Street to create a central hub for kid- and family-focused activity and spurring future business and nonprofit investments.
State-of-the-Art Learning Through Play
10,000 sq. ft. of interactive exhibit space dedicated to hands-on experiences designed for play will welcome the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—to embrace a world of exploration and discovery.
High Touch, Low Tech
Children don’t need technologically advanced exhibits to engage in meaningful play. Play ADK exhibits will be designed with efficiency in mind to be high-touch, but low-lech without large digital installations, electronics, or aquariums.
Accessible & Inclusive
Exhibits will be designed with accessibility for people of all abilities in mind, and encourage family and care providers of all ages to play alongside their kids.
Imaginative Play
An imagination zone featuring a market, logging camp, a lil laboratory, campsite and more will set the stage for children to engage in pretend play, act out roles, interact with others, and get lost in make-believe worlds.
Pioneer Maker Space
A maker space and art/pioneer playroom will offer opportunities to create, build, design and engage in STEAM-enriched activities.
Open-Air Exploration
Two outdoor play areas, including a splash pad and small water park, will be connected to the museum for seasonal outside play. Large doors will open making the exhibit floor on the main level an open-air, indoor/outdoor experience.
Bikes for Tykes
A portion of Play ADK’s site will be framed by a looping pump track designed for the youngest bike riders. Here kids can play and practice their skills riding balance bikes continuously over a curving and undulating track.
Wonder & Whimsy
A real, multi-car train parked on an existing rail spur that runs parallel to the back of our building will celebrate the locomotive history of our site and provide families with an exciting experience to play and explore.
Climbing & Adventure
Unique and sculptural climbing structures designed from recycled materials inside of the museum will engage children’s muscles and minds with physical play and adventure.
Play ADK’s Family Center
Play ADK’s Family Center will promote a strong family-centered community in the region. It will provide a centralized space for parents to find valuable services.
Play ADK has begun providing some of these vital family resources at our Main Street Clubhouse.