Engaging new improvements to Bettendorf's Family Museum - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Engaging new improvements to Bettendorf's Family Museum

By: Jillian Wilson

jwilson@cbs4qc.com

It's a million dollar project Quad City kids and parents have been waiting for.

Parents say the new changes at the Family Museum in Bettendorf are engaging for their kids and it's just what the community needs.

"I think it's great, the kids really love it. It's really interactive and I like how they really use the town as an influence," says Becca Casillas, a Davenport mom.

Welcome to the Fox Hollow community.

"It feels like I'm playing at home becomes some of the stuff is familiar to me," says Noah Bremenkamp from Davenport.

Fox Hollow is modeled after the quad cities with the I-74 bridge, grocery stores, and local pizza shops.

One Bettendorf girl says the vet clinic is inspiring.

"This is preparing me by encouraging me to become a real vet and take care of the animals," says Mariska Pilichowski from Bettendorf.

Even though the animals aren't the real thing.  She says it's good experience.

"I'm just pretending," says Pilichowski.

One mom says she used to drive all the way to Iowa City for their museum,

now she won't have to.

"We're really excited that they finally put the money into the family museum here in Bettendorf," says Rosie Kaplan, a Bettendorf mom.

This is just phase two of the 1.3 million dollar renovation.

The money comes from grants, a capital fund from Bettendorf, and private donations.

No word on when the third and final phase will be done.

But kids and their parents say they definitely won't be bored any time soon.

The project is funded through grants, a capital fund from Bettendorf, and private donations.

"It makes me feel excited to know they are always going to have new stuff to play with," says Bremenkamp.

"I've got an 18th month old up to a 4 year old, so there is something for everyone," says Casillas.

Every weekend there is something new and exciting for kids to enjoy. there's language, dance, even juggling classes.