Spend a Rainy Summer Day at These 4 Ohio Museum Exhibitions

Oliver Jeffers: 15 Years of Picturing Books | Through July 27
Illustrations in children’s picture books are often the first works of art that kids encounter. “Oliver Jeffers: 15 Years of Picturing Books” at the Akron Art Museum celebrates this by showcasing original artwork from the beloved children’s author. Kids can see works pulled from the pages of their stories such as The Day the Crayons Quit and The Great Paper Caper. As you walk through, be sure to make a stop in the cozy reading space. akronartmuseum.org

Steam and Steel: Propelling the Future of the Great Lakes | May 23–Aug. 31
A 14-by-10-foot replica of the hull of the William G. Mather steamship (the real one is moored behind the museum), greets guests as they enter this exhibit at the Great Lakes Science Center. Kids can learn about the historic importance of freighters as well as present-day Great Lakes shipping through hands-on activities. Shovel coal into a boiler to maintain ship speed, balance cargo on a model ship and even take the wheel to steer the Mather through the Great Lakes while in a simulator. greatscience.com

Barbie: A Cultural Icon | Through Sept. 1
It’s a Barbie world at the Cincinnati Museum Center this summer. See the evolution of one of the world’s most iconic dolls as you explore this exhibition of over 300 artifacts ranging from 1959 to present day, including the first Barbie doll and original clothing and accessories. Step inside the living room of a larger-than-life Barbie Dreamhouse, pose for pictures in a Barbie or Ken doll box and explore fashion pieces that showcase Barbie’s many careers. cincymuseum.org

Sharks: To Be Great Is To Be Misunderstood | Through Sept. 1
Dive into this thrilling undersea adventure at COSI in Columbus. As you explore, you’ll come face to face with life-size models of these often-misunderstood creatures that can range from 5.5 inches to 33 feet long. Created in partnership with the American Museum of Natural History in New York, this interactive exhibition invites kids to take examine shark teeth and jaws up close and learn about ancient creatures such as the massive megalodon. cosi.org

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